Michael has developed a highly successful research program. As Lead Scientist for the project "Reducing cost of efficient beef production", he coordinates the Fort Keogh research effort seeking to develop strategies and technologies for reducing costs of beef production, including enhanced efficiency of nutrient utilization and improved reproductive performance. Of necessity this research program is long-term and multi-disciplinary involving genetics, physiology, nutrition, and microbial metagenomics. His own work focuses on genetic, biometric, and production system approaches to increase efficiency and profitability of beef production. He is author, coauthor or editor of more than 250 scientific and technical publications (96 in refereed journals). The value others attach to his work is evidenced by more than 75 national and international invitations, consultancy, offices held and committee assignments in professional societies, numerous citations in the scientific literature, and use of research results by action agencies, beef producers, breed associations, and others in the beef industry. Mike is also responsible for the conservation of Line 1 Hereford cattle and dissemination of this germplasm to the beef industry.