Ron Bates, professor and Extension specialist in the MSU Department of Animal Sciences, has been named director of the MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute. He will assume the role on April 1.
Ray Hammerschmidt, interim director of MSU Extension, says he believes Bates’ experience will be a great addition to the institute.
“His experience in MSU Extension, coupled with his knowledge in animal agriculture, makes Dr. Bates a good fit to lead MSU Extension’s Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute,” Hammerschmidt said. “During his time at MSU, Dr. Bates has received numerous awards for his work, including the Michigan Association of Extension Agent’s Outstanding Extension Specialist Award in 2011. This type of experience will greatly benefit the institute in achieving its goals.”
Bates will lead a team of 66 educators and eight program instructors located throughout the state. He will work closely with more than 150 MSU faculty specialists who will help define pertinent issues for agriculture throughout the state.
“Michigan agriculture is a diverse and dynamic industry, and MSU Extension has a long and rich history of working with farmers and agribusiness professionals across the state to meet their needs,” Bates said. “I look forward to working with Extension educators and specialists to meet the needs of Michigan agriculture and provide unbiased, research-based tools and information to help farmers and stakeholders make decisions important to their future.”
The director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute is a member of the administrative team for MSU Extension. MSU Extension has helped grow the state’s economy for more than 100 years through partnerships with local, state and federal governments. MSU Extension provides residents with information, skills and resources so they can perform their jobs more effectively, raise healthy and safe families, strengthen their communities and spark the dreams of children that lead to a successful future.
Bates has a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry from Delaware Valley College and a master’s degree in animal science and a Ph.D. in animal breeding from Oklahoma State University.