BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome John Jaeger to a full-time appointment as an SDSU Extension Beef Specialist.
In his role, Jaeger will conduct research and work with producers to help them enhance their own cow/calf productivity and profitability, drought preparedness and management, developing productive replacement heifers, and using ultrasound technology to monitor livestock and identify superior traits.
He is based on the SDSU campus in Brookings. Jaeger previously served as the head of the SDSU Department of Animal Science. Grateful for his experience in that role, Jaeger is excited to transition back into working directly with beef producers across the state.
“I enjoy taking research and knowledge and turning it into practical, useful information and management strategies that can make a difference on the ranch,” Jaeger said. “I’m looking forward to spending more time in the field, building relationships with producers and industry partners, and working with our SDSU Extension team to help the South Dakota beef industry remain strong and competitive.”
Before joining SDSU, Jaeger spent 17 years at Kansas State University as a beef cattle scientist at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays where he managed more than 5,000 acres of pasture, fall- and spring-calving research herds and a 1,000-head feedlot. His research focused on forage-based beef production systems, including cow/calf and weaning-to-finish operations, with an emphasis on efficiently and sustainably converting grazed native forages into beef. He also investigated the effects of pre-weaning calf management and earlier-than-normal weaning on subsequent feedlot performance and carcass quality.
Prior to that, Jaeger worked as a cow-calf herdsman and assistant scientist at a Kansas State University Research Station, and as a ranch manager and research assistant at an Oregon State University research station.
A native of Oregon, Jaeger attended Oregon State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science, a master’s in animal science with an emphasis in reproductive physiology, and a doctorate in animal science with an emphasis in reproductive physiology.
“I am fortunate to feel that my career has prepared me well for this role,” Jaeger said. “Together, these experiences have provided a strong foundation in beef production, applied research and producer-focused problem solving that I look forward to bringing to my Extension role.
Sandy Smart, professor and SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader, praised Jaeger’s background and commitment to beef production, calling him a welcome addition to the SDSU Extension team.
"At Kansas State University, John oversaw a vibrant research program at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays, and he has extensive experience in all things related to beef production including reproduction, nutrition and carcass quality of market livestock,” Smart said. “SDSU Extension is lucky to have someone with John's scientific expertise to help livestock producers and industry partners solve real world problems facing today's beef industry."
For more information, contact John Jaeger, professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist.
