Santiago A. Utsumi, PhD
Innovations for Sustainable
Farming & Ranching
Inspired by Nature, Driven by Science

I am an Associate Professor of Rangeland and Animal Science at New Mexico State University and an Adjunct Professor of Animal Science at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station of Michigan Sate University. My field of science is agricultural ecology, and I have a professional interest on dairy and livestock production, grassland agriculture, and management for ruminant systems. In addition of being highly captivated by many of the globally important ecology matters and challenges, I have a deep sense of appreciation for Nature, and extremely curious on the emergent role of computational ecology and Smart-Farming Technologies for our society. I believe in a future in which digital farming and ranching, will be a profitable, enjoyable, and possible enterprise.

I have focused a large portion of my career to investigate opportunities for adoption of robotics, sensor technology, and drone-imagery, embedded in decision support models, either for pasture-based or rangeland animal agriculture. As a contribution to overcome technological barriers for agribusiness, I focused my work on delivering integral solutions that can support a vibrant livestock and dairy agricultural sector. It is through research, extension, teaching and consulting that I have developed a deep passion for strengthening sustainable foods and farming systems, and for collaborative work along with fellow students,  scientists, agencies, professionals, and many other great farmers from whom I learn every day.