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

I am a field specialist in livestock. I’m on the planning committee and as a presenter with the MU Feedlot Schools. To date, we have held three schools and are planning to hold more this coming year. I am also working on a project with Craig Payne, Eric Bailey and Jim Humphrey to collect production data on commercial beef herds in northwest Missouri. The data will be used to establish production benchmarks for commercial producers and to promote the use of records in making production decisions on the farm. I am also involved in the Northwest Regional Grazing Schools and am part of the native warm-season grass project that is being directed by Bob Pierce on campus.

How long have you worked in this position?

I have worked in this position for 23 years.

 What is your favorite part about the work you do?

I really enjoy working with producers and get a great deal of satisfaction when we are able to help them with issues related to animal agriculture. I’m especially interested in expanding and promoting finishing cattle in the state of Missouri. In the past, many producers finished cattle in our area of the state. For many reasons, the feedlots and packing houses moved westward. However, with access to local processors, corn and by-product feed, there is a renewed interest in keeping calves in Missouri and finishing them. I am excited that the MU Feedlot Schools are educating producers on how to feed, finish and market cattle.

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

Working on programs like the MU Feedlot School program helps us reach our goal of doubling the economic impact of agriculture in the state. Educating producers on how to retain ownership of their raised or purchased calves adds significant value to their operations.

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

Horses are my hobby. I enjoy team roping and participating in ranch rodeos.

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

My hometown and place of graduation is Savannah, MO.  I have an associate’s degree in agriculture from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, a bachelor’s in animal science from Oklahoma State University, and a master’s in animal science from Oklahoma State University.