West Virginia University Extension Service has appointed Alexandria “Alex” (Straight) Smith as agricultural and natural resources agent in Hampshire and Hardy counties, effective November 15, 2017.
Straight joined WVU Extension Service in 2007, most recently serving as the agricultural and natural resources agent for Ritchie County. Prior to that, she served as the agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for both Doddridge and Ritchie counties. Straight began her career with WVU Extension as a research assistant where she worked on a variety of experimental projects including soil compaction, mine reclamation soils and farmland fertility on permanent restoration pastures.
Straight, a native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in agriculture, both from WVU. Through her appointment with Extension, she serves as an assistant professor where her research interests include winter revegetation and youth livestock sale programs. She is a member of the American Forage and Grassland Council, West Virginia County Agents Association, and the West Virginia Farm Bureau.
Straight will be replacing David Workman, who will retire on January 3, 2018, and Stephen Starcher, who is now a program coordinator at Potomac State College.
“The agriculture sector of the local economies in both Hampshire and Hardy counties is very important. WVU Extension Service has a strong history of supporting the food production systems in both counties, and Alex is looking forward to working with agriculture leaders in these counties to continue to support their efforts. Her wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will be a wonderful addition to these two thriving agricultural communities,” said Ronnie Helmondollar, program director, agriculture and natural resources, WVU Extension.
In her role as Extension agent in Hampshire and Hardy counties, Straight will be responsible for providing agriculture and natural resource programming that help address the needs of farmers in those counties. She also will work closely with colleagues on additional programming and outreach opportunities.
“I’m fortunate to be working with seasoned professionals like Dave and my fellow agents, Liz Metheny and Kelly Hicks, through this transition so that I can learn more about the community’s needs, challenges and opportunities as it relates to agriculture,” said Straight. “I look forward to meeting and working with members of this wonderful community to improve agricultural opportunities in the area and for the State of West Virginia.”
For more information on 4-H opportunities in your community, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or visit extension.wvu.edu. Visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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Contact: Tara Curtis, WVU Extension Service, 304-293-7996, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu