Trail to Beef Excellence: OSU Alum Advances Cattle Production in Oklahoma

Dec 23, 2025

By Karli Schwerdtfeger

At the age of 7, Mark Shaw, from Canyon, Texas, was perched on the fence with his parents watching a cow C-section be performed by a local veterinarian. Not long after, Shaw decided animal health was his passion.

“I began raising and showing livestock at an early age, which led to a key interest and a passion for judging livestock,” said Mark Shaw, a cattle producer and entrepreneur. “I was involved in 4-H and later FFA.”

Having been involved with cattle and quarter horses growing up, Shaw said he knew he wanted to focus his education in agriculture. Oklahoma State University was a straightforward decision to further his education.

“As a leader in animal agriculture, a leader in livestock judging and facilitating a leading veterinary school, it was an easy decision for me.” Shaw said. “My experience while I was at OSU was phenomenal.”

During Shaw’s collegiate journey, he was a dedicated member of the OSU Block and Bridle Club and an advisory group led by Robert Totusek, former animal science department head. Shaw was also a member on the 1983 OSU Livestock Judging Team, he said.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a concentration in production and agribusiness, Shaw said he started raising cattle and hogs on his own with hopes of a successful career in producing livestock. Industry leaders invested in him and helped him prepare for his future career, Shaw added.

“I was truly surrounded by icons,” Shaw said of his mentors at OSU. “They were really instrumental in my life and my career.”

In 1984 Shaw graduated from OSU and experienced a major turn in his plan due to a market correction and disease outbreak affecting his cattle business, he said. Shifting gears, he created an alternate plan, Shaw added.

Source : okstate.edu

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.