AMES, Iowa – Carolyn Ihde will serve as the new small ruminant outreach specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Ihde will cover both Wisconsin and Iowa to bring research-based education and outreach programming to sheep and goat producers.
Small ruminant resources are highly sought after by producers in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Ihde believes that continued knowledge and experience, analyzing data, procedures and goals are the keys to profitable small ruminant enterprises.
Ihde earned a Master of Science in agricultural education from Iowa State in 2015. She was previously a livestock educator for the UW-Madison Division of Extension in Crawford and Richland counties. In her previous role, she worked with small ruminant producers, extension educators and specialists, and industry stakeholders to create engaging programs for beginning and experienced producers.
“We are excited to launch a new partnership with the University of Wisconsin Extension to address the needs of small ruminant farmers,” said Jay Harmon, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director for agriculture and natural resources with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Carolyn Ihde will develop impactful programming for both Iowa and Wisconsin by finding common needs where educational programs can support both states while still tailoring education to meet specific needs of both Wisconsin and Iowa separately.”
“My colleagues and I knew there was a strong need for this role, so I am really excited about the opportunity to serve both states,” said Ihde. “I’m looking forward to connecting with sheep and goat producers, whether they be new, beginning or experienced, so they can improve the profitability and sustainability of their operations.”
When she is not creating educational opportunities, Ihde can be found tending to her flock of Romeldale CVM and Southdown sheep, growing flowers, sewing and bead weaving.
She is a resident of Clayton County, Iowa, and will balance her office duties between her home office, and the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Elkader. She can be reached at 608-262-3803 or cihde@iastate.edu