45 Award Talk: Integration and synergism: Where ruminant nutrition meets forage systems and where teaching meets research.

Abstract The disciplines of ruminant nutrition and forage agronomy are often approached independently within their own respective camps. In the United States, the disciplines are separated into distinct departments, and the emphasis of each is often vastly divergent, addressing the specificity of the home research locus. However, sustainable advancement of grazing-based beef production demands seamless integration of these fields. Throughout my career, I have pursued the strategic alignment of research, teaching, and mentorship to bridge these traditional divides. My research program has emphasized the synergistic effects of forage species diversification, strategic supplementation, and nutrient cycling within pasture-based beef systems, with a particular focus on optimizing fiber utilization and enhancing climate resilience. In parallel, my teaching philosophy has centered on the premise that student engagement in applied research accelerates both knowledge creation and dissemination. Through direct integration of research projects into classroom and laboratory instruction, I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students to critically engage with the complex interactions between forage systems and ruminant nutrition. This approach has not only enriched student learning outcomes but has also expanded the research capacity of my program, fostering a dynamic cycle wherein teaching and research continuously inform one another. This presentation will highlight key studies demonstrating the impact of integrated strategies on animal performance, pasture sustainability, and producer profitability. It will also reflect on lessons learned from a career built at the interface of discovery, application, and education. As the challenges facing forage-livestock systems evolve, future progress will require continued innovation at the nexus of ruminant nutrition and forage science, grounded in a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, research, and mentorship.