From our species-specific regional producer programs to our hands-on educational programs for youth, the latest practical information in animal sciences is provided by our trusted faculty, staff, and students.
Whereas all animal sciences faculty engage in outreach efforts, some faculty hold Extension appointments that enable them to develop program in support of the University’s mission to give back to the public. Found below are the main contacts and links to their Extension programs and resources.
As a joint effort with University of Illinois Extension, the Department of Animal Sciences also manages Illinois-based research centers that help researchers gain critical information, and then disperse valuable information to the community. The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center and Orr Beef Research Center conduct research on beef cattle, as well other research areas.
The department makes a considerable contribution to the College of ACES Extension and outreach. Several Extension faculty and specialists work with farmers on livestock waste management, air quality control in livestock facilities, farm safety, drainage, and chemical applications.
Title
Animal Sciences Extension
Animal Sciences Extension & Outreach programs provide practical education and learning activities to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future.
We take knowledge gained through faculty and student research and make it accessible to the public.
Faculty Members and Specialists
Beef Cattle, Swine
Lee Rincker, Instructor
Specialization: Youth Outreach
Email: lrincke2@illinois.edu
Website: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/programs/animal-sciences
Beef Cattle
Travis Meteer, Extension Specialist, Orr Ag R&D Center
Specialization: Production and Outreach
Email: wmeteer2@illinois.edu
Website: https://extension.illinois.edu/oardc
Beef Cattle, Sheep/Goats
Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist, Dixon Springs Center
Specialization: Production and Outreach
Email: tsteckle@illinois.edu
Website: https://extension.illinois.edu/dsac, https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/livestock-production
Companion Animal
Amy Fischer, Teaching Associate Professor
Specialization: Animal Shelters, Humane Education
Email: afischer@illinois.edu
Website: https://companion-animals.extension.org
Dairy Cattle
Felipe Cardoso, Associate Professor
Specialization: Production
Email: cardoso2@illinois.edu
Website: https://dairyfocus.illinois.edu
Dairy Cattle
Derek Nolan, Teaching Associate Professor
Specialization: Youth, Production
Email: dtnolan@illinois.edu
Website: https://www.facebook.com/UIUCDairyExt
Equine
Kevin Kline, Professor
Specialization: Production, Outreach
Email: kkline@illinois.edu
Website: http://livestocktrail.illinois.edu/horsenet
Equine
Debra Hagstrom, Extension Specialist
Specialization: Youth Outreach
Email: hagstrom@illinois.edu
Website: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/programs/animal-sciences
Livestock
Dan Jennings, Extension Educator
Specialization: 4-H Youth Development, Animal Systems
Email: djjennin@illinois.edu
Poultry
Ken Koelkebeck, Professor Emeritus
Specialization: Production, Outreach, Youth
Email: kkoelkeb@illinois.edu
Website: http://livestocktrail.illinois.edu
Swine
Michael Ellis, Professor Emeritus
Specialization: Production, Genetics
Email: mellis7@illinois.edu
Swine
Hans Stein, Professor
Specialization: Nutrition
Email: hstein@illinois.edu
Website: www.nutrition.ansci.illinois.edu
Swine
Robert Knox, Professor
Specialization: Reproduction
Email: rknox@illinois.edu
Website: https://publish.illinois.edu/swine-repronet
Resources
Agricultural Safety and Health
Research-based information and resources to assist individuals and organizations in understanding and preventing injury and illness while working in and around Illinois agriculture.
Agricultural Safety and Health Network
Community-based programs addressing various agricultural safety and health issues.
Illinois Certified Livestock Manager Training
The goal of our CLM training is to educate Illinois livestock producers about waste management practices, rules, and regulations to enable them to become certified as required by state of Illinois regulations.
Livestock Facilities and Manure Management
The Small Farms Manure Management website provides livestock producers with information related to composting manure, environmental rules and regulations, facilities, manure land application, and pasture management.
Illinois Manure Management Plan
The Illinois Manure Management Plan website offers step-by-step instructions for developing manure management plans that comply with the requirements of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.