Extension..... It's for Everyone

My first month interning has been nothing less than a learning curve. Working with extension from the farmer’s perspective is completely different from the agent’s perspective. It has really opened my eyes to all of the different agricultural ties that Knox County has, past the traditional beef farmer. Coming into extension, I thought that an Agricultural and Natural Resource agent would work closely with tobacco farmers, cattle farmers, grain farmers and just farmers with a little of everything, but boy was I wrong. Producers in this county are doing many practices that the university is using for research, such as soilless culture vegetable production. In addition, the forestry industry is what helps keep the economy flourishing here, since the recent downturn of coal. I believe that many people have a misconception of how involved extension agents are in everything agricultural.

One major lesson that I have learned while here, is one that we have all learned but forget about as we get older. Treat everyone equal. With there being five predominant family farms in the county it is apparent that they are the ones with the most questions and need for assistance. It can be easy to get caught up just talking to and working with these farmers all of the time. It is necessary that you help the smallest producer just like you do the largest. For example, diseases and viruses can begin anywhere, they do not discriminate between operation sizes. If a smaller producer believes the agent only helps the big producers they’re probably not going to ask you to help them diagnose the problem and come up with a solution. Being unbiased is the simple way to prevent this issue from occurring.

 I have also learned to maintain a common interest among your producers. When going on farm visits and talking to producers in the office, my agent will always talk about some interest they have. Whether it is hunting, horses, or showing cattle he will always ask them how it was going. When they realize that you are relatable and just like them, they buy into the service that you provide and are more likely to use it because they see you as a friend as well as an asset to their agricultural success. As an agent, it can also be rewarding to create networking connections with producers in the county. Keeping a personal touch in the workplace can help work feel less like “work”.

I am thankful for this internship and the opportunities it has opened for me already! Cooperative Extension is Kentucky’s best kept secret, and I am determined to share its services with my home, Knox County.