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Horse power
With new equine nutritionist on board, Co-op offers even more expertise to focus on customer needs
| Story and photo by Allison Morgan |
8/1/2012 |
Bringing a passion for horses and an extensive education in equine nutrition to the table, Dr. Jennifer Earing has joined Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s staff to provide additional expertise and technical support for Co-ops and their customers. She is the first nutritionist in the Co-op system whose responsibilities will primarily focus on the equine industry.
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Long recognized as a leader in equine care and feeding, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative is strengthening its “horse power” by adding a new expert to its animal nutrition staff.
Dr. Jennifer Earing, a highly educated, lifelong horse enthusiast, joined TFC on June 18 as the Co-op system’s first nutritionist whose primary focus is on the equine industry.
“I find nutrition fascinating,” says Earing. “We’re learning more and more each day about what our animals require nutritionally, which makes this field a dynamic and exciting place to be. This new information allows us to optimize our feeding practices and do a better job of providing our horses with exactly what they need to do the job they’re expected to do.”
A native of central Illinois, Earing has owned horses since high school, first competing in hunter/jumper and Western pleasure disciplines and then barrel-racing while in college. She received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Illinois State University in 2003 and earned master’s and doctorate degrees in equine nutrition from the University of Kentucky. Following graduation in 2011, she worked as a post-doctoral researcher in equine extension at the University of Minnesota until accepting the position at TFC.
“I’ve had a chance to experience a very diverse horse population, from central Kentucky, where there are a lot of thoroughbreds, to Minnesota, where there are a lot of five- and 10-acre farms,” says Earing. “I think that will serve me well since Tennessee’s equine industry also ranges from large to small operations with many different breeds.”
Earing’s expertise amplifies the vast equine resources TFC already offers through the talents of nutritionist Todd Steen, a 13-year Co-op veteran who formulates equine feeds in addition to his main responsibilities with dairy rations; equine specialist Kim Smith, who has been providing sound recommendations to Co-op horse customers for the past 14 years; and staff veterinarian Dr. Kevin Cox, who has been offering unparalleled animal health recommendations and services since joining TFC in 2004. Earing will also be working closely with ruminant nutritionist Dr. Paul Davis, who has been with TFC’s Animal Nutrition Department since 2005.
“With her extensive education and experience, Dr. Earing will help increase our species specialization within our nutrition team,” says Pat Whidden, TFC animal nutrition operations officer. “The equine industry in our region is significant, and horse feed products are our No. 3 category behind only beef and dairy feeds. Having a nutritionist on staff who can concentrate on the needs of our horse owners is an important step for the Co-op system.”
During her first few months on staff, Earing is spending time in the field with TFC’s feed and animal health specialists, visiting TFC’s feed mills and member Co-ops and getting familiar with the Co-op system and its products. After her orientation period, Earing will take the lead on equine nutrition and feed formulations for TFC and provide technical support. She will also assist Smith in consulting with horse owners and be involved in training and education for Co-op employees and their customers.
Earing, whose most recent educational experience involved working with horse owners in pasture management, says the chance to interact with Co-op customers is one of the opportunities she’s most looking forward to.
“Anytime customers or
Co-ops have concerns or things to be addressed in relation to horses, I’ll be first in line to help,” says Earing. “I also expect to be involved in reformulating feeds and developing new products based on what our customers need and desire.”
With her work based at TFC’s headquarters in LaVergne, Earing and her husband, Kyle, who also has an animal nutrition education are living in Smyrna.
“I’m excited to be here and to help in every way I can,” says Earing. “I hope my nutritional training and fresh perspective will be beneficial to TFC, our Co-ops, and our customers. Whatever questions or concerns customers have, I look forward to helping out their operations.”
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