By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension welcomes Ryan Spurling as its new assistant professor and Small Ruminant Production Specialist. In this role, Spurling supports sheep and goat producers across South Dakota by sharing research-based information and helping improve livestock management practices.
Spurling works with producers to develop better approaches for animal health, sustainability, and successful farm operations. He plans to organize workshops and field days that connect research with producers and provide useful information for both new and experienced livestock owners.
“I am excited for the opportunity to put on workshops and field days that bring research to producers with the goal of increasing the knowledge of new producers and offering novel techniques to veteran ones,” Spurling said.
Spurling brings a strong agricultural background to SDSU Extension. He grew up on a family farm in Missouri where his family raised goats, hair sheep, cattle, and row crops. During his youth, he participated in 4-H activities and showed rabbits, cattle, and meat goats.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and animal science from Northwest Missouri State University. He later completed graduate and doctoral studies at Utah State University, where his research focused on sheep and goat production with an emphasis on animal nutrition.
Before joining SDSU Extension, Spurling gained experience through livestock education programs, research projects, and producer events. His work included sheep and goat workshops, lamb clinics, grazing studies, and projects focused on using small ruminants to manage invasive plants.
"Ryan Spurling comes to SDSU with a strong academic background in sheep production. His PhD work focused on mineral supplementation of sheep grazing rangeland forages in Utah,” said Sandy Smart, professor and SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director. “He will be an excellent fit working with producers in the extensive rangeland production environment we have in western South Dakota and the farm flock environment we have East River."
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Education, Livestock, Goats & Sheep