What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I am a field specialist in ag business. I’m currently focused on agribusiness planning and counseling. I started that work with the Ag Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and it has carried forward into what we are calling team-to-one counseling with the 2501 Socially Disadvantaged Grant. I also get referrals from the SBDC and the counties I serve. I get numerous questions on ag leases and the value of rental ground. Lastly, I chair the Women Landowners Conference in Lafayette County. We are currently planning the 21st annual conference to take place this fall. This conference focuses on risk management issues in agriculture with a bit of fun thrown in.
How long have you worked in this position?
I joined extension in 2016.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
I love working in the ag industry and being the resource person for the needs of our community. A great example of meeting community needs is the work I am currently doing with Lafayette County. Lafayette County was chosen as one of the first groups to work on the digitally connected communities curriculum with the MU System. This project looks at broadband needs and develops a plan to make all of Lafayette County digitally connected by providing access to broadband internet for the entire county.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
I am helping A&E reach our #2xAg2030 goal by helping producers think through the relationships that affect their business. That could be renegotiating the terms of a lease, determining the next steps in a succession plan or making the connections when starting a new business. All these decisions can greatly affect the profitability of a farming operation.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
In my former profession, I sold country music star Blake Shelton a coat. I am also a horse girl who spends any spare moment on the back of a horse.
What is your hometown, place of high school graduation and degrees/universities?
I grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, and attended high school there. My bachelor’s degree is in equine science from Colorado State University, and my master’s is in extension education from CSU as well.