Cattle Nutrition and Bacillus Supplements: Faith and Science in Action with Cliff Wilms – From FCFI’s Monthly Zoom Gathering

Fellowship of Christian Farmers recently welcomed Cliff Wilms, an agricultural expert and devoted disciple-maker, to share insights from his dual calling — advancing cattle nutrition research and discipling men of faith across Africa. With a strong background in beef cattle nutrition and a deep passion for ministry, Cliff has found a powerful way to unite his professional expertise with his heart for service.

After an opening prayer led by Michael Bond, Cliff began his presentation by sharing two key aspects of his work: scientific breakthroughs in animal nutrition and the transformative journey of men’s discipleship.

Advancing Cattle Nutrition through Bacillus Supplements

Cliff opened with an overview of a research study examining probiotic supplementation and its effects on fetal programming — the process by which a cow’s nutrition during pregnancy influences the health and growth of her calf.

“We’ve learned that how we feed the cow while she’s pregnant affects the calf’s development,” Cliff explained. “It can influence which genes are expressed and improve future growth and immunity.”

The study, conducted with 72 beef cows, revealed that feeding probiotic Bacillus bacteria during gestation produced stronger calves with:

While the research emphasized the benefits of Bacillus probiotics, Cliff reminded attendees that good nutrition starts with the basics:

“Feed additives are important,” he said, “but you’ve got to get the foundation right first.”

From Nutrition to Nurture: Discipling Men Around the World

Cliff then transitioned from animal nutrition to his deeper passion — discipleship. Reflecting on 1 Kings 2:1–3, he highlighted David’s words to Solomon: “Be strong, show yourself a man, and walk in the ways of the Lord.”

His ministry journey began in Uganda, where he saw a generation of young men growing up without fathers or mentors due to the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.

“There are very few men my age in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Cliff shared. “So many young men grow up without a dad, an uncle, or even a friend who has one.”

To meet this need, Cliff partnered with Edward Ada to launch a men’s discipleship movement in 2013. Starting with just 16 participants, the ministry has grown into The 6:8 Men, named after Micah 6:8 — “To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Their discipleship sessions cover practical, faith-centered topics such as:

The Power of Multiplication

Cliff emphasized the model of spiritual multiplication found in 2 Timothy 2:2:

“The things you have heard from me, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

He explained that if one man disciples another every two years — and each man continues the process — the result could impact over 33 million lives within a single lifetime.

“Men come to spiritual maturity when they disciple other men,” Cliff said. “It doesn’t really take root in a man until he has taught it to another.”

This multiplying vision has taken root across Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, and Kenya, where second, third, and even fourth generations of disciples are now mentoring others.

A Vision for True Transformation

Cliff concluded with a reminder that God values not just what we do, but who we become:

“I don’t think the first question Christ will ask me is, ‘How many people did you share the gospel with?’ I think He’ll ask, ‘How well did you love Me?’”

Through both his research in cattle nutrition and his ministry to men, Cliff continues to model how faith and vocation can align to build lives of strength, purpose, and godly influence.

Cliff is one of FCFI key disciplers in a new FCFI outreach and is now actively engaged in follow up with potential disciples gathered from FFA events and from our farm shows and festivals. A big thank you to Cliff.