The goal of extension is to provide New York’s animal industries with information and technology to help them to be biologically efficient, economically profitable, sustainable and competitive in an increasingly challenging and environmentally conscious world.

Disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise is provided in genetic selection, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development, animal and systems management and nutrient management.

The dairy and livestock industries in New York account for almost $3 billion dollars of farm cash receipts. This represents about 60% of the total farm cash receipts in the state. The Department of Animal Science has a major responsibility for the development and coordination of extension programs which help those in dairy, livestock and other industries stay abreast of the latest research information. These research areas include animal breeding, nutrition, reproduction, management and nutrient management.

Our Faculty

All faculty with extension appointments also have significant research appointments and active research programs. These research programs include obtaining grants, conducting research and advising graduate students. This portion of their appointment is intended to assure that extension faculty are fully aware of and involved in the most current research in their areas of expertise.

The faculty extension specialist interacts and serves as a resource for a wide array of groups and individuals. These include extension associates, regional and county extension educators, the feed industry, veterinarians, cooperatives, producer groups and private consultants. Methods used to transfer research information to these groups include conferences, seminars, workshops, publications, videos, computer programs, interactive computer linkages and telephone contacts. A number of computer models have been developed to assist the animal industry with management decisions.

Another feature of Animal Science Extension at Cornell is the degree to which extension and undergraduate teaching in dairy management are linked. This includes having extension faculty involved in teaching in the classroom. In addition, students are involved in farm visits and farm analysis exercises with both extension personnel and agri-service partners. The goal of this integration is to assist students in learning to integrate principles into practice. Learn more about Dairy Fellows.

Our Programs

Juan Carlos in field

The vision of the Cornell University's Nutrient Management Spear Program is to assess current knowledge, identify research and educational needs, conduct applied, field and laboratory-based research, facilitate technology and knowledge transfer, and aid in the on-farm implementation of beneficial strategies for field crop nutrient management, including timely application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources to improve profitability and competitiveness of New York State farms while protecting the environment.

a man holds up a bag of cow feed

PRO-DAIRY is the premier New York State statewide extension and outreach program devoted to increasing the competitiveness and progressiveness of the dairy industry. PRO-DAIRY specialists work with farms and agribusiness professionals in extension and applied research related to farm business management, environmental stewardship, and professional development of industry professionals and youth.

A female student holds a large raptor

The Cornell Raptor Program was established in 1993 to provide students of the animal and biological sciences, natural resources, and veterinary medicine, and other community members an opportunity to become involved directly with efforts to promote conservation of raptors – birds of prey.

goat face

This website keeps goat farmers abreast of educational resources on goat management developed by the Cornell Goat & Sheep Program. It describes current research we are undertaking, lists our upcoming goat extension activities, and provides information to help farmers market goats.

beef cow nuzzling calf

Information on beef cattle management in New York and the northeast. Announcements on upcoming educational programs. Reports on programs such as the All Forage Bull Test.

sheep stand in a flock looking into camera

The Cornell Sheep Program evaluates and disseminates information on management, nutrition, health, selection, and marketing strategies for highly productive sheep systems. Purebred Dorset and Finnsheep flocks and a commercial Finnsheep X Dorset flock are managed under the Cornell STAR management system.

a woman stands next to a mare and foal in the pasture

Cornell offers a wide range of equine programs and educational opportunities, as well as referrals to horse-related resources.

girl with fiber goat

Cornell Animal Science youth extension and New York State 4-H provide programs for youth from across the state who are interested in livestock and pet species, as well as animal biology and production systems. These programs also encourage personal development, leadership and marketable skills for the future.