Travis Forgues
Ames
Summary
Dedicated dairy professional with extensive experience in herd health management, feed procurement, and nutritional research. Skilled in formulating rations using NDS and AMTS, conducting statistical analysis with SAS, and managing teams to optimize dairy operations. Proven ability to oversee daily farm workflows, procure cost-effective feeds, and translate research into practical outcomes through presentations and industry collaboration
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University
Ames
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and executed an 80-calf research study evaluating the effects of plane of nutrition and direct-fed microbial supplementation on calf health and performance.
- Collected and analyzed biological samples (fecal, blood), and feed intake data, performing laboratory work, including blood analysis, to assess calf metabolic responses.
- Conducted statistical analysis using SAS to interpret experimental data, ensuring robust and reliable research outcomes.
- Authored a comprehensive research paper and thesis, synthesizing findings for academic and industry audiences.
- Delivered research presentations at university and industry events, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
- Managed and mentored a team of undergraduate students, delegating tasks and overseeing data collection during the trial.
- Networked with dairy industry professionals and farmers, fostering collaborations, and enhancing research applicability.
- Served as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate course, developing instructional skills and supporting student learning.
Assistant Dairy Farm Manager
Prairie Dairy
Hutchinson
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Oversaw herd health management, administering treatments and reproductive injections, and assisting with calvings to ensure the well-being of the dairy herd.
- Coordinated daily operations in the lactation barn, maintaining smooth workflows and high standards of animal care and productivity.
- Collaborated with veterinarians and AI crew to organize herd health checks and breeding schedules, optimizing reproductive efficiency.
- Supported harvest season activities, contributing to timely and efficient crop management and farm operations.
- Assisted in feeding the herd, working closely with the nutritionist to implement balanced diets and monitor herd performance.
Ag Specialist 2
Iowa State University Dairy Farm
Ames
05.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed the feed crew, overseeing hiring, training, performance management, and termination of workers responsible for feeding and barn cleaning duties.
- Maintained and repaired feed equipment, ensuring operational efficiency and minimizing downtime in daily farm activities.
- Procured all feed supplies, including commodities and forages, negotiating purchases to meet herd nutritional needs and budget requirements.
- Collaborated closely with the nutritionist to develop and implement feeding programs tailored to herd health and productivity goals.
- Represented the farm at industry events, expanding knowledge of dairy management practices and fostering professional connections.
- Provided versatile support across dairy farm operations, assisting with various tasks as needed to ensure overall success.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dairy Science
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Platteville, WI05-2021
Master of Science - Animal Science
Iowa State University
Ames, IASkills
- Ration Building (NDS and AMTS)
- Statistical Analysis (SAS)
- Time management
- Technical writing
- Herd health management
- Record keeping (PCDart, DairyComp305, OneMilC)
- Excel
Affiliations
- Dairy Challenge Coach
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Dairy Farm Manager
Prairie Dairy
06.2023 - 10.2023
Ag Specialist 2
Iowa State University Dairy Farm
05.2021 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Science - Dairy Science
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Master of Science - Animal Science
Iowa State University
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