By Haley R. Moore
The Wye Angus Program is pleased to announce their new Program Manager, Heath McPherson, whose diverse background in animal agriculture, genetics, and systems-based herd management will guide the program into its next chapter.
As a lifelong cattleman, he brings more than a decade of personal and professional experience in animal science, feed mill operations, and livestock nutrition.
McPherson earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Shortly before graduating, he entered the workforce in the swine industry while completing his degree. He served as a livestock specialist with Quality Plus Feeds, where he managed rations, feed tags, customer relations, and a wide range of operational responsibilities. Most recently, he worked with Beck’s Hybrids, supporting dealer networks across northern Missouri, southwest Iowa, and western Illinois.
As a self-described “pedigree nerd,” McPherson has long held a fascination with the Wye Angus herd. While at Iowa State University, he discovered The Breed of Noble Bloods by James B. Lingle, which sparked his passion for the Wye Angus program.
“The Wye program is one of the most documented and historically significant Angus herds in the country,” McPherson said. “Its legacy as a closed breeding program and its influence during the breed’s major type change from belt-buckle cattle to the performance movement is remarkable.”
McPherson noted the substantial contributions of the late Jeff Bricker as the previous Program Manager. Bricker played a key role in establishing the Wye Angus Museum, creating the program’s social media presence, and reinforcing relationships within the Wye community while helping build new ones.
“I believe the museum is a tremendous resource, and I am eager to continue the work he started — digitizing, preserving, and curating the historical items, exploring ways to make them more accessible to the public, and thoughtfully incorporating them into our marketing when appropriate,” McPherson said.
In his new role, McPherson plans to approach the Wye herd with a balance of respect for tradition and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“I want to understand the day-to-day operations, our strengths, and where we can grow,” McPherson said. “My goal is not to change everything overnight — it is to evaluate the system objectively and make sure that when we do make changes, they are the right ones.”
Genetic diversity and line preservation within a closed herd will be a central theme of his breeding strategy. He plans to continue organizing the herd around cow families by maintaining balance across lines, utilizing both proven sires and embryos within the program’s extensive genetic inventory. He also emphasized the importance of aligning future breeding decisions with the shared vision of the Wye Angus team.
“The more we can stay aligned, the easier it is to implement meaningful change,” McPherson said. “Henry [Spies] has done incredible work with the grazing system, and I’m excited to support and expand those efforts.”
Precision agriculture could benefit the future of the herd. McPherson mentioned using 3D modeling and LiDAR scanning to evaluate traits such as udder and foot structure — areas traditionally that are subjectively scored.
“Removing human error or bias from structural evaluations could be a game-changer,” McPherson said. “Imagine being able to send a potential buyer a link to a fully rotatable 3D scan of a cow’s foot. That kind of transparency and precision could elevate the entire industry.”
Looking ahead, he intends to make decisions through the lens of long-term stewardship, hoping to actualize a strategy that keeps the herd thriving 50 to 100 years from now.
“Research, education, and herd management are the three legs of the stool,” McPherson said. “I think the big piece here is staying relevant to its purpose, delivering lasting value to cattlemen and cattlewomen, research, and the surrounding community.”
As he prepares to relocate, McPherson and his family are excited for the opportunities Maryland offers. His family looks forward to visiting the beach, and he is eager to enjoy fresh seafood and explore the Eastern Shore’s landscapes.
"The Wye herd has a long history of excellence, and we are committed to continuing that reputation,” said Wendy Powers, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We are thrilled that our national search for a new manager produced a strong talent pool and that we were able to attract Mr. McPherson to the position".