Dr. Kristina Horback, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis, has always been fascinated by the lives, and more specifically the minds of cattle. Growing up in the Bay Area, she would travel past ranches, captivated by the sight of cattle grazing on distant hills, and often wondered how these animals navigated the expansive rangelands.

“I was always curious about why the cows were up there on the hill or why they were down the hill,” said Dr. Horback.

Generational farming not only sustains agricultural productivity, but it also serves as a bridge between past wisdom and future innovation, ensuring the preservation of essential farming traditions, while also allowing for the adaptability needed to address modern challenges.  

The CLEAR Center at the University of California, Davis has begun a partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB) to further sustainability research and extension in swine production. The CLEAR Center, led by Dr. Frank Mitloehner, leverages world-class research and science communication to improve sustainability in animal agriculture.