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The 2026 Midwest American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting was held March 8-11 in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing together researchers and students from 12 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

“Faculty and students from �ձ�av��Ƶ were highly successful at the Midwest ASAS Annual Meeting, showcasing the strength of the university’s teaching, research and extension programs,” said John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science.

More than 20 students, faculty and research staff from the Department of Animal Science contributed to the meeting’s scientific dialogue, sharing their research in oral presentations and poster competitions, in addition to chairing sessions.

Presenters included:

• Katlyn McClellan, Ph.D. student (Ramona, California): Presented “Feeding the Prolific Sow for Success, Part I” and “Part II” in the Nonruminant Nutrition I: Gilts and Sow Nutrition I session, chaired by postdoctoral researcher Andres Bolivar Sierra.
• Angel Martinez, Ph.D. student (Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico): Presented “Effects of High Soybean Meal Inclusion on the Gut Microbiome of Finishing Pigs” in the graduate student oral competition (Ph.D. division). 
• Madeliene Nichols, Ph.D. student (Sykeston, North Dakota): Presented “Can Extruded Soybeans Provide Additional Fat and Protein to Cattle Diets?” in the Ruminant Nutrition V: Dietary Manipulation and Fat Inclusion session, chaired by associate professor Zach Smith.
• Garrett Meyer, M.S. student (Newell, Iowa): Presented “Comparison of Breed Feeding Behavior of Finishing Beef Steers and Heifers on Extended Days on Feed” in the Ruminant Nutrition II: Animal Behavior and Management session, chaired by postdoctoral researcher Federico Podversich.
• Reanna Byrnes-Schoen, M.S. student (Laingsburg, Michigan): Presented “Effects of Steam Flaked Corn on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Gastrointestinal Tract Health in Feeder Lambs” in the graduate student oral competition (M.S. division).

Note: This list is not exhaustive; many additional students, faculty and research staff presented research and/or chaired scientific sessions at the meeting. For a complete list, view the .

Students had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate poster competitions as well. Bree Koepke, a junior animal science student from Sioux Falls, earned third place in the undergraduate division, receiving a $100 prize. Her research examined how deoxynivalenol-contaminated corn dried distillers' grains with solubles affect the growth and health of broiler chickens.

Koepke was among several other students who presented in the poster competition, including master’s student Courtney Pohlen, Gilbert, Iowa; and undergraduate students Martina DeBoer, Scotland, South Dakota; Brooklyn Goelz, Pipestone, Minnesota; and Haylie Trowbridge, Brighton, Iowa.

Beyond presenting research, �ձ�av��Ƶ found success in the academic quadrathlon competition, which is a team-based event that tests students' knowledge of various animal science-related topics. The team placed third overall, earning first in the written exam and third in the laboratory practicum and quiz bowl. Team members included undergraduate students Cody Williams, Bonesteel; Haley Mouser, Tenstrike, Minnesota; Elle Ploeger, Pierson, Iowa; and Makayla Fuoss, Armour.

The university’s strong presence at the scientific meeting was further reflected by several faculty recognitions. Warren Rusche, assistant professor and �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension beef feedlot management specialist, received the Outstanding Young Extension Specialist Award.

Rusche is a fourth-generation cattle producer and a native of South Dakota, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the livestock industry. His background includes extension work at the county, regional and state levels, serving as an agricultural extension educator (1992-1998), extension cow-calf field specialist (2011-2016) and �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension beef feedlot management associate (2016-2021).

In his current role as assistant professor and �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension beef feedlot management specialist, Rusche’s appointment includes responsibilities in extension (73%), research (20%) and teaching (7%). His work focuses on developing educational programming that supports cattle feeders and backgrounders in South Dakota and surrounding states. He is particularly interested in improving feedlot profitability, adding value to locally grown feedstuffs and developing mitigation strategies to address environmental stress.

Speaking about his extension efforts, Rusche said, “My focus has always been on finding ways to serve the beef industry and to help relate the research data we produce into knowledge that our producers can use to improve their businesses.”

Since taking on his current position, Rusche has created more than 100 online educational resources, co-authored 38 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 20 invited presentations across the U.S. and Canada. He has also advised five master’s students, four of whom have graduated.

“It has been gratifying to have my efforts recognized by my peers in the academic and extension communities,” Rusche said. “I could not have accomplished any of this without a great team here at �ձ�av��Ƶ, and most importantly, the support of my wife, April.”

Adding to Rusche’s achievement, Crystal Levesque, assistant professor in monogastric nutrition, concluded her service as the Midwest Section president. In this role, she contributed to the planning and execution of this year’s scientific program, working collaboratively with other board members to support a well-organized meeting and a meaningful experience for attendees. Her service reflects a significant professional commitment to the American Society of Animal Science and the broader animal science community.

“Through my experience as Midwest ASAS president, I have a much greater appreciation for the time and effort spent by many members of the American Society of Animal Science to create a highly respected international conference for livestock production,” Levesque said. “I am proud to have been part of this group and grateful for the opportunity to serve the ASAS community.”

As a whole, participation in the Midwest Section American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting provided students, faculty and research staff from the Department of Animal Science with a valuable opportunity to share their research on a prominent stage and learn from academia and industry professionals across the region. This not only reflects the quality and impact of the university’s teaching, research and extension efforts, but also their continued commitment to advancing the multifaceted field of animal science.

“These accomplishments bring significant recognition to �ձ�av��Ƶ and highlight the quality of its programs, helping attract and recruit outstanding graduate students to the university,” Jaeger said.