Extension

Sarah is posing for a photo in front of a tree in the woods.

March 19, 2023

Q&A with Sarah Kenyon

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am a field specialist in agronomy serving six counties in the southwest region. Based in West Plains, Missouri, I conduct educational programs for producers in forage production and management. I also participate with local farmer cooperators with on-farm demonstrations concerning grazing management, weed control and fertility management. How long have you worked in this position? I started in November 2009, so I have been in this role for over 13 years. What is your favorite part about the work you do?…

A woman stands outside next to her cattle operation. The sky is great and it looks windy.

March 16, 2023

Annie’s Project empowered Marion County farmer Amy Lehenbauer

Annie’s Project, a program offered by University of Missouri Extension for two decades, gave Amy Lehenbauer the confidence she needed to become active in the family farm. Lehenbauer is one of more than 19,000 women across the nation who completed the program during the past 20 years, says MU Extension agriculture business specialist Karisha Devlin. The program celebrates two decades of helping women in agriculture gain skills in leadership, business and estate planning, self-defense and self-care. “Annie’s Project educates and empowers women in agriculture and encourages them in whatever role they choose to have in their farming…

Ray stands in front of a green field presenting a poster to field day guests.

Feb. 19, 2023

Q&A with Ray Massey

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am an extension economist in the Division of Applied Social Sciences. My primary responsibilities revolve around crop production economics. I tend to focus on the intersection of production and the environment. So, I have done research and education on manure value, biosecurity, managing under extreme weather events and insurance decisions. I am fortunate to be able to work with faculty from other departments to create programs that meet the needs of Missouri farmers and businesses. Some programs that I have contributed.

Nick and his girlfriend pose for a photo. His girlfriend holds up some fish that she caught.

Jan. 18, 2023

Q&A with Nick Wesslak

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. 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 much an all-for-one, one-for-all environment. I also appreciate my…

Shawn poses for a portrait at the Graves-Chapple 2022 field day.

Dec. 6, 2022

Q&A with Shawn Deering

Shawn is a field specialist in livestock based in Gentry county.

Several men and one woman hold shovels with gold ribbons

Nov. 29, 2022

Expanding Opportunties

Groundbreaking held for new livestock handling facility at MU’s Southwest REEC.

person in a white beekeeping suit handles bees outdoors

Nov. 1, 2022

Heroes to Hives and other MU Extension programs help veterans

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

Two men sit behind a booth.

Oct. 17, 2022

Q&A with Jerry Richards

Jerry is a feral hog outreach educator based in Potosi, MO.

A large group of about 20 people pose for a photo in a green field

Sep. 26, 2022

Q&A with Joni Harper

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missour I am a county engagement specialist in agriculture and environment. I am involved in several MU Extension programs, like Heroes to Hives, for which I am the co-PI and one of the lead team members. I’m trained in delivering the Q.P.R. suicide prevention training and teach Weathering the Storm, a farmer/rancher stress program. I’m also working with the Missouri Vegetable Growers Association on the watermelon research specialty block grant, and I coordinate Master Gardener/Master Naturalist programs in three counties. How long have you worked…

Travis riding bike under finish line.

Aug. 11, 2022

Q&A with Travis Harper

Travis is a field specialist in agronomy.