Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Jacob Hagenmaier, a concurrent third-year veterinary medicine and doctoral student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, is the recipient of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners' Bovine Student Recognition Award.

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the award was presented recently at the association's annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to being one of 15 students from across the nation to be recognized, Hagenmaier received a $5,000 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the conference.

Hagenmaier, Randolph, is the current treasurer of the university's student chapter of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, or AABP.

"It is an honor to be chosen by groups as respected as Merck and AABP," he said. "The support they have given me via this scholarship will help tremendously. I have every intention of using this award to give back to the industry and the future of bovine veterinary medicine."

Dan Thomson, Jones professor of production medicine and director of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, is Hagenmaier's adviser for his graduate studies.

"Jacob is a humble, hard-working young man who is very deserving of this award," Thomson said. "Awards are not hurdles; they are expectations of great things to come. Jacob will represent our profession, the beef industry and Kansas State University very well in the future."

Hagenmaier's passion for the beef industry started at his family's cow-calf operation in the Flint Hills. He says the values he was raised on — hard work and commitment — easily align with those of others in the industry.

"I have the utmost respect for people within the beef industry and what it means to Kansas," Hagenmaier said. "I saw veterinary medicine as a way to contribute to the sustainability of the beef industry and assist producers in being profitable."

In addition to pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Hagenmaier also is in a doctoral program in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology that focuses on the effects of animal husbandry and handling on the performance of late-day finishing cattle. He thinks his work in veterinary medicine and his graduate studies will allow him to make a positive contribution to the public perception of the industry and address misconceptions about production agriculture.

"It is an opportunity to make sure that we as producers are doing things the right way by putting animal health and husbandry at the top of our priorities," he said.

Hagenmaier is grateful for the support from those in the industry as he works toward his goals in beef production medicine.

"I believe I speak for all veterinary students when I say that we are extremely appreciative of groups that invest in student education and the future of the industry," he said.