Matthew John Ritter Ph.D. Student Department of Animal Sciences University of Illinois 212 Animal Sciences Lab MC - 630 1207 West Gregory Drive Urbana, IL 61801 Phone: (217) 333-0794 E-mail: ritter@express.cites.uiuc.edu

Matt grew up in Pana, IL and currently resides in Flanagan, IL.  Matt raises purebred Berkshire seedstock and has recently formed a partnership with Beckett Farms to market Berkshire pork direct to consumers.  Matt majored in agriculture and received his Associate in Science Degree in 1998 from Lake Land College.  Additionally, he majored in Animal Science and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 2000 and Master of Science Degree under the guidance of Dr. Matt Doumit in 2002 from Michigan State University.  Matt’s thesis work examined biochemical factors that influence fresh pork quality and the effects of Paylean^® on growth, carcass and meat quality traits.  Matt’s interests in the management and improvement of pork quality have directed him to the University of Illinois, where he recently started his PhD. program under Dr. Mike Ellis.