Extension

Nick Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. Photo courtesy of Nick Wesslak.

March 10, 2023

From Student to Specialist

As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a master’s degree in natural resources. After stops in two states, Wesslak recently joined MU Extension as an agronomy field specialist where he covers eight counties in northeast Missouri. “I’m really happy to be back in the…
Nick and his girlfriend pose for a photo. His girlfriend holds up some fish that she caught.

Jan. 19, 2023

Q&A with Nick Wesslak

Nick collects field spore trap samples. What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am an agronomy field specialist based in Marion County. I cover the eight northeast counties of Missouri. How long have you worked in this position? I have worked in this position since April 2022. Nick scouts field crops with graduate student Mellanie Carraher. What is your favorite part about the work you do? It is hard for me to pick one favorite part, so I will list a few. I thoroughly enjoy working with my Extension team. It is very…
Portrait of Chase Floyd

Jan. 12, 2023

Chase Floyd

Chase Floyd joined MU Extension in 2023 as an assistant research professor and state extension specialist for crop protection. In this position, he targets both entomological and pathological research and develop thresholds to maximize producer yield retention and incorporate new technology and methods to aid Missouri producers in controlling pests and retaining yield. His dissertation focused on creating a management regime for the rice billbug, which has recently earned major pest status. His time in Arkansas was spent obtaining as much biological and ecological information as possible on the previously unresearched pest. He developed techniques for controlling the rice billbug,…
Shawn poses for a portrait at the Graves-Chapple 2022 field day.

Dec. 7, 2022

Q&A with Shawn Deering

Shawn is a field specialist in livestock based in Gentry county.
A woman in a suit holds a microphone and walks around in front of four other people. Photo is in black and white.

Nov. 21, 2022

Q&A with Tawnie DeJong

Tawnie is the MU livestock judging team coach, an animal sciences instructor and 4-H livestock superintendent for the Missouri State Fair.
four people are standing in a field talking about agricultural production. they each wear hats and plaid shirts.

Nov. 15, 2022

MU Extension helps farmers in the Bahamas

Partnership with Springfield-based nonprofit strengthens food security internationally.
three people stand in front of a white board smiling.

Nov. 9, 2022

Q&A with Alan Spell

Alan is an assistant extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences.
Luke Dietterle

Nov. 3, 2022

Luke Dietterle
Portrait of Adrienne Ohler

Nov. 3, 2022

Adrienne Ohler

Educational background Ph.D. Economics, Washington State University, 2009 Courses taught ABM 4360: Energy Markets and Regulation…
person in a white beekeeping suit handles bees outdoors

Nov. 2, 2022

Heroes to Hives and other MU Extension programs help veterans

Workshops help veterans make the transition from military to civilian life.