The Department of Animal Sciences is proud to announce that Dr. Alika Conley, DVM, has been selected as the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus for his progressive ideas and impactful advocacy for Washington’s beef cattle industry.
Conley has always been connected to cattle. He grew up on a large cow-calf ranch on Hawaii’s Big Island near Waimea. Motivated to provide care for livestock, he attended WSU and earned both a BS in animal sciences and a DVM in 2010 through the Combined Program in Animal Sciences. After several years as a large-animal veterinarian in a mixed-animal practice, he joined Simplot Feeders in 2013 as a heifer-raising manager. Since then, he has advanced within the organization and currently serves as manager and veterinarian of their feedyard in Pasco, Washington. There, he and his team oversee the health, comfort, and nutrition of up to 75,000 cattle per turn.
Conley emphasizes the broader contribution of beef production to Washington’s economy. USDA statistics show Washington’s beef cattle industry was valued at $1.33 billion in 2023, second only to apples. Despite this fact, Conley notes that beef producers face growing scrutiny from lawmakers and state agencies, many of whom may not fully understand industry practices. He notes that Washington beef producers are committed to reducing their environmental impact. As President of the Washington Cattle Feeders Association, he aims to educate the public about the sustainable practices used by producers. Additionally, he highlights the important role cattle play in food security at the state, national, and global levels by upcycling agricultural waste and inedible byproducts into high-quality protein.
The department sincerely thanks Dr. Conley for his outstanding leadership, professionalism, and service, which continue to inspire excellence, drive positive change, and enhance sustainable beef cattle production in Washington and beyond.