Dale A. Blasi

Research Contributions

Dr. Blasi's research program has focused on applied beef cattle nutrition and management, particularly in receiving/backgrounding and grazing cattle systems. His work has investigated nutritional management strategies for newly received and highly stressed calves, forage utilization, programmed and limit-feeding systems, feed efficiency, animal health, and management practices that improve performance while reducing production costs.

Throughout his career, he has authored or coauthored a substantial body of scientific literature and Extension publications. His research has contributed to improved understanding of:

• Receiving and backgrounding nutrition
• Limit and programmed feeding systems
• Feed efficiency in growing cattle
• Utilization of alternative feed resources
• Management of high-risk calves
• Grazing and forage systems
• Precision livestock technologies
• Animal identification and traceability systems

These efforts have provided producers with economically viable management strategies while strengthening the scientific foundation of beef cattle production systems.

Development of the K-State Beef Stocker Unit

One of Dr. Blasi's most visible and enduring contributions to Kansas State University has been his leadership as the faculty manager of the K-State Beef Stocker Unit. Under his direction, the facility has become a nationally recognized center for applied research, student training, Extension demonstrations, and industry collaboration. The facility serves as a platform for evaluating nutritional, health, management, and technology innovations relevant to the stocker and receiving sectors of the beef industry.

The Beef Stocker Unit has supported numerous research projects involving faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, industry partners, and Extension personnel across the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Research conducted at the facility has generated information directly applicable to commercial beef operations and has enhanced Kansas State University's reputation as a leader in beef cattle research and outreach.

Leadership in the Development of the Doug Laue Beef Feedlot Facility

One of Dr. Blasi's most significant recent contributions to Kansas State University has been his leadership and advocacy in the development of the new Doug Laue Beef Feedlot Facility. Drawing upon decades of experience in applied beef cattle research, Extension programming, and industry engagement, Dr. Blasi played an instrumental role in articulating the need for a modern research and teaching feedlot capable of supporting the next generation of beef production research and workforce development.

Throughout the planning and development process, Dr. Blasi has served as a key subject-matter expert, helping ensure that the facility was designed to meet the evolving needs of the beef industry while supporting Kansas State University's land-grant mission. His vision emphasized the integration of research, teaching, Extension, and industry collaboration within a single facility capable of addressing contemporary challenges facing cattle feeding enterprises.

The Doug Laue Beef Feedlot Facility will substantially expand Kansas State University's capacity to conduct applied research in feedlot nutrition, health management, precision livestock technologies, animal behavior, feed manufacturing systems, environmental stewardship, and production efficiency and will be leveraged with the KSU Beef Stocker Unit to conduct beef systems work. The facility will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while serving as a demonstration and educational resource for producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, allied industry partners, and Extension professionals.

Dr. Blasi's extensive relationships with cattle feeders, industry organizations, and agricultural stakeholders helped reinforce the importance of the project and its long-term value to Kansas agriculture. The facility represents a strategic investment in the future of beef cattle research and education and will strengthen Kansas State University's position as a national leader in beef production systems research.

As the facility becomes operational, it is expected to serve as a cornerstone for multidisciplinary research initiatives, student training, and industry engagement for decades to come. Dr. Blasi's contributions to its conception, planning, and development will leave a lasting impact on the university and the beef industry it serves.