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

Contact: Vanessa Beeson

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi 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 �������Ƶ’s status as a leading agricultural institution,” Hyde-Smith said. “Livestock judging is critical to the success of the industry in Mississippi and nationally. I trust that the lessons learned at the �������Ƶ Livestock Evaluation Lab will lead to opportunities for students and a stronger livestock sector here and nationally.”

Founded in the 1920s, the �������Ƶ 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 Mississippi, especially our farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” �������Ƶ 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.”

Scott Willard, CALS dean, MAFES director and interim vice president for research and economic development, said the facility will greatly support the �������Ƶ 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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