Antibiotic use in beef industry focus of Nov. 8 Upson Lecture Series presentation
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016
MANHATTAN — A panel of beef industry professionals covering all aspects of the supply chain will speak on the evolving issue of antibiotic use, management changes and consumer preference for the Upson Lecture Series Nov. 8 at Kansas State University.
"What's Your Beef? Antibiotic issues in modern beef production" will be presented at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. Four beef industry experts from across the country will take part in the discussion: John Butler, CEO, Beef Marketing Group; Lora Wright, beef supply chain division manager, Office of Animal Well-Being and Food Safety Quality Assurance, Tyson Fresh Meats; Mike Apley, professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology, Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dennis Hecker, senior vice president of quality assurance, Wendy's International.
Concern about antibiotic usage and resistance in modern animal production is growing as consumers request more information on where their food comes from and how it is raised. The panel will share its thoughts on antibiotics usage and production challenges producers face from increasing regulations.
"As new labels hit the marketplace, it is important for the consumer to understand what certain claims mean and how they affect the food-supply chain from the producer to the packer to the retailer," said Kiah Gourley, master's student in animal science, Philomath, Oregon, andUpson Lecture Series chair. "These respected experts will share their experiences in an ever-changing industry, offer solutions and answer questions about the future of the animal production industry and antibiotic use."
The presentation is free and the public is welcome.
This is the 13th installment in the Upson Lecture Series, which was named in honor of Dan Upson, who taught in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for 35 years before retiring in 1994. Upson died May 18. The lecture series was endowed by the veterinary medicine degree classes of 1962 and 1966. Food for Thought, a student organization at Kansas State University, organizes the lecture series. The event will be live-tweeted using the hash tag #ULSBeefPanel. A video recording of the lecture will be available following the event.
