Ron Kean

Ron Kean is a faculty associate and extension specialist in the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences.  He grew up on a small diversified farm in Nebraska.  He received a BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Nebraska (’90) and an MS in Animal Breeding from Iowa State University (’93).  In 1992, Kean came to UW as a lecturer and research manager for the Poultry Research Lab on campus, as well as two poultry research farms at the Arlington ARS.  With the closure of the Arlington farms, and a department merger, Ron transitioned to more teaching and extension in 1997. 

In his extension role, Ron covers many aspects of poultry science, including nutrition, health, incubation, and management.  Species include chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, pheasants, etc.  He works with youth and adults, and works with various levels of production from urban chickens and hobby poultry, to both small and large commercial flocks. 

Videos

• Daily Management of a Home Incubator
• Backyard Chicken Basics
• Common money wasters with poultry: Ways to reduce costs 
• Raising Ducks for Egg Production
• What kind of chickens should you get for your backyard flock?
• 2021 Poultry Webinar Series 1:Backyard Meat Bird Production
• 2021 Poultry Webinar Series 2: Small Layer Flock Management
• 2021 Poultry Webinar Series 3: Small Scale Commercial Poultry Management
• 2021 Poultry Webinar Series 4: Managing Turkeys, Guineas, and Ducks

Other Publications

• Poultry in Urban Areas
• Guide to Raising Healthy Chickens 

Undergraduate Courses

• An Sci 200 – The Biology and Appreciation of Companion Animals (3 credits, All Semesters)
  Course Description: A systematic coverage of many of the animals (including birds) that humans keep as their social companions. The classification, nutritional requirements, environmental considerations, reproductive habits, health, legal aspects and economics of companion animals and their supportive organizations.
  Requirements: Crse in zoo or equiv or cons inst. Open to Fr
• An Sci 140 – Introduction to Poultry: From Backyard Chickens to Commercial Production

• University Housing Honored Instructor – Fall 2025
• Midwest Poultry Consortium COE Faculty Member of the Year – 2022
• Midwest Poultry Consortium Outstanding Service Award – 2004 

• Animal & Dairy Sciences Undergraduate Committee
• Animal & Dairy Sciences Scholarship Committee
• Poultry Science Club campus organization advisor
• Pre-vet association – UW-Madison chapter co-advisor
• Wisconsin Poultry & Egg Industries Assn. secretary/treasurer
• Midwest Poultry Consortium Center of Excellence – course instructor
• eXtension Small & Backyard Poultry website – contributor