Insight from Ag Influencer Dr. Temple Grain – A Video Interview

By Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness Media (May 21, 2024)

The accolades are many – best-selling author, champion of the humane treatment of livestock and autism rights and inclusive neurodiversity, TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and much more – but the one she wants to be noted for first and foremost is as a teacher, one who provides a window into the open door of opportunity.

As a distinguished professor in animal science for more than 30 years at Colorado State University (CSU) and recipient of the 2023 CSU Founders Day Medal, Dr. Temple Grandin has more than made an indelible mark on the malleable minds of her many students.

Now, Women in Agribusiness (WIA) members get the chance to mingle with Dr. Grandin and absorb that influence and inspiration. At this year’s WIA Summit – in Denver, September 24-26 – Dr. Grandin will be a guest at the Members Only Night Out, which will take place on the CSU Spur campus on Monday evening, September 23.

Attendees will enjoy a private screening of Dr. Grandin’s new documentary, An Open Door, as well as a Q&A with her, the film’s producer John Barnhardt, and CSU President Amy Parsons. There also will be a book signing of Dr. Grandin’s book, Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of Those Who See in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions.

In preparation, and with excitement for that special night, WIA Today spoke to Dr. Grandin to get more details and ask her thoughts on some of the key topics in ag today – like the spread of the avian flu (H5N1) to cattle, the proliferation of agtech innovations in the cattle industry, and how alternative meats might fit into the larger protein market.

Listen to the interview here.

(Note: WIA Summit registration is required, as is WIA membership, to register for the Members Only Night Out at the Summit. Space is limited at this exclusive WIA member event at CSU so register soon. Learn more about WIA Membership here so you can get your seat at the table with Dr. Temple Grandin at the 2024 WIA Summit.)