Dr Robert E. Williams - Vice Chairman

Robert Williams is the Executive Director of the American Wagyu Association. He earned his B.S. in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science and has been recognized there as a Graduate of Distinction for his career contributions to the beef cattle industry.

After 10 years working in the beef industry Williams returned to graduate school completing his M.S. and Ph.D. in Beef Breeding and Genetics at the University of Georgia. There his research focused on use of ultrasound technology for carcass trait prediction and genetic selection of fertility.

Williams directed the release of the U.S. beef industry’s first web-based customizable decision support and selection index, directed the development of the first suite of carcass EPD using ultrasound as a corelated trait and authored the concept of offering multiple options for whole herd enrollment programs.

Williams has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for the Beef Improvement Federations (BIF), serving as chairman for multiple committees including the Live Animal Carcass and End Product committee, Frank Baker Award Committee, Eighth Revision of the BIF Guidelines and currently serves as Historian. Williams was also honored with the 2005 BIF Continuing Service Award.

Furthermore, Williams was instrumental in the organization of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) for the seedstock beef industry as a founding director and serving either as the chairman of the board or on its board of directors since its inception in 2002 through 2015. Additionally, Williams served two years on the board of directors for the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the US Beef Breeds Council.

Williams has authored or co-authored numerous research papers and educational articles, has traveled extensively promoting U.S. genetics worldwide in addition to serving as a beef cattle judge and invited speaker both domestically and internationally.