COLUMBIA, MISSOURI (August 22, 2024) – Missouri Cattlemen’s Association has hired four regional grazing coordinators to work directly with beef cattle producers within the four designated regions of Missouri. Coordinators are responsible for assisting producers in developing grazing management plans and identifying cost-share opportunities available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other entities. Coordinators will host and attend pasture walks and other related workshops to afford producers the opportunity to learn different pasture management strategies from fellow producers.
Matthew Jenkins from Carroll County has been hired as the Region One Grazing Management Coordinator. Jenkins obtained a Bachelor of Plant Sciences from the University of Missouri with an emphasis in crop management. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska where he received a Master of Science in agronomy with an emphasis in crop physiology and production.
“Having been born and raised in Carroll County and bound to the agricultural community, I already have a strong rapport with cattle producers in the area and many of the surrounding counties,” said Jenkins. “I am excited to work with the producers within my area to provide them the necessary tools and information to successfully manage producers’ pastures.”
Doug Mertens from Boone County has been selected to serve as the Region Two Grazing Management Coordinator. Mertens received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. In previous roles, Mertens has worked with row crops, selling crop protection and seeds.
“With a background in production agriculture and my involvement with the agricultural community, I believe that I can help cattle producers find solutions to maximize production on their farms,” said Mertens. “I hope to share with others producer’s pride and commitment to the land and their livestock.”
Kenneth Ball of Dade County will fill the Region Three Grazing Management Coordinator position and serve as supervisor for all coordinators. Ball is no stranger to the grazing management field as he has 14 years of professional experience with his previous role at the Soil and Water Conservation District in Dade County. He has directly worked with farmers and ranchers to implement impactful grazing management strategies in his previous role as State Certified Conservation Planner through Natural Resource Conservation Service.
“With a focus on building and maintaining positive relationships, I believe my ability to provide excellent customer service will greatly contribute to the overall success of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the regional grazing management initiatives,” said Ball.
Sarah Kenyon of Howell County will take on the Region Four Grazing Coordinator role. Kenyon obtained a Bachelor of Animal Sciences and Agronomy from College of the Ozarks. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas where she obtained her masters in crop, soil and environmental sciences. Kenyon also received a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of Missouri. In her professional experience, Kenyon has facilitated monthly pasture walks and was the Southcentral regional coordinator for Missouri Grazing Schools as an Agronomy Field Specialist for MU.
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with Missouri cattle farmers to meet their forage and livestock goals,” said Kenyon.
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