Dr. Noah Litherland Dairy Youngstock Technical Specialist Madison, Wisconsin Vita Plus
What are your new responsibilities?As the dairy youngstock technical specialist, I will provide calf and heifer technical services to internal and external Vita Plus customers. My responsibilities will include research associated with product development and exploration of precision feeding.
What territory will you cover?
I am based in Madison, Wisconsin, but will support staff and customers throughout our entire market area of the upper Midwest.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a diversified livestock farm in rural central Illinois. I was very active in 4-H and FFA at the state and national levels as a youth. At the University of Illinois, I was a member of the dairy cattle evaluation team and was a student worker at the dairy teaching research facility.
During my doctorate, I lived in the herdsman cottage at the University of Illinois dairy farm, managed the maternity ward at night, and served as a relief milker. More recently, I was the faculty supervisor of dairy research on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I attended the University of Illinois where I earned my bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. in animal science with a focus on dairy cattle nutritional physiology.
What previous positions have you held?
I served as a dairy extension specialist at Oklahoma State University from 2006 to 2008, and then as a dairy nutritionist at the University of Minnesota from 2008 to 2014.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I developed my work ethic and perseverance by working with my mom and dad on the farm and discovered my love of science as I worked with Dr. Jim Drackley and Dr. Mike Hutjens at the University of Illinois.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I bring a strong science background in biochemistry and physiology mixed with a lifetime of practical farm experience.
Why did you choose this company?
The company is unique in that it is employee-owned and very focused on serving customers through research-based solutions that are customizable to individual farms.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goals include furthering the company’s reputation as a research-based company and developing new products and management strategies that have a lasting impact on dairy calf and heifer growth and health. PD
