Travis Hoffman is the NDSU Extension Service's new sheep specialist. He also holds a joint appointment as sheep specialist for University of Minnesota Extension.

Hoffman was an instructor in meat sciences in the Department of Animal Sciences at South Dakota State University since September 2015. Prior to that, he was the Colorado beef quality assurance coordinator, a joint appointment for Colorado State University and the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, Colorado Livestock Association and Colorado Beef Council.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from SDSU in Brookings and his master's degree and doctorate in animal science, with a meat science emphasis, from Colorado State University.

Hoffman's doctoral research was part of the 2015 National Lamb Quality Audit and focused on retail and food service components of attributes that specifically define and quantify consumers' willingness to pay for lamb quality in the U.S. marketplace.

"We are very excited that Travis has joined our faculty at NDSU," said Greg Lardy, head of NDSU's Animal Sciences Department. "His background and knowledge in meat science will provide opportunities for building strong Extension programs. Travis' enthusiasm for the sheep industry is contagious."

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