Bernadette O'Rourke

Bernie O’Rourke is a Senior Outreach Specialist in Animal Sciences – Livestock Management.  Bernie received her B.S. degree in Animal Sciences from South Dakota State University ’95, and her M.S degree in Animal Sciences/Meat Science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln ‘97.  Before arriving in Wisconsin in 2001, she was a 4-H/Livestock Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Service for three years.  She was involved in livestock and meats judging as well as coaching youth and collegiate teams. Currently, Bernie is the Extension Youth Livestock Specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences Department. Bernie provides leadership and support to the livestock project areas (beef, sheep, swine, and meat goats) by sharing current research and practices to youth and adults engaged in 4-H, FFA, and other organizations. Her youth programming is in the areas of agriculture literacy and animal management, with state coordinator responsibilities for the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals national program (YQCA). Over her career, she implemented and maintained the Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon events and used her creativity to adopt programs in new ways.  She also teaches the Career Orientation course for college undergraduates, animal sciences prospective student recruitment, and actively involved in local and statewide organizations. Bernie was raised on a diversified livestock and crop farm in South Central Minnesota. Her husband, Ron, and their three boys continue to be involved in each other’s family operations while maintaining their flock of commercial sheep.