13 Keynote Speaker Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Texas A&M University System, is a University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chairholder in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A&M. Recognition of his teaching accomplishments include the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M and the American Meat Science Association. Savell’s research efforts have been recognized by receiving numerous university, regional, and national awards for individual and team efforts to solve key issues in the livestock and meat industries. Savell is a past president of the American Meat Science Association, serves on the JBS Advisory Team on Quality and Safety, is a member of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, and was identified by Stanford University as among the top 2% of most-cited researchers in the world in 2021. The Western way of life has two essential, but unique, spheres of influence. One is high profile: fashion, culture, the arts, entertainment, livestock and equestrian competitions, rodeo and other aspects that enjoy broad public exposure and appeal. The other is seldom in the public eye, but also significant to society: rural landscapes and the stewardship of the natural resources, namely water, soil and plant life that nurture livestock which, in turn, provide the safest, most nutritious and affordable supply of meat protein in the world. Many individuals have left a mark in one of the above-mentioned spheres. Edward P. Bass is one of a very few people in history who has made a major impact in both and, thus, will receive the 2025 W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture at the annual Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, January 23. Since the mid-1980’s, Bass’ impact on Fort Worth, the livestock industry and the youth of Texas has been nothing short of amazing. Elected to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s board of directors in 1988, he wasted no time engaging himself in the Show’s mission. Junior livestock shows became a strong passion when Bass joined the Calf Scramble committee in 1990. He got his hands dirty from the start, not only assisting in countless Calf Scramble competitions during rodeo performances in the Will Rogers Coliseum, but through his tireless efforts to raise funds for calf sponsorships and scholarship donations setting a mark equaled by few. Bass also served on the Show’s Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale committee since its inception. After being appointed to the Stock Show’s executive committee, Bass was elected Treasurer in 1993. In 2002 he was elected the Stock Show’s chairman succeeding John Justin. During his tenure the Show reached exciting new heights and extended its scope of competitions and financial support for the youth of Texas. He became chairman emeritus in 2024. Bass’ passion for ranching and natural resource conservation runs deep with ranching operations in Texas and Kansas. In 1991 he acquired the Winscott Ranch located south of Fort Worth. The ranch’s vibrant native grasslands are preserved through seasonal grazing and other practical management practices. Besides cattle production, natural areas of cover, brush and forbs sustain wildlife as both habitat and feed sources. In an area ever-increasingly consumed by suburban sprawl, Winscott Ranch stands out as a vivid illustration of Texas native prairie legacy. Mr. Bass’ commitment to the environment and ecological preservation extends to roles in leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to both plant and animal species. As the cofounder of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, he played an instrumental role in bringing the organization to Fort Worth in 1987 and, in the development of its LEED platinum-certified headquarters which opened in 2011. Bass also serves as director emeritus of the World Wildlife Fund of which he served as a board member from 1988 to 2007. Bass’ love and dedication for Fort Worth is displayed in two of the city’s most beloved public events facilities. As Chairman of Performing Arts Fort Worth, he led the development of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall which opened in 1998. Bass then took his commitment to the city’s cultural district spearheading the effort to give the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo an amazing new home for rodeo. With a keen eye for design, and a vision for an unmatched spectator experience, Bass’ passion and drive for creating a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose events facility was the driving force behind the synergistic planning and development of the highly acclaimed Dickies Arena. Besides rodeo, Dickies Arena has become one of the most recognized arenas of its size in the world as noted by both Billboard Magazine and Pollstar Magazine. “Ed’s love and dedication for the Stock Show and the city of Fort Worth is unmeasurable,” said Stock Show President Brad Barnes. “His attention to detail and vision for what was possible gave us a multi-purpose arena that is the envy, not only of the rodeo world, but sports and entertainment professionals across the globe.” “The Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club couldn’t honor a more deserving individual for the Bill King Award for Excellence in Agriculture than Ed Bass,” added the organization’s President, Robbie Schacher. “The 2025 Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon will be a major highlight of the 2025 Stock Show when we recognize this legendary rancher, volunteer, steward and leader.” 4 ED BASS TO RECEIVE BILL KING AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK APPRECIATION DAY LUNCHEON, JANUARY 23, 12 P.M. 13
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