University of California Cooperative Extension has named Theresa A. Ward livestock and natural resources farm advisor for Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

In 1999, Ward earned a bachelor's degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in animal science with a concentration in natural resource management and a minor in watershed management. She continued her education at UC Davis, where she completes a master's degree in animal science this spring.

Ward replaces livestock farm advisor Bill van Reit, who retired in 1993. During the intervening years, Franz Rulofson served Stanislaus County livestock producers. Ward will be based at the Stanislaus County UCCE office.