What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?

I am the State Extension Crop Protection specialist, conducting research on all pests besides weeds that we battle annually. Mainly focusing on insect control in the Delta cropping systems such as cotton, rice and peanuts.

How long have you worked in this position?

I began my position in January of 2023 making 2026 my fourth crop with the University.

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

By a landslide is my relationship with the stakeholders of Missouri. Producers, consultants and industry personnel, I have built a program tailored to their questions and needs. I believe that I have built trust with the stakeholders, where they know I provide an unbiased, data-backed recommendation.

In an extension role, I believe the relationship between the stakeholders and me is pivotal to the success of my program.

How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?

My research is tailored to increase yield retention while spraying less. The overall mindset of my program is I want to conduct research where impacts can be seen on the farm in two to three years. I am not reinventing the wheel most days; I am just putting new tires on it. Figuring out spray regimes that are the most economically impactful, while applying pesticide sustainably. We test new pipeline chemistries to evaluate best fit. We also look at different application methods to assess if we can make the longevity of currently labeled products extend.

What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?

I am an absolute gearhead! Despite my wife’s pleas, our garage is always filled with different motorized vehicles I am trying to rebuild! I hope to soon find and restore an 80’s model Toyota Land Cruiser for her!

What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?

My hometown is Fisherville, TN, and I graduated from Briarcrest Christan High School in Eads, TN. I received my bachelor’s degree in Agronomy/IPM and my master’s degree in soybean agronomy and a minor in entomology from Mississippi State University. Lastly, I received my Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Arkansas.