MSU Extension

Dr. Tracy Burnett is a Michigan State University Extension Dairy Educator covering Michigan's Thumb area in Lapeer County

Dr. Tracy Burnett graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2019 with a Ph.D. in Applied Animal Biology, having previously earned both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees at the same institution. Tracy first became involved in the dairy industry during her undergraduate studies when she worked as a student employee at the University of British Columbia's Dairy Education and Research Centre in Agassiz, British Columbia. In this role, she fed calves, assisted with field work, and participated in daily herd management activities.

Through these experiences, Tracy developed a strong interest in the complexities of dairy production, particularly dairy cattle stress, reproduction, and health. During her master's program, she investigated the use of hair cortisol as a measure of long-term stress in dairy cows and its relationship with reproductive outcomes. Her doctoral research focused on the use of automated activity monitors and the relationship between estrous expression and fertility outcomes, including conception, ovulation, and pregnancy loss. She also explored ways to effectively integrate automated activity monitoring technology into reproductive management programs on dairy farms.

Prior to joining Michigan State University Extension, Tracy spent six years at the University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus in Ontario, where she held a teaching and research position. During that time, she taught hands-on, applied dairy management courses to students in the two-year diploma program while continuing to conduct applied dairy cattle research. Her work focused on using technology to improve reproductive management and animal health outcomes on dairy farms.

Tracy joined Michigan State University Extension in July 2026 as a Dairy Production Educator serving Michigan's Thumb region. She looks forward to building relationships with local dairy producers and industry partners and is excited to continue supporting the dairy industry through research-based education, outreach, and applied programming.