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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.

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Education

  • Ph.D. in biological sciences | South Dakota State University | 2018
    • 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."
  • M.S. in agricultural sciences | Sam Houston State University | 2012
    • Focus: Agronomy and Agribusiness
    • Thesis: "Forage Quality Analysis of Annual Ryegrass Via Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy."
  • B.S. in animal science (minor in agricultural business) | Sam Houston State University | 2010

Academic Interests

  • Grazing livestock
  • Systems thinking
  • System dynamics
  • Modeling
  • Precision livestock management

Academic Responsibilities

  • Research
  • Extension

Committees and Professional Memberships

  • National Animal Nutrition Program

Areas of Research

Students:

  • Anna Dagel - M.S. in animal science - ruminant nutrition and precision Heifer development
  • Lily McFadden - M.S. in animal science - ruminant nutrition and cover crop/soil carbon modeling

Department(s)