The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory are now able to support educational programs and subject-matter resource needs with the expertise of three AgriLife Extension veterinarians who work directly with AgriLife Extension county agents, veterinarians, ranchers, farmers and other animal owners. “They will all work together to develop programs that address current and emerging needs in animal production and management,“ said Dr Pete Gibbs, associate director for AgriLife Extension.

The team reflects the laboratory’s desire to expand education and training in animal health in ways that make better use of the agency’s resources, said Dr Tammy Beckham, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory director.

“Our team of AgriLife Extension veterinarians is here to meet that challenge,“ she said.

The team members are:

Dr Terry Hensley, an expert on the health of horses, sheep, goats, backyard poultry, wildlife and exotics. Hensley serves a dual role as assistant agency director at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory as well as veterinarian for AgriLife Extension. He holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science, a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a master’s degree in poultry science – all from Texas A&M University. He previously served as assistant executive director for animal health programs at the Texas Animal Health Commission. Previously, Hensley was veterinary medical officer and foreign animal disease diagnostician for the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Veterinary Services in Salem, Oregon, for 20 years. Contact him at 979-845-3414, or by email at [email protected].

Dr Tom Hairgrove, who focuses primarily on issues related to beef cattle. Working closely with animal science and poultry specialists from AgriLife Extension, Hairgrove collaborates on programs in herd health, management and quality assurance in livestock and food animal production system. His programs are designed for livestock owners, industry groups and confined livestock operations. Hairgrove is program coordinator for livestock and food animal systems at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and AgriLife Extension. He has earned two bachelor’s degrees as well as a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M. Contact him at 979- 458-3216 or by email at [email protected].

Dr Floron C. “Buddy“ Faries Jr., who has conducted AgriLife Extension education for 28 years at Texas A&M University. His emphasis has been on beef cattle and horse health management for producers, career-oriented veterinary science education for 4-H and FFA students, and disaster emergency management for animal owners. Fairies is a professor and AgriLife Extension veterinarian as well as with the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Center of Excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M, as well as a master of science degree from Oklahoma State University. Contact him at 979-845-4353 or by email at [email protected].