BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Kim Ricardo as a new Forage Field Specialist.
In her position, Ricardo will help South Dakota producers enhance the productivity and sustainability of their pastures and hay lands through practical, research-based guidance on forage production and management. She is based in Pierre.
She is excited to work directly with producers and apply research in the field to help them build resilient, profitable operations.
“Getting to know producers, understanding their operations and working alongside them to support their success is what motivates me most in this role,” Ricardo said.
A native of Missouri, Ricardo grew up on a fifth-generation commercial cow/calf operation, which sparked her interest in supporting agricultural communities. In addition to her family’s operation, Ricardo's work experience includes applying advanced reproductive technologies to cattle operations at Select Sires and Trans Ova Genetics. She has also helped with stocker calf research and rotational grazing management practices at the University of Missouri Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center.
“These experiences have prepared me to translate research into practical, field-ready strategies and to build strong relationships with South Dakota producers,” Ricardo said.
Ricardo said one of the primary reasons she pursued an advanced degree was to build a career in Extension. She has a bachelor’s degree in animal science, and a master’s degree in animal science with an emphasis on beef cattle reproductive physiology and nutrition, both from the University of Missouri.
"Kim comes from a farm background where she grew up in Missouri and received strong academic training in beef production and use of forages from a grazing and feed perspective at the University of Missouri,” said Sandy Smart, professor and SDSU Extension Interim Director. “She provides a great addition to our team at the regional center in Pierre as we continue to grow our commitment to helping producers diversify their operations through crop-livestock integration."
For more information, contact Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist.
