Born and raised in Northeastern, Nevada, Torell received a B.S. and M.S. degree in Animal Science at the University of Nevada, Reno.Torell worked on Nevada and California registered and commercial cattle ranches as a cowboy and manager from the age of ten.In addition to his duties as Nevada Livestock Extension Specialist he and his wife Jackie own a registered Angus herd and manage a successful custom artificial insemination business.
Torell started employment with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in 1984 assuming the duties as Livestock Specialist.His responsibilities as Livestock Extension Specialist are to assess the educational needs of livestock producers in Nevada, then develop and deliver educational programs that address those needs.He teaches research-based information to livestock producers by formal seminars, workshops, demonstrations and written materials.His interests and educational background lie in the range livestock production aspect of agriculture.His objectives have been, and continue to be, improving agriculture profitability of range livestock operations through quality educational programs.Torell uses an integrated approach to extension programming using the expertise of University personnel, local veterinarians, Nevada Cattleman's Association, Nevada Woolgrower's Association, industry representatives and ranchers.Torell prides himself in his communicate skills with a multitude of personalities, educational backgrounds, beliefs and opinions.
Summarization of Extension Program Success
The success of Torell’s educational programs have earned him the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President’s Award, 1994 Outstanding Extension Award presented by the Western Section of American Society of Animal Scientists, the Gamma Sigma Delta Extension Award of Merit and the Nevada Agriculture Foundations Arvin Boerlin Excellence Award.The successes of these programs were featured in the Ag Forum and USDA Extension Review magazine.Based on the quality of extension programming, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Agent Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents.
In addition, seven of his Extension programs have won national awards through the National Association of County Agriculture Agents’ Association.He has won three competitive professional improvement livestock production national seminars and tours.His programs have won several state and regional recognition awards.Most importantly, livestock producers in northeastern Nevada rely on Torell for their educational needs.Torell maintains an open communication channel with his clientele.Torell publishes articles in National and international trade journals with a combined circulation of 100,000 cattle producers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.Torell’s programs make a difference and have an impact on livestock producers nationwide.