Senator Hyde-Smith’s support ‘instrumental’ as MSU cuts ribbon on new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory

�޾��Դ�ɼ� State dignitaries and guests cut the ribbon for the new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory Monday [May 4] in �޾��Դ�ɼ�. Pictured from left are Darrell Sparks, Scott Willard, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith, President Mark E. Keenum, Brian Atkins, Keith Coble and Christy Bratcher. — �޾��Դ�ɼ� State dignitaries and guests cut the ribbon for the new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory Monday [May 4] in �޾��Դ�ɼ�. Pictured, from left, are MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Acting Dean Darrell Sparks; CALS Dean and Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Scott Willard; U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; MSU alumnus and donor Brian Atkins; Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble; and Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Head Christy Bratcher. (Photo by David Ammon)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—�޾��Դ�ɼ� State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the �޾��Դ�ɼ� Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Livestock Evaluation Laboratory today [May 4].

As part of a fifth-generation farming family and beef cattle producer, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who was in attendance, said she understands the importance of livestock evaluation. Her support was instrumental in bringing the new facility to fruition.

“I’m thrilled with this new facility that adds to �޾��Դ�ɼ�’s status as a leading agricultural institution,” Hyde-Smith said. “Livestock judging is critical to the success of the industry in �޾��Դ�ɼ� and nationally. I trust that the lessons learned at the MSU Livestock Evaluation Lab will lead to opportunities for students and a stronger livestock sector here and nationally.”

(Video by Sarah Kirk)

Founded in the 1920s, the MSU Livestock Judging Team, housed in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, has shaped generations of students through a rigorous program emphasizing discipline, time management and critical thinking. Team members train several times each week and spend an average of 36 weekends traveling to competitions each year.

The new facility provides a dedicated, state-of-the-art space for training and events, including a workroom, lounge, office and conference room, along with a multipurpose open-air arena designed for live practice rounds and competitions.

“We are grateful for everything Sen. Hyde-Smith does to help our university carry out our mission to serve the entire state of �޾��Դ�ɼ�, especially our farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “The new Livestock Evaluation Lab will benefit current and future generations of students and help ensure their success as they earn their degrees and begin their careers. I’m also thankful for the generous support of our donors whose investments helped make this wonderful facility possible.”

Flanked by 4-H and FFA students, cutting the ribbon on the new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory are Christy Bratcher, head, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences; Keith Coble, Vice President, Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, Mr. Brian Atkins, MSU alumnus and donor; U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde Smith; MSU President Mark Keenum, Scott Willard, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development; and Darrell Sparks, acting dean. — Flanked by 4-H and FFA students, cutting the ribbon on the new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory are, from left, MSU Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Head Christy Bratcher; Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Keith Coble; MSU alumnus and donor Brian Atkins; U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean and Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Scott Willard; and Acting CALS Dean Darrell Sparks. (Photo by David Ammon)

Scott Willard, CALS dean, MAFES director and interim vice president for research and economic development, said the facility will greatly support the MSU Livestock Judging Team.

“Livestock evaluation builds confidence and strengthens our students’ problem-solving skills as they present their analyses and defend their reasoning to judges,” Willard said. “It also demands a high level of dedication, with teams competing most weekends throughout the semester. This facility provides an essential space for practice and competition, allowing us to showcase our students’ talents in the livestock judging arena. We are deeply grateful to our donors and Sen. Hyde-Smith for recognizing the value of this program and supporting the construction of this facility.”

In addition to Hyde-Smith’s support, the project was funded through the Rodney Moore and Family Livestock Judging Facility Support Fund, established by Rodney and Yvonne Moore and Brian and Misti Atkins. Rodney Moore is a CALS alumnus who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences in 1972 and 1974. Brian Atkins is also a CALS alumnus who earned an agricultural engineering technology business bachelor’s degree in 1995 and a master’s in agricultural information science in 1997.

Learn more about the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at , CALS at and MAFES at .

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