Dr. Michael MacNeil has been active in animal breeding and genetics research for almost 40 years. He grew up in Ithaca, NY, and received the BS degree from Cornell University, MS degree at Montana State University and PhD degree from South Dakota State University. Dr. MacNeil’s accomplishments as research scientist in beef cattle genetics have come from appointments at two USDA-ARS stations: 1980-1988 at US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, and 1988-2011 at Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT. He continues a very active research career today as an independent consultant (Delta G). In addition, Dr. MacNeil has developed a strong presence in graduate education. During his research career, Dr. MacNeil has focused on genetic inputs and production system approaches to increase the efficiency and probability of beef production, producing to date more than 300 scientific and technical publications. Mike and wife Betty live in Miles City, MT.