What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I have a split appointment between MU Extension and FAPRI. My topic areas include agricultural risk management – markets, policy and finance.
Currently, I’m wrapping up a project on land rental rates for Missouri’s crop, pasture and timberland. I also have projects that look at how increased precipitation impacts local basis for Midwest crop prices and a project that examines improving onboarding and training for service professionals in the areas of farm management and agronomy.
In addition, I’m working on an international agri-benchmark project where I study production systems around the globe with a case farm in central Missouri. These projects helped me plan for Missouri Agriculture Lender Seminars.
How long have you worked in this position?
I have held my current position since January.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
The opportunity to interact with producers in ways that improve their businesses and livelihoods never gets old. I’ve built some great relationships with producers and industry representatives through listening to what they have to say.
Seeing Extension colleagues present their expertise to audiences that value what MU Extension does is another favorite. I just took a trip to northwest Missouri to meet some of our clients, and it was awesome to hear how much the local people loved their Extension specialists. As a campus faculty member, moments like that are like watching your best friend succeed. You just can’t help but be happy.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
Farm managers have a boatload of data thrown at them every day. My job is to break that data down and make sure they have the information needed to make sound business decisions to improve profitability and efficiency.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I’m guessing there is a lot since I’ve only been here nine months.
I was the only male in my graduating class of six, in Hudson, Missouri. I’m also an avid Royals fan and it’s on my bucket list to see the Royals play in every Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium. So far, I’ve seen the Royals play in 17 major league ballparks.
And lastly, I like to travel when I can get away. This includes spending time with my parents on our family’s operation in west-central Missouri.
Agriculture and Environment Extension is a partnership between MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.