BEEF AND BUSINESS


Meet Our Beef Specialist : Dr. Jason K. Ahola

Dr. Jason K. Ahola is a State Beef Extension Specialist with the University of Idaho, based at the Caldwell Research and Extension Center in southwestern Idaho. In a combined research and outreach role, Jason works with producers and industry organizations on nutrition, management, meat quality/value, marketing, and reproduction aspects of beef cattle.

He received a Ph.D. from Colorado State University (CSU) in 2004, where his research focused on the effects of trace minerals on beef cattle production. While at CSU, Jason also evaluated alternate methods to predict high altitude disease in beef cattle as well as the effectiveness of several estrous synchronization programs.

Before completing his Ph.D., Jason worked for four years in the private industry as the Director of Marketing for the Red Angus Association of America (Denton, Texas), and as the Director of Sales for Leachman Cattle Company (Billings, Montana). In both positions he worked extensively with seedstock producers and commercial cow/calf operations throughout the U.S. in the areas of genetics, marketing, and management.

Jason was raised on a small purebred Hereford operation in rural northeastern Connecticut. He earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Penn State University and a Masters degree in the Beef Industry Leadership Program at CSU.
Contact Dr. Ahola at jahola@uidaho.edu or 208-454-7654.


Beef and Business Archive:

Preparing young people for the beef industry

Aug 12, 2008 9:12 AM, By Jason K. Ahola, University of Idaho

It’s almost back-to-school time, and what a great occasion to look at the education of our nation’s youth, particularly those hoping to work in the beef industry...

Could the future hold great promise for cow/calf producers?

Jul 8, 2008 12:28 PM, By Jason K. Ahola, University of Idaho

It’s amazing to think back about what has happened in the U.S. beef industry over the past 12 months. In addition to major changes in beef packer ownership, production costs seem to have spiraled out of control...

Beef Production in the European Union – A Look into our Future?

May 13, 2008 10:29 AM, By Jason K. Ahola, Ph.D.

Events in Europe over the past 20 years indicate that consumer perceptions and fears of disease could have a substantial impact on U.S. beef production...

Trace Minerals: What to supplement and when

Apr 7, 2008 12:12 PM, By Jason K. Ahola, Ph.D.

U.S. cow/calf producers have been faced with an extreme increase in operating costs over the past year, especially for feed and supplements...

Major Changes Ahead for the U.S. Beef Industry

Feb 25, 2008 4:47 PM, By Jason K. Ahola, University of Idaho

It’s a busy time of year for the beef industry… and I’m not just talking about calving season! January and February are always filled with meetings and gatherings across the U.S., including large events like the National Western Stock Show and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Convention...

Rules of Thumb for Winter Cow Rations

Jan 22, 2008 11:24 AM, By Jason K. Ahola, Ph.D.

Without question, feed costs across the entire beef industry have increased substantially over the past 18 months. However, the rise in forage prices during 2007 has contributed to a dramatic increase ...

Consider a New Heifer Development Strategy

Nov 26, 2007 12:57 PM, By Jason K. Ahola, University of Idaho Extension beef specialist

In this new era of elevated feed costs (both grain and hay), developing heifers from weaning to breeding involves a substantial investment. And, if heifers developed this winter fail to re-breed after their first calf next summer...

Extending the Grazing Season with Protein Supplementation

Oct 8, 2007 12:56 PM, By Jason Ahola, University of Idaho Extension beef specialist

For much of the U.S., it was a long, hot, and dry summer. As a result, most pasture forages are low in quality, particularly protein. If you are lucky enough to have stockpiled forage, crop aftermath, or residual pasture – even if it is low in protein and appears to have little value – it should be considered for use...

Consider Keeping and Feeding Open Cows Until Early 2008

Sep 24, 2007 9:40 AM, By Jason K. Ahola, University of Idaho

Cattle producers are signaling that fall is here – the annual ritual of weaning and pregnancy checking has begun in most areas of the U.S. However, producers in some areas...

Calf Marketing Pools – marketing less than a truckload lot of cattle

Aug 27, 2007 9:49 AM, By Jason K. Ahola, Ph.D.

Through cooperation, smaller-sized producers can access additional options and increased revenue...

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