What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I am a Livestock Field Specialist. I am an ever-present representative of the University that is embedded in the rural communities of Southwest Missouri. I extend research-based information to local livestock producers who can use that information to improve their operation and overcome novel challenges. I do this through farm visits, farm demonstrations, in-person seminars, workshops and publications. I also work with other University colleagues, allied industry and agencies to bring a wealth of sophisticated information and resources to rural communities to help optimize the economic viability of livestock production.
How long have you worked in this position?
My 1-year anniversary was Aug. 2, 2025.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
Agriculture is my passion. Agriculture is both fascinating and fun, and I enjoy flexing my brain muscles to solve problems and create educational resources.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
I am leading a state-level, formal needs assessment of Missouri’s livestock industries. Alongside a committee of Missouri livestock industry leaders across species, we created a survey tool to identify the educational priorities, high-ranking concerns and obstacles that face Missouri livestock production. Due to the anonymous nature of this survey tool, this should lessen the intimidation factor of giving feedback and should yield data that is representative of entire livestock producer communities. Once this data is collected, it will be discussed with various industry focus groups to help interpret the data. As this data can be partitioned by county, livestock industry and segment within a given industry, extension faculty will be able to curate information that is highly specific to their audience that is useful and relevant.
This needs assessment lays the foundation for future highly impactful research and educational programming that is focused on the actual high-ranking needs, concerns and priorities for livestock producers to improve the value of their economic contribution to Missouri agriculture.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I play bass in a punk rock band out of Joplin called ‘3-Degrees’. We actively play gigs around Southwest Missouri.
What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?
I grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and graduated from Wakefield High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. I earned my bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and my master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from Montana State University in Bozeman.