Zachary Carlson has joined NDSU Extension as the beef cattle specialist. He will devote 70 percent of his time to Extension and 30 percent to research.

Carlson’s Extension responsibilities include statewide programing that will offer improvements to existing production practices, as well as alternative practices and concepts. He also will be involved in training Extension personnel.

“This position is well designed so that my Extension work will direct my research focus,” Carlson said. “My training is in beef cattle nutrition, so inherently my research will have some focus on nutrition, but my aim is to perform applied research that provides in-depth, alternative options for beef cattle producers, as well as increase production efficiencies for all segments of beef cattle production.”

Carlson earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from NDSU and master’s degree and doctorate in animal science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His doctoral research evaluated several areas of the beef industry, including alternative cow-calf production involving feedlot confinement and cover crop grazing, yearling grazing systems and implant programs in heifers on finishing diets.

Charlie Stoltenow, assistant Extension director for agriculture and natural resources, said, “We are extremely happy to have Zac return to us here at NDSU Extension. He brings enthusiasm, has had great training at UNL and has the skills necessary to be an effective Extension beef specialist. Besides his training in ruminant nutrition, Dr. Carlson has a keen interest in helping our producers utilize data to help make management decisions.”

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