Leanne Dillard, Ph.D.

Leanne Dillard, Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor
  • Extension Forage Specialist
  • Department of Animal Sciences
  • Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences
(334) 844-7514
dillasa@auburn.edu
303B Upchurch Hall
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Dr. Dillard specializes in forage-based livestock systems, with a strong emphasis on forage management, ruminant nutrition, and the integration of forage crops into sustainable beef production systems. Her expertise includes evaluating forage species for grazing, improving nutritive value through innovative agronomic practices, and enhancing livestock performance in various production systems. Dr. Dillard has an extensive background in ruminant nutrition research, with her work focusing on improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability of forage-livestock systems, particularly in the southeastern United States. This includes research on cover crops, grazing strategies, the application of biofertilizers to optimize forage yield and quality, and the use of secondary plant metabolites to increase sustainability and efficiency of pasture-based beef cattle systems.

Education

  • B.S., Biology/ChemistryUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham2007

  • M.S., Ruminant NutritionAuburn University2009

  • Ph.D., Ruminant NutritionAuburn University2013

Professional Experience

  • 2023 - Present – Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University
  • 2017 - 2023 – Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University
  • 2015 - 2017 – Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Pasture Systems and Watershed Research Unit, USDA-ARS
  • 2014-2015 – Post-doctoral Research Fellow, University of Georgia  
  • 2013 – Adjunct Faculty, Columbia State Community College

Research

Dr. Dillard's research focuses on advancing forage systems that provide cost-effective feed, protect natural resources, and reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production. The temperate climate of Alabama and the broader Southeastern U.S. supports year-round growth of annual and perennial forages, offering unique opportunities for sustainable forage-based systems.

However, developing resilient forage systems requires careful consideration of farm management practices, forage species selection, harvest strategies, seasonal growth patterns, and production goals. With climate models predicting more frequent and prolonged droughts, exploring alternative forage systems is critical for the long-term viability of the Alabama forage industry. My work aims to:

  1. Develop agronomic recommendations for grazing within integrated crop-livestock systems.
  2. Evaluate the role of soil biologicals in enhancing forage productivity and quality.

Findings from this research will be shared through Alabama Cooperative Extension ANR publications, social media, field days, and scientific conferences.

Ultimately, this work seeks to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of forage-based livestock production across Alabama and the Southeast, equipping producers to meet challenges such as rising input costs, pest pressures, and changing climatic conditions.

Extension Experience

Dr. Dillard leads applied Extension programs that help Alabama and Southeastern producers improve grazing efficiency, forage quality, and soil health—through the Alabama Grazing Academy and Forage Conference series, agent in-service trainings, publications (e.g., Alabama Forage Guide), and multi-state projects on climate resilience and methane mitigation. Dr. Dillard’s workshops and field days provide producers with hands-on experience in implementing best management practices for forage and livestock systems. She collaborates with Extension agents, researchers, and industry partners to develop innovative educational resources and training modules tailored to the needs of local communities. Her leadership in organizing regional and national conferences fosters knowledge exchange and professional development among Extension professionals and producers. Dr. Dillard’s commitment to outreach ensures that research findings are translated into practical solutions, empowering producers to adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions while enhancing the sustainability of forage-based agriculture in the Southeast.