The End of an Era

May 05, 2025


Todd Steen
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.
 

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May 19, 2025
We want to extend a big welcome to our newest team member, Dr. Josh Zeltwanger, ProTrition’s ruminant nutritionist, who will be assuming Todd Steen’s responsibilities, who retired in April 2025. A native of Francesville, Indiana, Josh grew up on a farm with a small cow-calf operation, where he gained firsthand experience working with livestock. From a young age, he was heavily involved in 4-H livestock projects, further developing his skills and knowledge in animal care and nutrition.
May 12, 2025
The April Round N’ Raise campaign was a tremendous success, raising a total of $37,830.35 to support local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation. This program allows Co-op customers and members to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar during the month of April, directly benefiting local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the participating Co-ops and customers whose generosity and enthusiasm made this possible. Together, our Co-op community is building a brighter future.
 
May 08, 2025
UT Extension, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, is spearheading an effort to host farm recovery centers in East Tennessee. There will be three different centers during the month of May where experts and agencies will be gathered in one place on a single day to provide a one-stop-shop opportunity for farmers who are still in need of assistance following Hurricane Helene.