What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I am currently a field specialist in Livestock. I assist livestock producers in northeast Missouri by providing unbiased information to help them be more productive and efficient in their operations.
How long have you worked in this position?
I have worked for the University of Missouri for almost 12 years, two on campus and 10 in the Extension office of Ralls County, New London.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
Seeing people succeed. As like many of our colleagues we talk to and teach many people, with phone calls and farm visits to field days and programs. Seeing and hearing the success stories of how a change in thought, or management has helped them to achieve their goal.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
I coordinate the northeast Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale. This improves heifer development programs through a total quality management strategy, increases marketing opportunities and added value for Missouri-raised heifers, and creates a reliable source of quality replacement heifers based on management, reproduction and genetics.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I am a diehard spring turkey hunter. I’m typically hard to get ahold of in late April and early May between enrolling heifers for the December SMS sale and tagging heifers for the June Sale and chasing The American Wild Turkey. As the great Tom Kelly said “I do not hunt turkeys because I want to, I hunt them because I have to. I would, really, rather not. I am helpless in the grip of my compulsion.”
What is your hometown and educational background?
I am originally from Paris, Missouri, and graduated from Paris High School in 2002. I attended the University of Missouri and received my Bachelor of Science in 2006 and master’s degree in 2009.
Agriculture and Environment Extension is a partnership between MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.