Cliff is a native Kansan who grew up on a diversified grain and livestock farm. Early in his life, his interest in livestock production was cultivated through 4-H and livestock judging. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Kansas State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He managed the Beef Research Unit while working on his advanced degree at the University of Illinois. Cliff has been associated with the cattle business all of his life as either a producer, researcher, nutritionist, feed account manager, or sales trainer. He has over 35 years’ experience in the feed industry and a broad-based perspective through working with producers in a wide range of geographical areas. He has held various sales management and beef technical support and training positions with feed companies. He started his own cattle consulting business in 2008. Cliff has also been on over 12 trips to Africa mentoring men in business and life. Cliff and his wife Cathi live in Sioux Falls, SD and they have three adult children and six wonderful grandchildren.