Hugo A. Ramírez RamírezAssistant Professor – Dairy Nutrition and ManagementIowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I attended the Autonomous University of Chapingo, an agricultural university in Mexico, where I completed an agricultural high school program and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Subsequently, I completed my M.S. and Ph.D. programs at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, conducting applied research in dairy nutrition.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up surrounded by agricultural education because my father and older sister are faculty members at the Autonomous University of Chapingo in Mexico. Upon graduation, I managed a state-of-the-art dairy farm in central Mexico.
What territory will you cover?
My position is based in Ames, Iowa, and my responsibilities expand statewide.
What are your new responsibilities?
I hold an appointment that includes extension, research and teaching. Specific items in extension relate to serving producers in areas of dairy nutrition and farm management based on applied research with a focus on forage quality, fiber fermentation and by-products for dairy cows. My teaching responsibilities include senior level classes in dairy science, and I will also serve as the coach for the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge Team.
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to joining Iowa State University, I was on faculty in the department of animal science and veterinary technology as assistant professor and director of the Southwest Regional Dairy Center at Tarleton State University and research scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, both based in Stephenville, Texas.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My family and also my mentors in the academic and professional settings.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
Cost of production is heavily influenced by feed prices, and I hope to help dairy producers by studying ways to improve rumen fermentation and develop strategies to improve forage quality and utilization.
Why did you choose this company?
I chose Iowa State because I wanted to work with dairy producers and get involved with the dairy industry so that I can bring practical knowledge to our students in the classroom. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has a tremendous dairy extension team that is closely connected with the dairy industry, and being part of this team grants me the opportunity to work closely with dairy producers and other professionals in the industry.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goals are to develop and disseminate science-based applied knowledge to help improve feed efficiency in dairy cattle. I also think that having the opportunity to prepare students as future dairy professionals is a privilege, and my goal is to help students succeed in- and outside the classroom. PD
