Introduction: Karla Hernandez recently joined the UF/IFAS as the DeSoto County Extension Director and Livestock Agent. Her mission is to deliver research-based programming and educational resources focused on supporting agricultural and livestock producers in DeSoto County.
In her position, Hernandez will work with the County and provide research-based programming in the competitive livestock area of UF/IFAS. One of her top responsibilities will be to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusiness and other agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs of cow-calf seedstock producers and agriculture in general.
Background: Her background includes training and experience in forage production, native grasses, and small animal nutrition. Hernandez received her doctorate in Agronomy, and Plant Science from South Dakota State University; she received her master’s and her bachelor’s in Animal Science from University of Puerto Rico. Her doctorate research focused on the evaluation of prairie cordgrass for biomass production on marginal land in South Dakota and Kansas.
I look forward to work with producers and establish strong and long-term relationships with the community.