October 1 marks the change in my professional career. On that date, I went to 20 hours/week, which I will continue until full retirement in June 2021. At that time, I will have enjoyed 36 years in Cooperative Extension. I started my career as a County Agent in Nicholas County, WV. In that position, I was responsible for all things agriculture, from horticulture, livestock, including 4-H Livestock. I remember my very first extension meeting well – “Growing Green Beans in the Home Garden”. From there I moved to Ag Program Leader in Cortland County, NY, followed by Livestock Specialist on the NWNY Dairy, Field Crops and Livestock Team and finally as the Cornell Beef Extension Specialist. Though not completely over, it’s been a fabulous career. The farmers I worked with, extension educators, my mentors and successful programs all bring great satisfaction. When I interact with students, I always encourage them to look at a career in extension. It is a profession that involves constant learning, and that is the process I have enjoyed the most. I will continue to serve the beef industry of New York until June and beyond that in a different capacity. Thank you for all your support, taking my advice (which really scared me at times), forgiving my mistakes and in general making the beef industry progressive, strong and competitive.

If I may be so bold, I’d like to post a video that my daughter put together on the day I semi-retired. She evidently gets her creative skills from her mom. Watch video here.