Speaker

Justin Rhinehart

Assistant Dean, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Justin Rhinehart serves as Assistant Dean at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, providing leadership for Extension programs in Agriculture & Natural Resources and Community Economic Development. His tenure resides in the Department of Animal Science where he served as Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist before being appointed Assistant Dean.

As an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, his objective was to provide research-based management tools that help beef cattle producers improve the reproductive efficiency of their cow herds. Dr. Rhinehart provided training and updates to UT Extension Agents that helped them prepare for troubleshooting, educating, and consulting with the beef cattle producers in their communities. He also assimilated the concerns of beef cattle producers across the state to keep research faculty informed about issues that need to be addressed through basic or applied research. Then, he participated in the translation of new research findings through field trials and demonstrations. Justin helped develop, implement, and coordinate the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development and Reproductive Management Training programs. The Beef Heifer Development program demonstrates the impact of management decision from weaning through the first and second breeding seasons on a mature cow's longevity and lifetime productivity. The Reproductive Management Training program provides hands-on instruction and practice, teaching the techniques of artificial insemination and reproductive ultrasonography to beef producers and veterinarians. He also coordinated the Tennessee Master Beef Producer program which provides more than 20 hours of instruction across all aspects of beef cattle and forage management, and has been completed by more than 20,000 farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals over the last ten years.