has appointed Tracy Shane as Extension livestock specialist, a role in which she will support Â鶹ӳ»’s livestock ranchers by providing information on the latest livestock science and management practices to help boost their productivity and financial success.
Shane’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as Â鶹ӳ»’s cattle industry – one of the state’s largest agricultural sectors – faces a moderate decline in production due to natural and economic factors. From 2017 to 2022, beef cow numbers decreased by about 8% and cattle ranches declined by roughly 15%, though industry sales grew by 26%, according to a 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture .
Potential Extension partnerships to strengthen Â鶹ӳ» ranching amid challenges
She plans to collaborate with researchers from the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources and its unit, along with state livestock officials, ranchers and other regional institutions to develop research and outreach programs that strengthen animal health and management practices as ranchers face challenges such as extreme weather, wildfire impacts and limited feed. She also aims to partner with agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management to promote sustainable grazing practices, and with granting agencies to secure funding for research into critical areas, including biosecurity and disease management.
“We’re thrilled to have Tracy on board to strengthen and sustain Â鶹ӳ»’s agricultural community,” said Holly Gatzke, Extension northern area director. “Her commitment to advancing livestock health and supporting producers with practical, research-driven resources will be a tremendous asset in navigating the challenges facing our cattle industry."
Through workshops, publications and direct consultations, Shane will deliver accessible, actionable guidance to Â鶹ӳ»’s ranchers, helping to improve practices and support the rural economies where most cattle, sheep and goat ranching takes place.
Shane brings decades of academic and corporate experience
For the past decade, Shane has been a lecturer in the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, specializing in animal science and rangeland management courses. She previously taught similar courses for seven years at Great Basin College in Elko, Â鶹ӳ». Across her roles at both institutions, Shane developed and updated key courses such as beef cattle, sheep and range management, and served as a faculty advisor for 14 years.
Prior to her academic roles, she worked in rangeland consulting with Resource Concepts Inc., where she provided expertise in grazing management and helped resolve grazing permit disputes in Â鶹ӳ» and Idaho. She also initiated targeted grazing treatments on rangelands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
Through workshops, publications, and direct consultation, Extension specialists translate complex scientific findings into accessible, actionable guidance. This collaborative effort not only fosters improved animal production and health but also supports rural economies and promotes environmentally responsible ranching practices.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the state livestock Extension specialist and excited to work alongside Â鶹ӳ»’s livestock producers and partners,” Shane said. “Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our industry and promote sustainable practices that benefit both our ranchers and the community.”
Affiliations and industrial recognition
Shane is a Federal Aviation Administration commercial drone pilot, Certified Professional in Rangeland Management and is a past president of the Â鶹ӳ» CattleWomen. She is also a member of the Society for Range Management and the International Association of Landscape Ecologists. Recognized for her work, she was named Western Â鶹ӳ» Cattle Woman of the Year in 2017, was awarded the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2022 and received an honorary state Future Farmers of America degree in 2023.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in natural resources and environmental science from the Â鶹ӳ», where she is currently a doctoral candidate in animal and rangeland science and is set to graduate in 2025.
