(ND Ag Connection) – By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University Extension welcomes Rachel Gibbs as the new livestock specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Gibbs will focus on ruminant system management as the lead livestock specialist for the southwest region.

“I am excited to join an incredible team of Extension personnel and look forward to expanding opportunities for state-wide livestock industry stakeholders, NDSU Extension agents and youth,” Gibbs expresses her enthusiasm for her new role. She aims to develop educational programs that will significantly advance ruminant systems management.

Originally from west-central Texas, Gibbs brings a wealth of experience from her extensive involvement in sheep production and her active participation in 4-H programs at local, regional, and state levels.

She completed her undergraduate studies in animal science at Texas A&M University, followed by advanced degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where her research primarily addressed stress-induced fetal programming in ruminants.

Before her current role, she served as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research there explored the effects of acute heat stress on the physiology, behavior, and genome of feedlot beef cattle.

“We are excited to have Dr. Gibbs join the NDSU Extension team and bring her unique background in livestock production and research to North Dakota,” says Chris Schauer, director of the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center.

In her new position, Gibbs is committed to building high-impact collaborations both within and outside the university system.

Her goal is to deliver the most current, science-backed information to all stakeholders in the livestock industry, enhancing both educational outreach and practical application in livestock management across the state.