Title
Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing SpecialistOffice Building
Off-CampusMailing Address
SDSU West River Ag Center711 N Creek Dr
Rapid City, SD 57703
Biography
Dr. Hector M. Menendez III received his Ph.D. from South Dakota State University in Biological Sciences (2018). In 2020, he joined SDSU as an Assistant Professor in the Animal Science Department and serves as a state Livestock Grazing Extension Specialist. Dr. Menendez’s research is focused on understanding complex grazing systems and identifying high-leverage solutions. He accomplishes this by using a combination of mathematical simulation modeling, precision livestock technology, and through the evaluation of water-soil-plant-animal interconnections. Dr. Menendez’s Extension programming applies a systems approach to enhance producer management of livestock grazing systems. He also serves as a committee member of the National Animal Nutrition Program, which guides national nutrient modeling resources, training, and application.Education
Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) May 2018South Dakota State University
Focus: Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modeling and Natural Resource Management
Dissertation: Quantifying potential long-term changes in erosion, discharge, and total suspended solids resulting from agricultural land use change in South Dakota
Agricultural Sciences (M.S.) May 2012
Sam Houston State University
Focus: Agronomy and Agribusiness
Thesis: Forage Quality Analysis of Annual Ryegrass Via Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy.
Animal Science (B.S.) December 2010
Sam Houston State University
Minor: Agricultural Business
Academic Interests
Grazing Livestock, Systems Thinking, System Dynamics, Modeling, and Precision Livestock ManagementAcademic Responsibilities
Research and ExtensionCommittee Activities
National Animal Nutrition ProgramArea(s) of Research
Students:Anna Dagel (M.S.) Animal Science -Ruminant Nutrition and Precision Heifer Development
Lily McFadden (M.S.) Animal Science -Ruminant Nutrition and Cover Crop/Soil Carbon Modeling
Department(s)
Image for Department of Animal Science
Department of Animal Science
Image for SDSU Extension
SDSU Extension
Image for SDSU West River Research and Extension
SDSU West River Research and Extension