Bethard Hired as Extension Dairy Specialist

Date:  June 13, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Greg Bethard began work May 28 as the dairy specialist for New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service.

Bethard, a New Jersey native, will serve as a resource person in dairy production and marketing. He will work with dairy operators statewide as a consultant to evaluate current managerial practices.

He will be responsible for developing teaching aids and other materials for off-campus educational programs. He also will work with state 4-H leaders on dairy-related youth programs.

Bethard comes to NMSU from Virginia Tech where he received his doctorate in dairy management in May. He also earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in the same field from Virginia Tech. His doctoral thesis focused on nutritional requirements of replacement dairy heifers.

"I hope to improve the efficiency and profitability of dairy producers statewide," Bethard said. "I'm excited to be a part of New Mexico's growing dairy industry."

He has hands-on experience from dairies in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His research has been published in the Journal of Dairy Science and the Virginia Dairyman.

Bethard is a member of the American Dairy Science Association and the American Society of Animal Scientists. He was selected as outstanding graduate teaching assistant at Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.