Colorado State University AgNext

We’re excited to announce that AgNext graduate student, Rhyse Campion, has been selected for the Vice President for Research (VPR) Graduate Fellowship Program! 🎉

This program supports excellence in graduate student research and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration by engaging outstanding students from graduate programs across Colorado State University.

Rhyse shared her thoughts on being selected for this prestigious program:

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be selected for this fellowship. I look forward to collaborating across disciplines, broadening my perspective, and contributing a systems-oriented agricultural lens to the community. I’m especially encouraged to see the value of social science recognized within agricultural research, including the vital roles of communication, education, and workforce development in building sustainable food systems.”

The AgNext team had a great time this week at Colorado Cattlemen's Association's Annual Convention!

Anna Shadbolt shared updates on AgNext's Grazing Principles, highlighting practical strategies to support successful grazing management in Western rangelands. Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson was also in attendance connecting with producers and industry leaders from across Colorado.

Here is your update from the Livestock Marketing Information Center. Stay up-to-date with current trends impacting the livestock industry: https://loom.ly/Hbr3VLI

We are proud to announce that Cesar Velasquez has successfully defended his dissertation!

His dissertation, Enhancing Management and Health for Beef × Dairy Male Calves in Commercial Calf-Raising Facilities, focused on improving the health and management of beef-on-dairy calves.

Throughout his time at AgNext, Cesar has been a valued member of our team, contributing expertise in animal care, research, and collaboration. We are grateful for his many contributions and excited to see where his career takes him next.

Congratulations, Dr. Velasquez!

Here is your update from the Livestock Marketing Information Center: https://loom.ly/Hbr3VLI

Did you know that dairy products contribute to a healthy diet? Learn more about animal health and food security in dairy production in this fact sheet: https://loom.ly/peUqVF4

Congratulations to AgNext Industry Innovation Working Group member Britt Dinis of Empire Dairy on being elected President of the Colorado Livestock Association!

The Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) has elected Britt Dinis of Empire Dairy in Wiggins as its new President. Dinis officially began her term at the conclusion of the Association's 2026 Annual Meeting, held June 8–9 in Black Hawk.

"As I take the gavel of the Colorado Livestock Association, I am looking forward to continuing the work that has come before me while paving the way for our future," said Dinis. "CLA is a place for all Colorado livestock producers, and I will continue working to ensure that our membership is broad and representative of our dairy, cattle, swine, and sheep operations. Our members are our lifeblood, and maintaining an engaged membership strengthens all of our efforts—from safety and environmental programs to legislative and regulatory advocacy."

Read the full release here: https://bit.ly/4ukWXDz

🌡️🐄 The AgNext team is rethinking calf housing through engineering innovation.

In collaboration with experts from the Colorado State University College of Engineering, our dairy research team is developing the next generation of calf hutches designed to improve airflow, air quality, practicality, affordability, durability, and manufacturability.

Over the past two years, senior design teams have helped transform this concept into full-scale prototypes. Laboratory and field testing have demonstrated improvements in ventilation, structural integrity, and thermal performance, and the hutches are now being evaluated under commercial farm conditions.

Stay tuned as we continue advancing this innovative project and exploring new solutions for sustainable dairy production.

On June 3 and 4, the AgNext team hosted the 2026 AgNext Research Summit, bringing together more than 130 researchers, producers, industry leaders, and students to explore the latest innovations and insights in sustainable animal agriculture.

Attendees heard remarks from university leadership, received updates on current research, participated in interactive breakout discussions, and engaged with emerging research through the Student Poster Competition.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversations shaping the future of sustainable animal agriculture.