Ted Ferris

Ted Ferris is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University (MSU), within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He holds a BS from Pennsylvania State University and MS and PhD degrees from MSU. His work focuses on dairy management, biosecurity protocols, and bridging the gap between agricultural producers and the public through educational outreach. Retired faculty status reflects his continued contributions to academia and industry.

Education:

• BS, Pennsylvania State University
• MS, Michigan State University
• PhD, Michigan State University

Research Interests: Ferris specializes in dairy farm biosecurity, herd management, and consumer engagement initiatives like the 'Breakfast on the Farm' program. His projects include developing biosecurity databases for Michigan dairy/beef farms and assessing public perceptions of modern food production practices. He emphasizes improving transparency and trust between farmers and non-ag consumers through education and farm visits.

Articles Overview: Recent publications analyze GMO consumer concerns, dairy industry trends, and the impact of farm visit programs. His work consistently highlights the importance of clear communication strategies to address misinformation and strengthen agricultural advocacy.

Awards: None explicitly listed in provided materials.

Advising & Grants: No students or grant details provided in texts.

Labs/Teams: Active in MSU Beef Center initiatives promoting public education and farm transparency. Collaborates with MSU Extension to develop materials for producers and agribusiness professionals.