Blake Foraker, a respected meat judging coach and expert in meat science, has been named an assistant professor within Texas Tech University’s Department of Animal & Food Sciences, according to officials within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. He will step into his new teaching and research post on Sept. 1.
“The internationally-recognized meat science program at Texas Tech is unparalleled in its commitment to excellence in experiential learning, research discovery, and industry outreach,” Foraker said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and staff to sustain that level of excellence, and I am dedicated to readying students for careers in the livestock and meat industry.”
Foraker’s research and teaching specialization is in the area of meat science, and his research program primarily focuses upon innovative methods to more adequately assess composition of live cattle and beef carcasses.
Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, Foraker served as an assistant professor in meat science within Washington State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. Earlier in his career he worked as a graduate research assistant at Texas Tech and Colorado State University.
A native of Burrton, Kansas, Foraker earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University and his master’s degree in meat science from Colorado State. His doctorate in meat science is from Texas Tech. He is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, Intercollegiate Meat Coaches Association, and the American Meat Science Association.
Honors include serving as the coach for the Champion National Western Meat Judging Team (2023); Reserve National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team (2021, 2022); National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team (2019); Champion American Royal Meat Judging Team (2018); and Champion Australian International Meat Judging Team (2018). In addition, he was named Texas Tech’s Department of Animal & Food Science Outstanding Graduate Student in 2022.
Meanwhile, as an undergraduate student, Foraker was a terrific competitor. He was a member of the All-American Livestock Judging Team (2016), National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team (2016), as well as being on the All-American Meat Judging Team (2015).
Tech’s Department of Animal & Food Sciences is housed in a modern research and teaching facility and is supported by several off-campus units, including an Equestrian Center, Equine Therapeutic Riding Teaching and Research Center, Grantham Companion Animal Research Facility, and an Agricultural Field Laboratory with canine, sheep/goat, swine, beef cattle, Burnet Center, and feed mill units.
There are approximately 30 faculty members in the department, many of whom are leading researchers in their respective fields. Areas of research excellence include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health and welfare, and companion animal science. The department continues to experience unprecedented growth in student enrollment and is comprised of more than 1,456 students (Graduate: 115 / Undergraduates: 1,345).
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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