Summit Speakers

Keynote Address: The Power of Influence

Michelle Miller, better known as "The Farm Babe", is a globally recognized keynote speaker, writer, content creator, podcaster, and former commercial-scale farmer. She uses science, humor, and experience to challenge misinformation and improve perceptions and policies around agriculture. Read more. 

Secretary of Agriculture, Maryland Department of Agriculture

Kevin Atticks has served as Secretary of Agriculture since March 2, 2023. He previously served on the University of Maryland College of Agriculture's Global Leadership Council, the board of Future Harvest, and as President of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council. Read more.

Dean, UMD College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Wendy joined UMD in July 2025 as dean and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and University of Maryland Extension. She holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in animal science as well as an M.S. in dairy science. She previously held posts at the University of California, Iowa State University, and Michigan State University. Read more.

Janeal Yancey is a meat scientist and educator at the University of Arkansas who writes the popular blog Mom at the Meat Counter. She holds a Ph.D. in Meat Science from Kansas State University and has a background in livestock judging. Read more.

Dr. Trout serves as State Veterinarian with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. She earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College. Read more. 

Dr. Sam Watson is an Assistant Professor of Meat Science at Pennsylvania State University. He specializes in Meat Industry Workforce Development, Processed Meats, and Food Safety. Read more.

Niki Whitley, Ph.D., is a University of Georgia Extension Specialist for animal science at Fort Valley State University. She recently received the Association of Extension Administrators' Excellence in Extension Award at the annual Southern Region Program Leadership Network meeting. Read more.

Jody is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Pennsylvania State University. She earned an undergraduate degree in Animal Bioscience from PSU and a DCM from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and she owns an ambulatory food animal veterinary practice. Read more.

Dr. Dahlia O’Brien has served as an Associate Professor and Small Ruminant Specialist in Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University (VSU) since 2013. Dr. O’Brien received her PhD from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in December of 2005. Read more.

Dr. Stephan Wildeus is Assistant Director & Research Systems Leader and Research Professor of Animal Science and Animal Systems at Virginia State University. He specializes in Small Ruminant Research. Read more. 

Rachael is a University of Maryland Extension Coordinator, specializing in Animal and Avian Sciences. Read more. 

Susan is the Sheep & Goat Specialist Emeritus at the University of Maryland Extension and has 20+ years of experience as a sheep and goat specialist. She has held roles with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, as a farm management specialist and county agent.  Read more.

Matthew LeRoux has 20 years’ experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension, nonprofits, and consulting. He has developed the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price & Yield Calculator. Read more.

Anas has worked as a manager at meat and seafood markets and delis in the Richmond area for more than 12 years. He graduated from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and is a former student-athlete. Read more. 

Aaron is a Meat Science Extension Program Specialist at Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences. Read more.