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Department of Animal Science

Hector Menendez

Hector Menendez

Title

Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist

Office Building

Off-Campus

Mailing Address

SDSU West River Ag Center
711 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 2018
South 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/Expertise

Grazing Livestock, Systems Thinking, System Dynamics, Modeling, and Precision Livestock Management

Academic Responsibilities

Research and Extension

Committee Activities

National Animal Nutrition Program

Area(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)

Links

Linkedin Profile