College of Agriculture Department Research Mission Faculty Undergraduate Graduate Research Extension Affiliated Centers News History February 26, 2003

GENE ROUSE - 2003 Story County Cattlemen of the Year Dr. Gene Rouse was honored by Story County Cattleman's Association at its February 2003 meeting when he was named their 2003 Cattleman of the Year. The honor was a surprise to Dr. Rouse, but a pleasant one. He was raised on a grain/livestock farm near Olivia, Minnesota. Gene has always had a real love for livestock. During his youth, he was involved in raising cattle, pigs, and sheep in his 4-H and FFA projects. After graduating from Olivia High School, Gene attended the University of Minnesota majoring in animal science. He worked at the sheep barn, the meat lab, and other jobs to pay for his expenses while attending the University of Minnesota. He was involved in livestock judging, Block and Bridle, and other campus activities. After being encouraged by professors at the University of Minnesota, Gene enrolled in graduate school at Iowa State University. He received an MS degree in meat science and a PhD in animal breeding in 1971. Gene was the area extension livestock specialist with ISU in northwest Iowa 1971-1976. He really enjoyed this job and worked closely with the livestock producers in a 10-county area assisting with beef nutrition, breeding, facility, and management decisions. In l976, Gene and Marita moved to an acreage south of Ames and Gene began his new job as state extension feedlot specialist. He enjoyed getting to know cattle producers across the state. In 1981, Gene assumed teaching responsibilities that have primarily been in the area of beef cattle production, growth and development, and value based marketing. Gene has always enjoyed teaching and contact with students in the classroom and other activities such as Block and Bridle. He has been the Professor-In-Charge of the beef teaching farm since 1982. Gene's research activities have centered on beef nutrition and growth and development in beef cattle--the ration analyzer and the use of real-time ultrasound to measure body composition of beef cattle. This has been a big help to the cattlemen. Gene and Marita have three children. Adam is a junior at Washington University in St. Louis MO, and is double majoring in biomedical engineering and economics. Paul is a sophomore at Ballard High School in Huxley and is involved in the 4-H advance cattle feeding projects. Julie is a 6th grader at Ballard West in Slater. Like her Dad, she is a real animal lover but, unlike her Dad, she likes to sing and dance! Gene enjoys raising purebred Red Angus cattle and Duroc hogs on their farm near Huxley. Iowa State | AnS Department | AnS Mission | AnS Research | AnS Undergraduate AnS Graduate | AnS Extension | Affiliated Centers | AnS Faculty | AnS History | answeb@iastate.edu February 26, 2003