Texas A&M regent John Bellinger named USDA NWS senior adviser
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of John Bellinger as senior adviser for New World screwworm preparedness at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In the role, Bellinger will work with USDA teams as the department evaluates technologies and response strategies aimed at combating the NWS, a pest that threatens livestock and other animals.
Rollins said Bellinger’s experience in the cattle and food safety industries, along with his Texas roots, would support the administration’s efforts to respond to the pest.
Bellinger said NWS presents challenges for United States ranchers and that USDA is working to strengthen both immediate and long-term response capabilities. He plans to work with USDA and state partners to continue efforts involving testing, detection, and population-reduction tools.
Past experience
Bellinger serves on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, where he was appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023. He chairs the board’s Committee on Research.
A resident of San Antonio, Texas, Bellinger co-founded Food Safety Net Services with his wife, Gina Bellinger, and previously served as the company’s CEO. He remains a board member following the company’s merger with Certified Group.
He is also CEO of Agri-West International and Bellinger Development. His previous leadership positions include chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Southwest Meat Association.
Bellinger serves as a partner and board member for several businesses, including Nolan Ryan Beef and BK Beef. He is also involved with the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture Development Council and advises the university’s Department of Animal Science. He was inducted into the U.S. Meat Industry Hall of Fame in 2022.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
