Travis Hoffman

Extension Sheep Specialist/Assistant Professor
North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota
June 2016 – Present

Currently employed as the NDSU/UM Extension Sheep Specialist for North Dakota and Minnesota. Personal priorities for producer outreach and research include: better quantifying production costs, breeding animal selection and genetic progress, management effects on lamb flavor, direct marketing of lamb, instrument grading (lamb and wool) application, value-based marketing economics for lamb, increasing young shepherd numbers, and improving the value of the annual wool clip. My extension and research will allow for an integrated supply chain approach to sheep, lamb, and wool production, that will hopefully serve beneficial as part of the land grant mission to serve ND and MN sheep producers.

Colorado Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator
Colorado State University, Department of Animal Sciences & Colorado Beef Council
January 2005 – July 2013

This unique position, a collaboration of four separate entities in the Colorado livestock industry with a shared focus and vision for Beef Quality Assurance outreach throughout the state: Colorado State University, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Livestock Association, and the Colorado Beef Council, allowed interaction with cattle industry producers on pertinent issues including animal health and well-being, food safety, beef quality, consumer perception, and profitability.

Instructor, Meat Sciences
South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Sciences
September 2015 – May 2016

This position allowed for the opportunity to improve undergraduate teaching skills. Taught AS 101 Labs, AS 241 Introduction to Meat Sciences and Lab, and AS 345 Value Added Meats and Lab. Effectively inspired students with a passion for meat sciences, and provide relevant and current industry application of how meat sciences play a role in livestock production.

2021 NDSU Extension Early Career Service Award Nominee
2018 NDSU Extension Early Career Service Award Nominee

American Sheep Industry Association
American Meat Science Association
Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers
National Association County Agricultural Agents
National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals
NDSU Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture
North Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Agents
North Dakota Association of 4-H Youth Workers
North Dakota Lamb & Wool Producers Association