WASHINGTON — The Meat Institute confirmed on April 30 the hiring of Jesse Fulton as the director of animal health and welfare.

In this role, Fulton will work on assistance, analysis, guidance and technical support for the meat and poultry packing and processing industries. Some topics for his position include animal production, health, handling, welfare, foreign animal disease, veterinary drugs and pathology.

“Jesse Fulton is an excellent addition to the Meat Institute staff, bringing a wealth of knowledge in the field of animal science and real-world experience working for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer for Meat Institute. “Jesse oversees our Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit, as well as key policies and standards that ensure the industry is continuously improving in the areas of animal health, handling and care.” 

While working on the Animal Welfare Committee, Fulton discusses issues, shares best practices and establishes industry-wide positions with members. He also provides technical support to other committees and represents the Meat Institute at external meetings and before government agencies on animal health and welfare issues.

Prior to working at the Meat Institute, Fulton spent five years with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and nearly five years with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he oversaw the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program.

Fulton holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Morehead State along with a Master of Science in Animal Science from South Dakota State University.  Most of his work was focused on beef cattle fetal programming. Fulton is pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with his research focusing on ruminant nutrition.