The latest iteration of Oklahoma State University Agriculture’s Dean’s Dialogue series was held April 27. Dean’s Dialogue launched in fall 2023, using the platform to focus on leadership perspectives on essential conversations in the agricultural industry.

Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, sat down with Donnie Smith, former chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, to discuss the future of animal agriculture. Smith currently focuses on building resilient, sustainable food systems in the developing world, enabling small-holder farms to lift themselves out of poverty through the poultry value chain.

“We were honored to welcome Donnie as the special guest for the Dean’s Dialogue,” Lusk said. “Donnie brought a wealth of real-world experience from leading one of the world’s most influential food companies, and his insights into leadership, innovation, and the global food systems were incredibly valuable for our students, faculty and staff.”

The duo discussed Smith’s time as CEO of Tyson, his current work in the poultry industry and the future of agriculture across the hour-long discussion.

“Genetic progress has been tremendous,” said Smith, who spent 36 years in multiple roles at Tyson. “The animal nutrition and what we know today about the bird genome and how to feed it for maximum efficiency is amazing.”

Smith said he is excited to continue seeing the great strides in the scientific progress in the agricultural industry, telling stories about how he has witnessed drone technology and precision ag techniques evolve over his more than four-decade career.

“Just think what we can do now with artificial intelligence and quantum computing,” Smith said. “There’s a microscopic gene somewhere that’s going to unlock the potential of something that’s going to amaze us all.”

Currently, Smith is engaged in international work, helping to build up the agricultural industry in several African countries, including Rwanda. Smith helped start the Africa Sustainable Agriculture Project Foundation to support agricultural development in Africa.

He described how, in 2014, they built Rwanda’s first commercial feed mill. Through his philanthropic work, Smith has helped create infrastructure for a table egg farm and small broiler business in the country with roughly 400 smallholder farmers.

“God puts this amazing genetic potential in chickens,” Smith said. “But if you don’t feed it right, it just stays potential.”

Smith’s business has also expanded into Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

“The goal of ASAP is to have the chicken business in Rwanda that is not only supporting itself, but is supporting foundations for farming,” Smith said. “Because we have such good profits, we can invest what we need to invest back in the business.”

Before moving into international agriculture, Smith spent 36 years at Tyson Foods, serving as president and CEO from 2009 to 2016, during which the company achieved four consecutive years of record profits.

During his discussion with Lusk, Smith explained the steps he learned that he still applies to his work years later.

“I spent a lot of time pouring into our folks, because they’re the ones getting the work done every day,” Smith said.

To watch the event, please view the Dean’s Dialogue video.