HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 20 new-PA-beef-director
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to strengthen Pennsylvania's beef cattle industry, the newly-created Center for Beef Excellence has named a Perry County native as its first executive director, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today at Penn State's Ag Progress Days in Centre County.
Dr. Ronald Bolze Jr. brings extensive professional experience to the position, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff, having worked in production agriculture, marketing, education and research. He was selected by the organization's board of directors.
"The beef cattle industry is vital to Pennsylvania's economy, contributing $1.9 billion annually," Wolff said. "With excellent leadership from the Center for Beef Excellence, we can continue to strengthen the commonwealth's beef industry and economy."
"As a new non-profit working to establish favorable partnerships for Pennsylvania's beef cattle industry, we were extremely impressed with Ron's credentials," said Jeff Nogan, president of the center's board of directors. "Ron is armed with a vision for the state's beef cattle industry and he can strengthen the industry through his knowledge of Pennsylvania agriculture and his relationships with state and national industry leaders."
A Penn State graduate, Bolze received his doctorate in reproductive physiology from Kansas State University in 1985. Following graduation, Bolze managed the Ohio Bull Test Program and later served as a beef cattle extension specialist at Ohio State University.
Bolze developed expertise in herd improvement and genetics, having served as director of the Beef Improvement Federation and the Certified Angus Beef genetic programs.
He also gained valuable experience in marketing during his tenures as the executive secretary of the American Shorthorn Association and commercial marketing director for the Red Angus Association of America.
Bolze, his wife, Rebecca Kay Lee, and their six children have raised registered Angus cattle since 1978.
Governor Rendell appointed a Beef Task Force one year ago to re-energize the state's cattlemen, encouraging them to push for increased profits, more beef production and a stronger agricultural economy. The group's 39 members represent all aspects of the industry from production, education and industry. In January, the task force announced its plan to develop a Center for Beef Excellence.
"Pennsylvania is one of the first states to establish this kind of program, so our beef industry leaders are entering uncharted territory," said Wolff. "Their dedication and hard work will certainly have a positive impact on the beef industry for years to come."
For more information about the Beef Task Force and the Center for Beef Excellence, contact Mike Pechart at 717-705-2122 or mpechart@state.pa.us.
CONTACT: Nicole L. C. Bucher
(717) 787-5085
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
