The dairy and livestock industries in New York account for almost $3 billion dollars of farm cash receipts. This represents about 60% of the total farm cash receipts in the state. The Department of Animal Science has a major responsibility for the development and coordination of extension programs which help keep those in dairy, livestock and other industries aware of the latest research information. These research areas include animal breeding, nutrition, reproduction, management and nutrient management.
The department has active extension programs for producers in the areas of dairy, beef, sheep, goats, swine and horses. In addition, the youth extension program provides for the interests of youth in pet animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits in addition to the traditional dairy and livestock species.
Disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise is provided in genetic selection, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development, animal and systems management and nutrient management. The goal is to provide New York’s animal industries with information and technology to help them to be biologically efficient, economically profitable, sustainable and competitive in an increasingly challenging and environmentally conscious world.
Youth programs involve rural, urban and suburban young people in animal-relate projects that enhance basic knowledge and skills in animal biology and production systems. These programs also encourage personal development so that they can be contributing members of society in the future.
The Department Extension Leader (currently Professor Larry Chase) is responsible for the development and coordination of our programs. There are a number of extension programs that link Animal Science to other departments at Cornell.
All faculty with extension appointments also have significant research appointments and active research programs. These research programs include obtaining research grants, conducting research and advising graduate students. This portion of their appointment is intended to assure that extension faculty are fully aware of and involved in the most current research in their areas of expertise.
Another feature of Animal Science Extension at Cornell is the degree to which extension and undergraduate teaching in dairy management are linked. This includes having extension faculty involved in teaching in the classroom. In addition, students are involved in farm visits and farm analysis exercises with both extension personnel and agriservice partners. The goal of this integration is to assist students in learning to integrate principles into practice.
The faculty extension specialist interacts and serves as a resource for a wide array of groups and individuals. These include extension associates, regional and county extension educators, the feed industry, veterinarians, cooperatives, producer groups and private consultants. Methods used to transfer research information to these groups include conferences, seminars, workshops, publications, videos, computer programs, interactive computer linkages and telephone contacts. A number of computer models have been developed to assist the animal industry with management decisions.
In addition to our animal-related extension pages accessible from the drop down menu above, you might also be interested in eXtension. "eXtension" is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.