SDSU Extension is delighted to introduce Sydney Vanderhoff as the latest addition to their team, serving as a Beef Nutrition Field Specialist. In her role, Vanderhoff will provide valuable resources and support to cattle producers in South Dakota, with a particular emphasis on cow/calf nutrition and backgrounding. She will be stationed at the Mitchell Regional Center.
Backgrounding refers to the practice of feeding calves from the time they are weaned until they reach the ideal slaughter weight. Vanderhoff's graduate research has focused on calf performance, exploring aspects such as the use of implants and distillers grain supplementation in backgrounding and grazing calves.
Professor Sandy Smart, SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader, praised Sydney's expertise in the Midwest beef industry and the privilege of having an SDSU alumna join the SDSU Extension Beef team.
Vanderhoff, a native of Greenville, Iowa, has a bachelor's degree in animal science from SDSU and a master's degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has worked at notable establishments like Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, Great Plains Livestock Consulting in Eagle, Nebraska, and Wienk Charolais in Lake Preston, South Dakota.
Vanderhoff expressed enthusiasm for assisting cattle producers with nutrition and engaging in discussions about their cattle, aiming to learn about unique aspects of each operation.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: South Dakota, Education