Craig Huffhines comes to the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences with over 30 years of experience in the equine and livestock industries. As the Director of the Institute, he oversees cutting-edge equine research programs and facilitates resource acquisition across multiple departments in collaboration with industry stakeholders. Before returning to Aggieland, Craig was the Director of Equine Sciences and Wagonhound Land & Livestock Chair at Colorado State University where he managed teaching and research programs, faculty, and operational staff of the largest Equine Science department in the country.

With a robust background in industry leadership, Craig served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the American Hereford Association (AHA) for a combined total of 24 years. At AQHA, he led the largest global equine breed association, managing a $45M budget and a team of 220 employees. At AHA, Craig directed significant breed improvement programs, genetic research, and youth development efforts that had a lasting impact on the livestock sector. His leadership also extended to founding and expanding the Certified Hereford Beef program, which impacted 400,000 head of cattle annually. Additionally, Huffhines developed national feedlot and carcass testing programs that became integral to the national livestock industry.

Craig’s educational background includes a B.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, and an M.S. in Meat Science from Colorado State University. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he was honored as the 2023 Texas A&M University Animal Science Outstanding Alumni, an award that acknowledges his exceptional career and lasting impact on both the academic and professional realms of animal science.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Craig is a passionate mentor, dedicated to the development of the next generation of leaders in equine sciences. He has held several leadership roles in industry organizations, including serving on the National Western Stock Show Equine Executive Committee, the American Royal Executive Committee, the American Horse Council Board of Trustees, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Animal Identification Committee, the Beef Improvement Federation Emerging Technology Committee, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the National Cutting Horse Foundation’s Welfare Advisory Committee.