SCIENCE/GENETICS

To advance USYAKS research and development in three ways: improving yak genetic health and reproduction practices, research and sharing information around yak nutrition and growth, and providing USYAKS members with “best practices” for yak health care knowledge and techniques.
 ​
 Members of this working group include:
 Peter Hackett, MD, Chair
 Mike Heaton, Phd., USDA
 Jessica Peterson, Phd.
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If you have an interest in becoming involved or have questions, please contact Peter at hackett@hypoxia.net

YAK MEAT

The focus of this group is to develop resources to assist USYAK producers market their yak meat. Results from meat analyses are available, including a 2019 nutritional analysis of grass-fed yak. The group is currently working on developing a “USYAKS Certified Yak Meat” label, based off of criteria which, if met, USYAK members could affix the medallion to their meat packaging. The group's work is member need driven. 

Members of this group include:
Brad Peterson - Yaks of Coalbank Creek​
Greg Dike - Zhi-ba Shing-Ga Yaks 
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If you have an interest in becoming involved or have
questions, please contact Greg at nct1108@yahoo.com

YAK FIBER

How-to resources and future development of value of yak fiber are available through the work of this group.  These fiber advocates are working to educate and identify value and purpose for yak fiber as the North American standard for luxury fiber  Fiber shows including judging specific criteria for characteristics and exhibitions of textile creations made by talented fiber artists are underway each year.  

Articles and edcuation on fiber harvest, fiber mill relationships and regional training continue to be explored. 

Members of this working group include:
Caryn DeRochie - Storm Cloud Ranch
Melissa Lunsford - Granite Peaks Ranch
Susan Mandatta - Silver Cuff Farm
Katrina Tylee - Little Hawk Yarns
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If you have an interest in becoming involved or have questions, please contact Melissa at mlunsford101@icloud.com

EXHIBITIONS & SHOWS

The underlying work of this group is about marketing yaks – to bring yaks to the public and market through involvement in exhibitions and shows. The centerpiece is the USYAKS Show at the National Western Stock Show which is including individual yak evaluations (in the pen) as well as side-by-side competition in the show ring. This is both an educational and competitive event for yak owners which is also designed to engage and teach the public about yaks. However the NWSS is but one event and as such this work are is exploring involvement in other high attendance livestock venues as a way to “bring yaks into the public eye”. The Board and all members present at USYAKS Board meetings collectively work to develop the show at the NWSS. Subgroups of Board members and members will work on other possible venues which are geographically practical. 

Members of this group include:
Brad Peterson - Yaks of Coalbank Creek
Greg Dike - Zhi-ba Shing-ga Yaks
Tina-Anne D'Agostino - Silver Cuff Farm
Urs - Heritage Yaks
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If you have an interest in becoming involved or have
questions, please contact Brad at coalbankcreek@juno.com