By Caroline Stamm
Rising global food demand has forced beef producers to face significant challenges. Climate adaptation, the increased cost of raising cattle to market and consumer misperception of agricultural practices are just some of the issues they must tackle.
“The beef industry is complex,” said Adam Murray, beef cattle extension specialist with PRO-LIVESTOCK in Cornell’s Department of Animal Science. “Cattle require more land compared to other livestock like hogs, poultry or sheep. They’re bigger animals with greater nutritional needs, so efficiency is critical.” In addition, New York’s harsh winters and a relatively shorter growing season present unique challenges to the state's cattle producers compared to other parts of the country, he added.
Murray is the inaugural beef cattle extension specialist for the PRO-LIVESTOCK program, which began in 2024. PRO-LIVESTOCK serves as a bridge between livestock producers and Cornell, New York state’s land-grant university, by providing integrated education and programming while addressing industry concerns through targeted research. Programs are developed and implemented in collaboration with faculty, statewide specialists and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators. PRO-LIVESTOCK complements Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY program, which has supported New York’s dairy industry through education and applied research for over 35 years.
Murray’s role is to support producers of all sizes through programming, research and marketing initiatives. “I want to create a centralized resource for producers that breaks down the latest research and market trends into an approachable form that leaves them with practical advice,” he explained.
Teaching new and seasoned farmers strategies to improve cattle production and marketing is one of Murray’s passions. At the same time, he also helps them explore how management decisions across the lifecycle affect carcass quality and the beefeating experience.
Source : cornell.edu