Russell Pate

Photograph
Biography

My name is Russell Pate and I am from Visalia, California. I received my B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Dairy Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in June of 2015. A few months later I got married and moved to Illinois. I am now in my third year as a PhD student studying Ruminant Nutrition under Dr. Phil Cardoso. My research focuses on stressors and their effect on dairy cattle performance and immunological function. I have conducted multiple research projects that evaluated the effects of an aflatoxin challenge on dairy cows. I have also been involved in studies that have assessed fungicide application on corn silage performance, and I have created a calculator that allows farmers to analyze milk quality on their herd. Throughout my life I’ve had many valuable experiences that have led to my desire to work in the field of dairy nutrition. Some of these experiences include working as an assistant to a commodity broker, interning for a group of dairy consultants, and working on commercial dairies as a herdsman, feeder, calf-feeder, and milker. I continue to look forward to the knowledge and experiences I will gain as a member of the Dairy Focus Team.

When I am not doing schoolwork or working on the dairy, I enjoy hunting, fishing, wakeboarding, surfing (the waves in Illinois are phenomenal!), playing intramural softball, and watching LA Angels baseball.