Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
7/28/03
Contacts:
Ken Stalder, Animal Science, (515) 294-4683, stalder@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu
Stalder Looks Forward to Working with Pork Producers
AMES, Iowa -- Ken Stalder has been on the job less than a month, yet already he has represented Iowa State University's (ISU) animal science department at a regional swine conference, answered media inquiries, begun some pork research and helped plan a series of National Pork Board certification meetings for educators. And he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Stalder's employment as an ISU animal science faculty member was made possible in part because of a large donation from the Iowa Pork Producers Association for start-up expenses for a new position. Working with the state's pork producers is a big part of his expected responsibilities, and he said he eagerly anticipates the opportunities his job brings.
"It was always a dream of mine that I might have the opportunity to return to Iowa State one day," Stalder said. "Now that I'm here, I look forward to working with the producers so that we both can be successful. I want producers to know that I am approachable and have an open door policy. If they have problems, I want them to feel comfortable enough to be able to pick up the phone or stop by so that we can begin work on solutions to those problems."
Stalder’s phone number is (515) 294-4683 and his e-mail is stalder@iastate.edu.
Stalder came to ISU from the University of Tennessee where he spent the past eight years as an extension swine specialist and researcher working with programs in niche marketing, genetics, production and management issues. He said he knew his days would be busy if he accepted the ISU position, and he does not regret making the decision to leave his tenured position at Tennessee.
"I have always operated in the mode of trying to identify immediate problems of the pork producers and I feel that it's my job to help producers remain in business. I think you can best do this by finding ways to improve their bottom line," he said. "Also, environmental issues that face producers will need to be addressed in the near term. I have had some experience in the value-added, niche market areas and am always excited to help producers find new marketing opportunities."
The background of this native Iowan seems tailor-made for an ISU animal science position. He was raised on a small farm near Brighton in Jefferson County and was active in 4-H and FFA throughout his youth. After graduating from Fairfield High School, he attended ISU where he earned an associate of arts degree in farm operations and a B.S. in animal science. During his undergraduate years, he worked at the Iowa Swine Testing Station near Ames. Following graduation from ISU, he worked as a livestock production specialist in northeast Iowa. Deciding to further his education, he earned an M.S. at Western Kentucky University and then returned to ISU where he earned a Ph.D. in animal breeding with a minor in immunobiology.
"I'm excited to be at Iowa State, and to do whatever I can to assist Iowa's pork producers," Stalder said. "We want the industry to remain competitive in the world pork market and I'm looking forward to helping make sure that can happen."
-30-
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.