Petty becomes newest Southwind Extension agent

Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Loretta George/Tribune photo Chris Petty is the new Livestock Production and Forage Management Extension agent for Southwind District Extension. His office is on the first floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Change is in the air of Southwind Extension District Bourbon County Office.

On June 2, Chris Petty, 36, joins the staff as the Livestock Production and Forage Management Extension agent.

He is the second agent to join the Southwind District Extension in the past few weeks.

He replaces Delta George, who resigned in January. Joy Purkeypile joined the staff May 19 as the family consumer science agent, replacing Ann Ludlum who retired in January.

"My family and I are happy to have the opportunity to live and work in southeast Kansas," Petty said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to work in the Southwind District where I will be able to have specialization directed towards livestock and forage management."

Previously, Petty was a Graham County Extension Agent for six years, with an office in Hill City.

Petty was the 2013 winner of the extension Diversity Award from Kansas State University and the Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

He is originally a farm boy from Missouri.

"I am originally from Windsor, Mo. where my family, at one time, owned a commercial cow calf, stocker, and hay farm. I am a graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a degree in agricultural business and of Kansas State University with a degree in animal science," he said. Prior to being an agent he was a KSU research unit employee at the Beef Stocker Unit and the Beef Cattle Research Center.

"After attending Kansas State University I was searching for a career field that would allow me to work with livestock producers. Having the opportunity to work for my alma mater is an added bonus of the position," he said.

Petty has hit the trail running.

"We are busy getting ready for the county fair. I look forward to meeting many area residents at that time," he said. "I would encourage you to stop by or call to visit with all of us. Professionally speaking, I anticipate my new role as an agent to be one which is very active in the local livestock scene."

Petty said that the office has a tremendous amount of resources for livestock producers, including ration balancing, soil testing, feed testing and heifer develop

"I also intend to do educational programming on pasture management and test plot work with traditional and alternative forage varieties. I would love to give area producers the chance to show off their operations and visit about cattle, sheep, goats, etc. Call me at the extension office at (620) 223-3720 or e-mail me at cgp@ksu.edu to schedule an on-farm visit or stop by the extension office when you are in town" he said.

While in Graham County, he was in the Hill City Rotary Club as a past president, and the Morland Lions Club. He is a current member of the Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Association of County Agricultural Agents (past secretary / treasurer and president) and the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

"I am a past member of the Morland Methodist Church where I served as a Lay Speaker, Administrative Council member and Parish Council Representative," he said.

Other employees of the Southwind Extension office are Hayden Cole, who is the summer intern, and Pat Simpson, who is the 15-year veteran office professional.

There will be an Extension open house and reception for the two new agents from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16 at the Extension Office in the Bourbon County Courthouse.