Photo submitted to the Times Observer Russell native Mitchell Angove was named to Forbes Magazine's 30 under 30 list for the year of 2024.

Mitchell Angove, a native of Russell and an Eisenhower Middle High School (EMHS) graduate, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Angove graduated from Eisenhower in 2018, earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and later completed his master’s degree at the University of California, Davis, where he honed his expertise in biotechnology and sustainability.

As the co-founder and CEO of Feanix Biotechnologies, Angove is transforming the agricultural industry by analyzing animal genomes to predict traits such as size, milk production, and other key health markers. The company’s work helps customers make informed breeding decisions, reducing the need for large herds and fostering sustainability – advancing efforts to improve the global food supply chain and combat climate change.

Angove said his years in Warren County were instrumental in focusing his vast scientific education and knowledge on sustainability.

“Growing up in Warren, I developed a deep love for farming and gained a profound respect for the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed in agriculture. At the same time, I’ve always been passionate about nature and wildlife, and I’ve struggled with the narrative that agriculture and the environment must be at odds,” said Angove. “When I discovered the potential of genetics to create healthier, more efficient, and sustainable food systems, I saw an incredible opportunity to bridge my passions for farming and ecology. Through genomic analysis, I’m able to support farmers while fostering a vision of agriculture that works in harmony with nature.”

Feanix Biotechnologies was founded in Davis, Calif., in 2021, emerging as a trailblazer in animal genomics. In 2023, the company relocated its operations to Asheville, North Carolina, seeking to expand its capabilities and better serve its growing customer base. Feanix Biotechnologies has raised $5.3 million in venture funding, reflecting strong investor confidence in its potential.

Feanix offers various genetic testing services for livestock and racing pigeons, aimed at improving breeding and overall animal health. For cattle, they provide tests that help identify the ideal traits for milk production, such as A1/A2 Beta-Casein, which looks at the milk protein type. They also test for horn growth traits and genetic conditions like Recessive Red and Calf Recumbency Syndrome, which can affect cattle health. For racing pigeon breeders, Feanix offers tests to determine key factors like performance potential, sex, and health traits, helping to improve breeding strategies.

Their innovative platform uses DNA testing and machine learning to recommend the best genetic matches for livestock, leading to healthier and more productive animals. Feanix makes the process easy by using small samples, such as a single feather or hair, for DNA testing​.

Not even a year after the move, Hurricane Helene struck, leaving widespread devastation in its path and flooding the Feanix lab. The damage forced the company to pause its operations, rebuild much of the lab from scratch, and begin the challenging recovery process, demonstrating Angove and his team’s resilience and unwavering commitment to their mission.

In speaking about losing and rebuilding a lab, Angove stated, “We are working through it, one step at a time. I believe these sorts of things make or break people; you either come out the other side stronger than you could have believed, or it breaks you.”

Angove relayed, “Being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is truly an honor and a bit surreal. It highlights the work I’ve been passionate about and its impact. I feel incredibly lucky to be recognized alongside such talented and inspiring individuals who are doing amazing things in their fields. This recognition is a reminder of the importance of pushing boundaries and finding innovative solutions to real-world problems. It’s humbling and motivates me to keep striving to make a difference. I’m excited to be part of this community and learn from others equally dedicated to making positive change.”