By Scout Nelson
Tad Sonstegard, a livestock genetics expert and recipient of the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) Alumni Achievement Award, has spent his career finding ways to improve cattle through science. His work combines his early interest in cattle breeding with modern genetic technology to support animal health, food production, and sustainable farming.
Growing up on a ranch in southwestern Minnesota, Sonstegard developed a strong interest in raising better cattle. At just 12 years old, he managed performance records for his father's registered Red Angus cattle. He soon began helping make breeding decisions to improve the herd. These early experiences shaped his interest in livestock improvement and later guided his scientific career.
Sonstegard's work now focuses on using molecular genetics to improve livestock for the benefit of animals and people. His research helps scientists and farmers identify useful traits in cattle, improve breeding decisions, and develop animals that can better handle health and environmental challenges.
“In his determination to apply genetics to address global food security, Dr. Sonstegard is following in the footsteps of [Nobel Peace Prize–winning agronomist] Norm Borlaug,” CBS professor emeritus Perry B. Hackett wrote in nominating Sonstegard for the award. “Throughout, he has focused on developing and applying advanced genetic technologies to improve animal welfare, production, and nutrition. The results feed people.”
After earning a bachelor's degree in agricultural biochemistry from Iowa State University in 1987, Sonstegard chose to continue his education rather than return to the family farm. He joined the research laboratory of Perry B. Hackett at the University of Minnesota, where he studied genetics and related biological processes.
During this period, Sonstegard made important discoveries about how retroviruses work. His research experience also helped him develop the scientific skills needed for future work in genetic engineering and livestock improvement.
He earned a Ph.D. in genetics and cell biology in 1995. Sonstegard credits Hackett's guidance and support as important parts of his professional growth.
“I was lucky to have Perry as a PhD advisor,” Sonstegard says.
Sonstegard also learned the value of sharing knowledge and working with others. He explains that cooperation helps researchers solve difficult problems by bringing together different skills and areas of knowledge. This approach continues to guide his work.
After completing his doctoral studies, Sonstegard joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. He advanced in his career while contributing to research that improved livestock breeding and food production.
In 2015, he joined Acceligen, a precision breeding company that develops genetic solutions for livestock. He currently serves as chief science officer and leads scientific work on genetic advancement and trait discovery for the URUS Group Innovation Team.
His work includes developing genetic tools to improve dairy and beef production, especially in developing countries. These tools help identify cattle with useful traits, allowing farmers and breeders to make better choices when selecting animals for breeding.
Sonstegard has also helped identify genetic markers linked to heat tolerance and disease resistance. These traits are important because cattle often face changing weather conditions, disease risks, and other challenges that can affect their health and productivity.
His research also supports efforts to reduce the environmental effects of meat and milk production. Healthier and more productive animals can help farmers use resources more efficiently while maintaining reliable food supplies.
One of his major achievements is helping develop a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. This genetic tool allows researchers and breeders to examine many genetic markers in cattle. It has been used worldwide to improve breeding decisions for more than 35 million cattle and has also supported the growth of several businesses.
Sonstegard's work earns recognition for its contribution to animal welfare, food security, and agricultural progress. Hackett nominated him for the CBS Alumni Achievement Award and compared his commitment to improving global food security with the work of Norman Borlaug, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning agronomist known for his contributions to agricultural development.
Hackett wrote, “In his determination to apply genetics to address global food security, Dr. Sonstegard is following in the footsteps of [Nobel Peace Prize–winning agronomist] Norm Borlaug.”
“Receiving this recognition from the institution where it all started is especially meaningful to me,” Sonstegard says. “The University of Minnesota is where my career began, and it laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished since. With the mentorship of Perry Hackett, who became a lifelong friend, I built relationships and pursued innovations that have helped transform livestock genetics.”
Sonstegard plans to continue working with URUS colleagues to bring gene-edited cattle genetics into commercial use. He also aims to discover new traits that support sustainability and help cattle resist disease.
“I still have the original passion of breeding the best cattle, but now I do it for a company instead of for my dad's farm,” Sonstegard says. “I'll continue to work with URUS colleagues to get commercialized gene-edited bovine genetics into the market and continue to discover new traits that will advance sustainability and disease resilience in cattle. A lot of my work has been focused on trying to improve genetics in low-middle-income countries, and there's still a long way to go on that.”
Photo Credit: Sonstegard
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture