Inspiration: John Shaw shared a poem called Advice from the River and shared fun facts about the Poudre Rive.
IDEA quote: IDEA quote: “It were not best that we should all think alike; it is the difference of opinion that makes horse races.” ~ Mark Twain
Upcoming Programs: Please see the side panel for upcoming speakers and be sure to invite your friends!
Rotary Cares: If you are aware of a fellow Rotarian who is going through a challenging time (i.e. personal or family health, family death, etc.) please let Sara Murphy know so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can. Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com.
Guests:
- Jennifer Kendall, biologist with NLGRP
- Dr. Phil Purdy, guest speaker, animal physiologist with NLGRP
- Chris Philben, guest of Andy Chaffin
Program: Dr. Phil Purdy, National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation
- Agricultural research program of the USDA
- Purpose is to preserve genetic material from plants and animals so that it can be used in case of emergency to repopulate whole plant or animal species
- The collection includes old crop varieties, livestock genetics, microbes and other biological material
- The practical payoff is disease-resistant crops such as lettuce and wheat
- More than 3,300 breeders have donated samples
- The dairy collection is described as the world's largest collection of dairy genetic resources, with about 7,903 animals represented by 299,262 semen and embryo samples.
- The organization is designed to provide a backup if an epidemic or other disaster severely reduces a population.
- GRIN database keeps track of what genetic material exists, including pedigree, genetic, physical and environmental information
- Preserving genetic diversity before you need it is far easier than trying to recreate it after it is gone.
The organization sees collaboration with breeders, researchers and other stakeholders as essential to deciding what should be preserved.
- Fun facts:
- Have about 3,000 species of corn
- Oldest bull (still alive) was born in 1948
- Can create a whole chicken population in under a year
Announcements:
Good News: