Dr. Bobby Rankin Presented BIF Pioneer Award

Dr. Bobby Rankin, Las Cruces, New Mexico, received the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award June 3 at the organization’s 54th Annual Symposium and Convention in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Pictured (l to r) are: Matt Perrier, 2022 BIF president, and Bruce and Trina Davis, Dr. Rankin’s daughter and son-in-law, Springer, New Mexico.
Dr. Bobby Rankin, Las Cruces, New Mexico, received the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award June 3 at the organization’s 54th Annual Symposium and Convention in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Pictured (l to r) are: Matt Perrier, 2022 BIF president, and Bruce and Trina Davis, Dr. Rankin’s daughter and son-in-law, Springer, New Mexico.
(Beef Improvement Federation )

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Bobby Rankin, Las Cruces, New Mexico, the BIF Pioneer Award June 3 during the group’s annual research symposium in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role in acceptance of performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle.

Dr. Rankin was a true pioneer. He joined New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1961 and retired in 2000. During his 39 years at NMSU, he helped livestock producers use systematic selection and crossbreeding for animals better suited to the Southwest. As an animal science professor, Rankin taught a class covering BIF Guidelines for calculating adjusted birth weights, weaning weights and yearling weights as well as ratios within contemporary groups. Most importantly, he taught his students why and how the guidelines were established. He was also an integral part in starting the Tucumcari Bull Test.

“Dr. Rankin was one of my favorite professors at NMSU. He is passionate about beef improvement and passed that desire on to future generations. He’s a great man, a great leader, extremely intelligent, a great teacher, and motivated me to be the best I could be. He made a big impact in my life and many others for beef improvement,” explained Heckendorn.

More than 300 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 54th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Las Cruces, New Mexico. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.