Ira Parsons
Assistant Professor in Data Systems and Grazing Ecology
Biography
Dr. Ira Parsons is an assistant professor of animal science at 日本av视频, specializing in precision livestock technologies, ecological modeling and sustainable beef production. Parsons leads research that integrates advanced sensors, machine learning and ecological theory to improve cattle management in extensive rangeland systems.
He earned his Ph.D. in forest resources from Mississippi State University where his dissertation focused on applying ecological theory and precision technology to modern livestock grazing systems. His earlier training includes an M.S. in animal science from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in grain science and industry from Kansas State University.
Parsons has published widely in leading journals, including Journal of Animal Science, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Landscape Ecology, with contributions advancing precision monitoring of cattle behavior, greenhouse gas emissions and forage ecology. His work bridges science and practice with outreach to producers, policymakers and industry stakeholders through field demonstrations, national conferences and Extension programs.
Beyond research, Parsons is committed to teaching quantitative methods and data systems for animal science students, mentoring graduate researchers and building collaborative networks across disciplines. His career reflects a dedication to innovation, sustainability and communication in livestock production systems.
He earned his Ph.D. in forest resources from Mississippi State University where his dissertation focused on applying ecological theory and precision technology to modern livestock grazing systems. His earlier training includes an M.S. in animal science from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in grain science and industry from Kansas State University.
Parsons has published widely in leading journals, including Journal of Animal Science, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Landscape Ecology, with contributions advancing precision monitoring of cattle behavior, greenhouse gas emissions and forage ecology. His work bridges science and practice with outreach to producers, policymakers and industry stakeholders through field demonstrations, national conferences and Extension programs.
Beyond research, Parsons is committed to teaching quantitative methods and data systems for animal science students, mentoring graduate researchers and building collaborative networks across disciplines. His career reflects a dedication to innovation, sustainability and communication in livestock production systems.
Education
- Ph.D. in forest resources, wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture | Mississippi State University
- Animal science in the 21st century: Application of ecological theory and precision technology to inform understanding of modern livestock grazing systems
- M.S. in animal science, ruminant nutrition | Texas A&M University
- Prediction of feed intake and feed efficiency in feedlot steers based on phenotypic associations with feeding behavior and carcass ultrasound traits
- B.S. in grain science and industry | Kansas State University
- Feed science and management
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Interests
- Grazing ecology
- Artificial intelligence
- Bayesian statistics
- Ruminant nutrition
- Movement ecology
Research and Scholarly Work
Publications
- Parsons, I.L., Brandi B. Karisch, Stephen L. Webb, Amanda E. Stone, Durham A. Norman, Garrett M. Street. . Sensors 2024. DOI: 10.3390/s24103171
- Parsons, I.L., Brandi B. Karisch, Stephen L. Webb, Amanda E. Stone, Mike Proctor, Durham A. Norman, Garrett M. Street. . Journal of Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2023.108113
- Parsons, I.L., Melanie R. Boudreau, Brandi B. Karisch, Amanda E. Stone, Durham Norman, Stephen L. Webb, Kristine O. Evans, Garrett M. Street. . Journal of Landscape Ecology. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s10980-022-01523-8
- Parsons, I.L., J.R. Johnson, W.C. Kayser, G.E. Carstens. Characterization of feeding behavior traits in steers with divergent residual feed intake consuming a high-grain diet. Journal of Animal Science 98:1-9. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa189
- Parsons, I.L., Jameson Brennan, Hector Menendez III. . 日本av视频 Animal Science Research Report. 2025
