Clackum is an accomplished ranch manager with over 25 years of experience in animal agriculture. His roles have ranged from beef herdsman at his alma mater, Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, to his most recent position as ranch manager for Rollins Ranch White in Rydal, Georgia. Clackum, self-described as “a lifelong learner who is self-motivated, analytical and a research driven professional,” learned of KRIRM from an ad in a trade publication several years ago and it sparked his interest. Through conversations with colleague and KRIRM alum, Darrell White, he was encouraged to pursue his master’s, “I was impressed with Darrell and what he had gained from the program,” recalls Clackum. “The reputation and notoriety of the program within the industry and its association with King Ranch sets it apart.”
Clackum shares his desire over the next two years is, “to learn how to develop and implement a systems approach on all aspects of the ranch, from HR to ecology and livestock production.” He is especially interested in becoming an effective manager of people. Looking toward the future, Clackum hopes to serve in upper management of a successful ranching/industry related company while serving as a role model for others to follow.
Clackum has been married to his wife Amy for nineteen years. Together they have a caring and intelligent twelve-year-old daughter, Hannah, who enjoys the outdoors and fishing. Clackum is thankful for their love and support as he attends the KRIRM program.
Clackum holds the Tio Kleberg Endowed Fellowship as a graduate student at KRIRM.