��ֱ����

Story by Ella Stiefvater

Two doctoral students in the South ��ֱ���� State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences have received prestigious Certified Angus Beef awards. 

Becca (Grimes) Francis and Sydni (Borders) Lammers were among eight students to receive graduate awards for their leadership experiences, academic standing and work in the beef industry. 

The Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship Fund recognizes outstanding students who “exemplify a strong commitment and passion for the beef industry, making them worthy ambassadors of the brand,” according to the scholarship criteria. 

Francis, of Gilmer, Texas, and a Ph.D. student studying under associate professor Zachary Smith, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Her first graduate study focused on feed additives to mitigate digestive disorders and improve production efficiency and liver abscesses in feedlot calves. Francis has most recently been conducting research focused on feedlot receiving management practices in dairy-beef crossbred calves, which is a rapidly growing aspect of the fed-beef industry. 

“Being highlighted as a top student in our industry is always really nice,” Francis said, “and (so is) getting to even meet other scholarship recipients and people out in the industry (who are past recipients).” 
Smith said he not only recognizes the talent in his mentee, but also her character and influence on those around her. 

“(Francis’) enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious, and she brings a unique perspective to her work,” Smith said. “It has been an honor to mentor her and watch her develop as a scholar. Becca is a testament to the caliber of students at South ��ֱ���� State University who are dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving the world.” 

Lammers, originally from Kilgore, Texas, was the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship and is a Ph.D. student studying under professor Amanda Blair. Her first research project followed how vegetative variety as a result of different stocking rates can impact growth, feedlot performance and final carcass quality of stocker calves. Currently, she is studying how nutrient restriction of the cow during midgestation can affect the growth, performance and meat quality of their offspring. Lammers is focusing primarily on the development of intramuscular fat and future carcass performance through fetal programming. 

“The Certified Angus Beef scholarship has always been something I’ve wanted to apply for,” Lammers said. “It’s a pretty well-known scholarship in the beef industry, … but I never really felt I had the credentials to be competitive for this scholarship until I came (to SDSU) and got more research under my belt, which gave me the confidence to apply.” 

As her mentor and adviser, Blair said Lammers is not only dedicated to her research but also to the beef industry as a whole, which made her a well-deserving award recipient. 

“Her background and understanding of beef production, processing and consumer trends have positioned her to be a leader in industry discussions surrounding beef quality,” Blair said. “She is also well versed in beef quality assurance efforts, allowing her to serve as a resource for producers and engage in efforts to increase transparency with consumers to drive demand for beef.” 

John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science, said the success of both graduate students is a representation of not only themselves but of their programs as well. 

“It is truly rewarding to see the talents and dedication of Becca and Sydni recognized as recipients of the Certified Angus Beef 2024 Graduate Colvin Scholarship,” Jaeger said. “This prestigious honor not only highlights their individual achievements but also underscores the strength and excellence of the ��ֱ���� science program at South ��ֱ���� State University.” 

Francis finished her undergraduate and master’s degrees at West Texas A&M and Lammers previously attended Texas A&M, but both said they chose to pursue doctoral studies at SDSU because of the outstanding faculty and research opportunities available. Francis' future goals include working toward becoming a feedlot consulting nutritionist or working as a professional technical services consultant in the beef pharmaceutical field with hopes of staying in the beef industry. Lammers plans to stay in academia either through teaching at a university or working in research and Extension.