Best known as Jim to most of us, Dr. Riemann has a long career in academics, industry, and government in the meat industry.  Academically, Jim was a professor at the University of Tennessee for 15 years.  During this time, Jim actively taught and mentored students while conducting research primarily on the effects of animal production systems on the eating quality or sensory aspects of meat.  Jim coached the meat judging team several years, did a lot of statewide extension work, and helped train agents and teachers to establish a statewide 4-H and FFA meat judging program.

Jim moved from academics to industry in 1992 when he joined Cargill.  He chose to make this transition at a time when Jack in the Box E. coli O157 was the top story for the industry.  Jim provided leadership to guide the research team to develop new and implement existing solutions to improve beef carcass food safety.  Jim was instrumental in testing, development, and implementation of steam pasteurization.  He also played a major role in the implementation of steam vacuums, carcass wash improvements, and implementation of the HAACP mega rule.  Jim was a true leader at a time the industry needed his skills.

Jim left Cargill to become the President of Certified Angus Beef.  In this role he became a worldwide advocate for high quality beef.  Under Jim’s leadership, CAB further developed its licensing program globally, established CAB Natural and CAB Prime brand extensions, and expanded the use of culinary and retail data to help licensees increase sales.

Jim’s retirement from CAB in 2006 was short lived as he entered into a state government role as the assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the state of Kansas.  In this role, he was responsible for the state’s meat inspection program plus eight other regulatory programs.   Jim was a part of an aggressive administration that worked diligently to improve accountability and cost management throughout the agency.  Jim was also called upon to mediate several administrative actions relative to exotic and companion animal industries.  Again demonstrating Jim’s outstanding ability to bring opposing parties to the table and mediate a workable solution.

Last November he started a new adventure working with a farm equipment manufacturing company in South Australia.  He and Nancy are traveling the mid-west and southern U.S. meeting farmers and introducing a special warranty program for the company.

Source: AMSA