The End of an Era
May 05, 2025
After 26 years with ProTrition and Tennessee Farmers Co-op, Todd Steen, ruminant nutritionist, retired on April 4, marking the end of an era. Over his 35-year career in ruminant nutrition, Todd has been a key figure in shaping livestock nutrition and herd health practices, leading to healthier herds and better nutritional outcomes for producers.
Todd’s career began long before his time at ProTrition. Before joining TFC, he gained valuable experience at Indiana Farm Bureau Co-op/Countrymark Cooperative/ Land O’Lakes, Inc in Indiana, where he laid the foundation for his career. His work has left a lasting mark on the industry, including lead-author of seven Cooperative Research Farms (CRF) publications, and is cited in the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements for Dairy Cattle (NRC). His research in protein/ionophore interactions continues to be an influence the field.
Known for building strong relationships with both customers and colleagues, Todd’s blend of scientific expertise and practical solutions has made him a trusted advisor. He left Tennessee to play football at Abilene Christian University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1984. He received his master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where his study focused on protein type for growing heifers. Other projects included rumen development and coccidiosis control.
Todd’s leadership extends beyond his work with ProTrition. He has served as chair of the Cooperative Research Farms (CRF) Board of Directors, the Beef, Dairy and Equine Planning Boards, and the CRF Research Committee. His influence reached global audiences, as he has been invited to speak at universities and conferences in the U.S. and five other countries.
As Todd transitions into retirement, he plans to farm, fish, and spend more time with family. As a perfect example of Todd’s dedication to his coworkers and customers, he has agreed to work a couple of days a week through July and then a day a week until December to support and assist the transition to Grey Parks and our newest team member, Dr. Josh Zeltwanger, ProTrition’s newest ruminant nutritionist, who will be assuming Todd’s responsibilities.
Todd’s career began long before his time at ProTrition. Before joining TFC, he gained valuable experience at Indiana Farm Bureau Co-op/Countrymark Cooperative/ Land O’Lakes, Inc in Indiana, where he laid the foundation for his career. His work has left a lasting mark on the industry, including lead-author of seven Cooperative Research Farms (CRF) publications, and is cited in the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements for Dairy Cattle (NRC). His research in protein/ionophore interactions continues to be an influence the field.
Known for building strong relationships with both customers and colleagues, Todd’s blend of scientific expertise and practical solutions has made him a trusted advisor. He left Tennessee to play football at Abilene Christian University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1984. He received his master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where his study focused on protein type for growing heifers. Other projects included rumen development and coccidiosis control.
Todd’s leadership extends beyond his work with ProTrition. He has served as chair of the Cooperative Research Farms (CRF) Board of Directors, the Beef, Dairy and Equine Planning Boards, and the CRF Research Committee. His influence reached global audiences, as he has been invited to speak at universities and conferences in the U.S. and five other countries.
As Todd transitions into retirement, he plans to farm, fish, and spend more time with family. As a perfect example of Todd’s dedication to his coworkers and customers, he has agreed to work a couple of days a week through July and then a day a week until December to support and assist the transition to Grey Parks and our newest team member, Dr. Josh Zeltwanger, ProTrition’s newest ruminant nutritionist, who will be assuming Todd’s responsibilities.