Dr. John K. Matsushima was born to immigrant parents from Japan who began farming in Colorado. After receiving his Ph.D. in Animal Science, John began his long career of teaching and research in beef nutrition. Dr. Matsushima has authored several books and written numerous publications. He has given speeches and shared his research with people all over the U.S. and world. He was awarded the “Tenno Hosho,” “Emperor’s Citation,” given by the Emperor of Japan.

Dr. Gary Smith is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in meat science and food safety. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith conducted applied research and solved problems related to meat science and food safety on behalf of state and federal associations across the country. Smith is the author and co-author of more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and has to his credit more than 1,300 additional publications.

Jim Odle became one of the co-founders of Superior Livestock Auction in 1986. Superior Livestock Auction is the largest video auction, seeing 1.3-1.5 million head of cattle traded every year. After selling the company in 2007, Odle returned to manage SLA in 2009 when it came under the ownership of Farm Credit West, ACA. He now splits his time between the Brush, CO office and the Ft. Worth, TX office.