ARDMORE, Okla. — Noble Research Institute livestock consultant Ryon Walker, Ph.D., was recently appointed to serve on the board of directors for three independent, national beef cattle organizations.
Walker will serve on the board of directors for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB), International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA) and American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) Foundation.
The USRSB is a multistakeholder initiative developed to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability of the U.S. beef value chain. The executive committee members represent various voices in the conversation on beef sustainability, from rancher to consumer, and guide the work of USRSB.
ICASA is an industry-oriented, public-private partnership created by the nonprofit Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. ICASA’s research promotes the careful use of antibiotics, advances animal health and welfare, and increases transparency in food production practices. The board helps support the working groups to fund research projects.
ARPAS is the organization that provides certification to animal scientists through examination, continuing education and commitment to code of ethics. The organization also disseminates applied scientific information through publication of a peerreviewed journal. The ARPAS Foundation Board oversees the budget and approves any financial requests.
As a Noble livestock consultant, Walker works directly with ranchers to assist them in achieving their specific goals while enhancing land stewardship. His emphasis is beef cattle reproduction. Walker earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Agriculture in animal science from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in reproductive physiology from Colorado State University.