Miranda Meehan has joined North Dakota State University’s Animal Sciences Department as the NDSU Extension Service’s first livestock environmental stewardship specialist.

She will develop Extension programs and conduct applied research related to environmental stewardship for the state’s livestock producers.

“The position was created to allow the department to take proactive steps that focus on best practices related to livestock management, livestock-environmental interactions, sustainability, and producing animal products for a world with a rapidly growing population and finite resources,” says Greg Lardy, Animal Sciences Department head.

“The NDSU Animal Sciences Department prides itself on providing timely, accurate recommendations to North Dakota’s livestock producers,” he adds. “This position will enhance our efforts in livestock stewardship and provide additional expertise to serve the state’s livestock industry.”

Meehan, who grew up on a small livestock operation near Tuttle, earned her master of science degree in animal and range science at NDSU in 2008 and her Ph.D. in natural resource management at NDSU in 2011.

Her doctoral research resulted in the development of an ecological site description detailing the processes occurring in the riparian ecosystems in the Sheyenne River in eastern North Dakota. Riparian ecosystems are transitional areas between uplands, which don’t have water, and streams, rivers or lakes. These systems consist of a stream channel and the stream’s flood plain, where the water table, flooding and the soil’s water-holding capacity influence the vegetation.

Before joining NDSU, Meehan worked as a natural resource specialist for Carlson McCain Inc., an environmental consulting firm in Bismarck.

“We are excited to have Miranda join our faculty,” Lardy says. “Her background and expertise related to environmental issues; livestock production; and water, soil and rangeland resources make her uniquely qualified for the position.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - March 27, 2015