A champion of the grass-fed beef industry and an expert in grazing methodology and regenerative agriculture, Allen Williams helps restore soil health for improved water retention, reduced runoff, increased land productivity, enhanced plant and wildlife biodiversity, and healthier food. He developed many of the original grass-fed protocols and technologies now adopted by the grass-fed sector.
Allen’s desire is to build an agricultural system that can provide nutritious, wholesome, and safe food choices for many generations to come. Joyce Farms is privileged to have Dr. Allen Williams on our team as our Chief Ranching Officer and as the leader of our growing regenerative agriculture program.
Allen's ancestors started his family farm in South Carolina in 1842. The farm has a diverse and traditional background, having raised beef and dairy cattle, hogs, poultry, sheep and produce. As the sixth-generation member of his family involved with agriculture, he is a deeply educated advocate for humane animal care, holistic land management and environmental stewardship.
He graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science and a Minor in Poultry Science, then attended Louisiana State University and earned his Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Physiology. After a time with the USDA FSIS, he had stints on the faculties at both Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University.
Allen’s farming heritage and keen expertise next led him to form Livestock Management Consultants, LLC (LMC, LLC) where he implemented sustainable practices with livestock grazing management. Through LMC, Allen has consulted with more than 3,000 farmers and ranchers throughout North, Central, and South America. He has also consulted with a number of branded food programs, processors, and distributors.
Allen’s work has given him opportunities in numerous regional, national, and international projects. These include: the Executive Committee of The Grass Fed Exchange, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Association of Family Farms (AFF), Lead Consultant for the Farm Food Collaborative, and as a Facilitator for the USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) Community of Practice.
In addition to being a member of The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and the American Society of Animal Science, Allen is internationally recognized as a leading expert in regenerative agriculture. He is regularly invited to speak at national and international events. Allen serves on the board of directors of the Grass Fed Exchange and the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network, and he is a core team member of The Pasture Project, a partner in Soil Health Consulting, LLC, and a co-investigator for Team SoilCarbon.
Does pasture diversity matter?
September 30, 2016 | Graze Magazine
What are the True Nutritional Benefits of Grass Fed Beef?
August 31, 2016 | The Grassfed Exchange Blog
In Defense of Soil Health
The Status Quo
USDA Revokes Grass Fed Label Standard: The Calm After The Storm
Shake Up Your Grazing!
The Similarities of Grassfed Beef and Dairy
Interest in Soil Health Growing
Recent Data Supports Soil Health Benefits of Adaptive High Stock Density Grazing
Major Events Sure To Alter Landscape of Grass Fed Beef
Cattle and Beef Prices Continue to Trend Upward
Selecting Cattle for Finishing on Grass
The Future of Grassfed: Laying Out the Promise and Challenges
