Oliveira joins UADA with focus on beef cattle production systems
May 1, 2026
By the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Oliveira joins UADA as assistant professor of beef cattle production systems
- Background in veterinary medicine, reproductive research
- Now based at Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope
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Download photo of Oliveira
HOPE, Ark. — Ramiro Oliveira, assistant professor of beef cattle production systems and integrated resource management, has joined the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture after recently completing post-doctoral research at Texas A&M AgriLife.
Oliveira’s role will focus on providing outreach to farmers and ranchers in Arkansas through the Cooperative Extension Service. He will also continue conducting research as part of the Division of Agriculture’s research arm, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
When Oliveira saw the job posting with Arkansas’ Cooperative Extension Service, he knew he had to pursue it.
“I thought it would be a perfect fit for me,” he said. “The extension part of this position gives me an opportunity to apply my ideas to the real world.”
Daniel Rivera, director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope, Arkansas, said he believes Oliveira’s background will benefit the state’s cattle producers.
“I think he can bring a lot of novel ideas to both his research and extension program here,” Rivera said. “I have been very impressed by his work ethic and his willingness to jump in and be a part of the group. I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to the Division of Agriculture and will elevate this program here at SWREC to new heights.”
An early passion
“I think working with animals was always going to be my path,” Oliveira said.
Not long after completing veterinary school in 2017, Oliveira was invited to help conduct cattle research with animal science researcher Ky Pohler, first in Tennessee and later at Texas A&M University.
Oliveira earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in physiology and reproduction at Texas A&M University, completing his coursework in 2023. He briefly worked in the private sector before returning to Texas A&M.
Michael Looper, chair of the animal science department, said Oliveira’s commitment to the day-to-day efforts of cattle farmers makes him a valuable asset to both the Arkansas Agricultural Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.
“What stands out most about Dr. Oliveira is his immediate commitment to being a 'boots-on-the-ground' resource for our farmers and ranchers,” Looper said. “He understands that for research to be effective, it must be accessible and actionable. I have already been impressed by his drive to collaborate with our extension agents, and I am confident that his leadership will lead to more resilient and profitable operations for cattle producers across the state.”
First moves
Oliveira said his first few months will likely be spent working with extension agents to understand what issues are most pressing for Arkansas ranchers and farmers so that he can build extension programs to best meet those needs.
“My main goal is to make sure that producers see me as a resource for their operation, in terms of knowledge and available technology,” Oliveira said. “I want the research center here in Hope to be a place where they can find answers.
“At the end of the day, I think ‘success’ means helping producers make better decisions for their own operations,” he said.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
501-671-2120