Phillip A. Maxwell Keynote Address - Gerald Shurson, PhD

Gerald Shurson, PhD

Title: The Future of Animal Agriculture and the Urgent Need for Transitioning to Sustainable, One Health and Circular Food Animal Production Systems

Speaker: Gerald Shurson, PhD, Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota

Synopsis: Animal agriculture is in the middle of a tug-of-war between those who proactively want to transform our food system and economy into one that is sustainable, circular and One Health driven versus those who want to defend the status quo of continuing to rely on a linear, fossil fuel driven, “take, make, use, dispose, pollute” economy that is threatening the health and sustainability of life on Earth. Animal scientists need to lead the transition to sustainable, circular and One Health livestock and poultry production systems, which requires understanding the challenges, evaluating the tradeoffs and helping producers and industry stakeholders implement practices to achieve these goals.

Speaker Bio: Gerald (Jerry) Shurson, PhD, received his BS in animal science and agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota and his MS and PhD in swine nutrition from Michigan State University. He has advised and mentored more than 90 graduate students and postdoctoral and visiting scholars. He leads a transdisciplinary research program focused on swine nutrition, feed safety, sustainability and circular food systems. Shurson provides leadership for interdisciplinary research teams at the University of Minnesota and collaborates with national and international researchers, educators and industry professionals. His research program has produced more than 250 refereed publications and generated more than $21 million in funding, and he has presented in more than 50 countries. He has served in professional leadership roles and received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to research, teaching and Extension throughout his career.

The Phillip A. Maxwell Endowment supports the annual invitation of an internationally recognized expert in a cutting-edge area of animal sciences.

Email Marion Welsh at welsh@purdue.edu for the Zoom link.