What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I work with forage and livestock producers in northwest Missouri. With my position, I present unbiased research-based information, while developing timely and relevant programs and resources for their use.
I provide expertise for the following areas: carcass evaluation, co-product utilization, ration balancing, cattle feeding phase, beef production, forage quality and production, Show-Me-Quality Assurance Program, Missouri’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program, and meat goats.
How long have you worked in this position?
I have had the great pleasure of working for MU Extension for 20 plus years, based out of the Andrew County Extension Center.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
My favorite part of my job is developing a relationship and trust with the clients I have had the pleasure of interacting with over the years. Clients have my personal cell phone number and know they can call me when urgent or high-priority issues arise.
Throughout the years, I’ve also had some of my clients showcase their successes at grazing schools, workshops or field days which in turn allows fellow Missourians the ability to see how producers and MU Extension specialists work together to find the best solution for that operation. My clients and I have mutual trust and respect for each other’s time within our roles in agriculture, and it means a lot to me.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
By supporting our Missouri clientele in a timely, respectful and accurate fashion, I am supporting our #2xAg203 goal.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I grew up in southeast Kansas and worked in the private industry for almost 15 years prior to joining MU Extension.
I also enjoy following winged and non-winged sprint cars. Growing up, my mom and dad liked watching sprint cars and it became a family outing to watch the cars at a local track. We became friends with others who attended or raced. And the passion kind of took off from there. This past summer, a local mechanic/friend began racing a winged sprint car and I’ve since had the opportunity to be a part of his pit crew.
Agriculture and Environment Extension is a partnership between MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.