September 21, 2011
Beef, it's what's for reading: New book celebrates 150 years of the state's beef industry
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is celebrating the arrival of "150 Years of Kansas Beef." The book was written in honor of the sesquicentennial of Kansas' statehood, and is dedicated to Jack Vanier, a Kansas cattleman and businessman.
A dedication ceremony and book signing will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the K-State Alumni Center. Speakers will include Kirk Schulz, K-State president; Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; Dan Thomson, Jones Professor of Production Medicine and Epidemiology and director of K-State's Beef Cattle Institute; and Dan Upson, professor emeritus of anatomy and physiology. Reservations are required to attend.
Vanier, Brookville, has committed most of his life working for the advancement of the state of Kansas and its vast agricultural-based industries, with his primary focus on beef cattle production. His ranching career began at the CK Ranch in Saline and Ellsworth counties, which was founded by his late father John Vanier in 1933. The Vanier family has exported cattle to many different countries across the world.
Vanier and his wife, Donna, have been active philanthropists supporting the community and several K-State projects through the Vanier Family Foundation. The "150 Years of Kansas Beef" book dedication was a surprise Christmas gift from Donna Vanier to her husband.
The book features chapters on the cattle drives of the 19th century to the modern aspects of the beef industry. It contains many historical photographs that allow readers to experience Kansas history. Many Kansas families contributed information about their involvement in the beef industry to make the book possible.
Reservations for the book celebration and signing must be made by Monday, Sept. 26, to Blair Tenhouse at 785-532-2511 or blairb@k-state.edu.
To purchase a copy of "150 Years of Kansas Beef," visit http://www.vet.k-state.edu/features/beef.htm to download the order form. More information is available by contacting Tenhouse or Chris Gruber, 785-532-4465, chrisg@found.ksu.edu.