Mike Bumgarner, a graduate of The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences was honored as the 2024 Animal Sciences Hall of Fame Inductee during the year-end celebration for the department. Throughout his undergraduate career at Ohio State, Mike was a member of the highly successful Livestock Judging Team. After graduating from Ohio State, he continued his education, earning his Master of Science degree from the University of Connecticut while serving as the coach of their Livestock Judging Team.
Mike is the President & CEO for United Producers, Inc. a farmer-owned and operated livestock marketing cooperative - the largest in the Midwest. Mike has had a 20+ year career with United Producers in several management positions. In 2009, he transferred from United Producers, Inc. to become Vice President for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and was the leader in establishing the Center for Food and Animal Issues before rejoining United Producers in the fall of 2013. His background also includes being a licensed commodity broker specializing in risk management strategies in livestock marketing.
Mike has served in leadership and other roles with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, North American Meat Institute, Producer Traceability Council, National Institute of Animal Agriculture, Livestock Marketing Association, Ohio Agricultural Council, Ohio Livestock Coalition, Animals for Life Foundation, Ohio Farm Animal Care Commission, and the Five State Beef Initiative. He has also served as a board member for the Mechanicsburg Exempted Schools.
As a leader in the agricultural sector of Ohio and nationally, Mike has also continued to serve his Alma Mater, providing consultation regarding curriculum needs for training of students that will be future leaders in the agricultural sector. He has also been instrumental in mentoring academic leaders in the CFAES in making a difference– in service to others and addressing high priority needs of those with production agriculture as a career endeavor.
Mike has been an invited speaker in numerous Ohio State classes, including as Animal Sciences Beef Production, where he brings his unique perspectives as a leader in livestock marketing in engaging with students. His emphasis on the “pros and cons” of various marketing strategies and risk management in marketing of beef is particularly important for students in enhancing their understanding in these realms. Mike is a very strong advocate for verification of product origin and traceability throughout the processing of products from food producing animals. His advocacy is important to manage food safety issues and ensure a safe food supply. These are important issues for students to gain a broader industry-relevant understanding for sustainability of food producing animal enterprises.
Mike has consistently done a superb job of imparting his wisdom regarding the importance of professionalism and networking in career endeavors for students in the Animal Sciences "Professionalism and Networking" class. Mike, during his many years as a leader with this Cooperative, has been particularly effective in mentoring these employees in ways that have resulted in them having long-term successful careers in which they have gained much satisfaction. As a result of his distinguished leadership with this Cooperative, Mike was selected to serve on the Ohio State CFAES Center for Cooperatives Advisory Committee providing oversight to the Center that provides counseling and assistance through the entire developmental process for those interested in forming a new cooperative.
The way Mike has paid forward, through United Producer’s Inc, in providing financial support for many Ohio State endeavors is noteworthy. His support has been integral in initiating the Ohio State ATI Livestock Judging Team experience.
The manner Mike has served as a volunteer advisor for 4-H clubs for over 20 years has been a great service to Ohio State Extension outreach education. Mike enjoys working with youth, particularly those interested in agriculture, whether these are undergraduate students in classes at Ohio State, or 4-H youth through Ohio State Extension programs. He is without question a great role model in his Ohio State endeavors and for the agricultural sector of Ohio. As a result of his great service to Ohio State and highly successful career endeavors, Mike was selected by his peer CFAES alumni as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2003.
Mike Bumgarner’s exemplary and continued leadership in service to the Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, and state of Ohio are a gift to our community on campus and beyond. We are proud to recognize Mr. Michael Bumgarner as the 2024 Animal Sciences Hall of Fame Inductee.