Alumni Spotlight: J. Willard Lemaster (MS 1996)
LEMASTER SELECTED to Lead PENNSYLVANIA Center for Beef Excellence
HARRISBURG - Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff welcomed J. Willard
Lemaster as the new executive director of the Center for Beef Excellence, a
non-profit organization designed to strengthen the state's beef cattle
industry.
Lemaster brings a diverse and extensive professional background to the position, said Wolff, having worked in production agriculture, marketing, education and research.
"The beef cattle industry contributes $1.9 billion annually to our state's economy and its continued success is essential to our state and our rural communities," Wolff said. "With Willard's leadership in the Center for Beef Excellence, we can continue to grow the commonwealth's beef industry and secure its role in our future."
"We have been extremely impressed with Willard's credentials," said Jeff Nogan, president of the center's board of directors. "His knowledge of the industry and his experiences as a producer, researcher and educator make him a terrific choice, and I am confident he will use his knowledge and relationships within the industry to lead the center successfully."
Lemaster holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Animal Sciences, with specialization in beef cattle reproductive physiology from the University of Tennessee. He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy candidate and is conducting research in food science and technology with a specialization in animal sciences at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.
Lemaster began his career as owner and farm manager of a cow/calf, farrow-to-finish and crop operation at Railroad Farm in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1987. He has held research and instruction positions at a number of universities. From 1996 to 2000, Lemaster worked as an extension beef coordinator for the University of Florida before joining the University of Maryland as a livestock extension specialist until 2007.
He also gained valuable experience as a private consultant, working with beef industry clients to improve their profits and quality. He also has directed youth and livestock competitive events at the Maryland State Fair.
Most recently, Lemaster has served as a risk management specialist with the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence, managing and developing systems and protocols for dairy risk management and crop insurance. He has played a key role in communication and educational initiatives for the Center.
Lemaster and his wife Liza, have two children and live in Eldersburg, Md.
Governor Edward G. Rendell appointed the Pennsylvania Beef Task Force in
2007 to re-energize the state's cattlemen, encouraging them to push for
increased profits, more beef production and a stronger agricultural economy.
The group's 70 members represent all aspects of the industry from
production, education and industry. In January 2008, the task force
announced its plan to develop a Center for Beef Excellence.
"Pennsylvania is one of the first states to establish this kind of program, so our beef industry leaders are entering uncharted territory," said Wolff."Their dedication and hard work will certainly have a positive impact on the beef industry for years to come."
For more information about the Beef Task Force and the Center for Beef Excellence, contact Mike Pechart at 717-705-2122 or mpechart@state.pa.us.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dec. 30, 2008
Department of
Agriculture Commonwealth News Bureau Room
308, Main Capitol,
Harrisburg, PA 17120
CONTACT: Chris Ryder
(717) 787-5085