Candace Weeda of Creston, Iowa grew up on a diversified crop and commercial cattle operation. From early childhood, she and her older brother worked on the family ranch and developed a love for livestock, specifically the beef industry. Involvement in 4-H and FFA solidified Weeda’s desire to pursue a career in the agriculture industry. Weeda graduated from Kansas State University …
Justin Staley
Justin Staley grew up in South Central Idaho working alongside his parents and siblings where he learned the value of hard work. Honesty has always been a huge part of Staley’s life. While growing up, anyone sitting on the job was quickly reminded by Staley’s father that life was better spent on their feet with their hands in it. His …
Dr. Benjamin Espy
Board Certified Theriogenologist Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Espy received a biology degree from Duke University in 1991. In 1996, he became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. Dr. Espy is a board certified specialist in equine reproduction, infertility, and neonatology. During his career Dr. Espy has practiced equine medicine in Brenham, Texas, San Antonio, TX, and most recently …
Stan Bevers
Ranch Management Consultant; Ranch KPI www.ranchkpi.com stan@ranchkpi.com Mr. Bevers owns and manages Broken B Cattle along with his wife and other family members. He also serves as a ranch management consultant and as a public speaker across the country on topics ranging from ranch analysis and management to cattle and grain marketing. He received his B.S. in Agricultural Education (1982) …
April Everett
Administrative Assistant april.everett@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 April Everett joined the KRIRM staff August 2010. Originally, April grew up in Quemado, Texas, south of Del Rio, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville and graduated in 1998 with a B.S. in Human Sciences with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies. April and her husband Luis have been married for 13 years and have …
Ashley Patterson
Web and News Media Coordinator ashley.charanza@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 Ashley Patterson, originally from Caldwell, Texas, joined the KRIRM staff in August of 2011 as the PR/Event Coordinator. In September of 2013, Ashley began in a new position as the Web and News Media Coordinator in which she handles the creation and distribution of all advertising and marketing materials for KRIRM, as well …
Niki Kaiser
Senior Administrative Coordinator niki.kaiser@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5406 Niki Kaiser joined the KRIRM staff in October 2016 as the Administrative Coordinator. She was born and raised in Harlingen, TX, where she developed a passion for education and agriculture at a young age. Niki received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Plant & Soil Science (2015), also …
Benjamin Turner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor benjamin.turner@tamuk.edu • 361-593-2464 Dr. Benjamin Turner grew up in Normangee, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) in 2011. Between semesters during those years Ben interned with Texas Farm Credit in Robstown, Texas, Hunt Oil Company in …
Rick Machen, Ph.D.
Executive Director; Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair rick.machen@tamuk.edu • 361-593-4756 Rick Machen was born and raised in Central Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science from Angelo State University in 1981, and pursued graduate training at Texas A&M University in College Station, receiving a Master of Science in 1984, and a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition in …
Kim McCuistion, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Director Dr. Kim McCuistion serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the new Texas A&M University System Fort Worth campus. In this role, Dr. McCuistion’s focus is to turn the new campus into a hub for collaboration between key Fort Worth industries and top research, education and workforce training assets of the Texas A&M …
Clay Mathis, Ph.D.
Director and Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair clay.mathis@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 Dr. Clay Mathis was named Director and Endowed Chair of the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in July, 2010. As Director, Dr. Mathis leads KRIRM faculty and staff, and oversees teaching and outreach efforts of the Institute. He maintains and develops …
Jason Van Tassell
Jason Van Tassell is a 2012 graduate of KRIRM. Upon Graduation, he accepted a the position of Livestock Manager at the Parker Ranch in Hawaii until July 2019. While in this role, he served on the Hawaii Cattleman’s Council and the Hawaii Cattle Producers Co-op. He later served in the position of GM of Sunlight Ranches located in Northern Wyoming …