Donning the cardinal and gold

Clearfield native Daniel Thomson has been named the new chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.

Thomson is an internationally known leader, researcher and instructor in animal health management, animal welfare and beef cattle production. He has been serving as the Jones Professor of Production Medicine and Epidemiology at Kansas State University and founded the Beef Cattle Institute in Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been a KSU faculty member for 15 years. Thomson is also known for his radio show “Doc Talk,” which reaches more than 45 million homes weekly worldwide.

“I work with beef cattle from conception to consumption,” said Thomson. “I also work with companies such as McDonald’s on production and supply chain issues with beef, pork and poultry production.”

Thomson will begin his new duties April 6. He succeeds Donald Beerman, who served as chair of the department since 2015 and retired Jan. 7. John Patience, a professor of animal science at ISU, will serve as interim chair of the department through April 6.

“I had letters from people at Iowa State saying I may fit the position, so I applied and went through the selection process,” said Thomson. “Basically, my job will be to provide service to our faculty, staff and students while being a leader from within the department.”

A native of Clearfield, Thomson is an ISU alumnus and a third generation bovine veterinarian. He earned two degrees at the university — a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a doctor of veterinary medicine.

“Iowa State is near and dear to my heart,” said Thomson. “It’s gonna be fun to wear cardinal and gold and represent the state. I am really excited to get back home around the Creston area where we have farms and see people and friends.”

Thomson said he is honored to bring his abilities back to the school that taught him.

“Iowa State University is an international leader in agriculture,” said Thomson. “It is humbling to be able to come back home and serve in the capacity of leadership working with the greatest faculty and greatest students that go out and be the world leaders in agriculture in every aspect.”

While Thomson is ready for this new opportunity, he said he will miss the friendships he forged during his time with KSU.

“I think the things you always miss the most are the people and the relationships you develop,” said Thomson. “That is the most exciting thing going forward and the most agonizing thing to walk away from. Everything is about people, relationships, friendships and colleagues. That’s going to be the toughest part.”