Merritt Drewery discusses use of fly larvae as livestock feed with Big Ideas TXST

Merritt Drewery, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences

Merritt Drewery, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University, joins the Big Ideas TXST podcast to discuss her innovative study into using black soldier fly larvae as an environmentally sustainable, high-protein feed source for cattle production in May's new episode.

Drewery’s research program focuses on the identification of novel feedstuffs to enhance livestock production. She is currently working on insects and insect products as feed for beef cattle. She is also dabbling in social sciences, assessing the impact of Covid-19 on different professional groups. A first-generation college graduate, Drewery credits her academic mentors with much of her professional success. As such, she is committed to helping students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. She teaches animal science, leadership, research methods and grant development courses, but encourages any student to reach out to her for guidance and support. 

Big Ideas TXST is a monthly podcast from Texas State’s Division of University Advancement that goes inside the fascinating minds forging innovation, research and creativity at the university. Hosted by Daniel Seed, a lecturer in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, each episode features thoughtful interviews and discussion with the thought leaders developing innovative ideas to make the world a better place.

Big Ideas TXST can be found at news.txstate.edu/inside-txst/big-ideas-podcast. The podcast may also be listened to or subscribed to at:

• Anchor
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify