Katie Payne is the newest addition to West Virginia University Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program unit. She will serve as an assistant professor and Extension specialist with an expertise in forage agronomy – the production and management of plant materials consumed by livestock.
At a young age, she fell in love with agriculture through her involvement in FFA and 4-H programs. Her passion for beef cattle sparked a curiosity about what was going on under their hooves, which led her to participate in 4-H land judging. Payne sought a way to connect beef cattle and soils, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in forage agronomy.
Payne, a Mountaineer herself, obtained her bachelor’s degree from WVU and then her master’s degree from the University of Georgia. She went on to receive her Ph.D. in integrated plant and soil sciences from the University of Kentucky, where she spent her time researching urea formulations' effect on mixed-species pasture production, clover persistence and forage nutritive value.
Before planting her roots back in West Virginia, she was the applied forage systems specialist for the Southern Piedmont Agriculture Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech. Payne also has an extensive amount of experience in agronomy, pasture management and livestock systems. She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications and frequently speaks at regional and national forage and livestock conferences.
Payne is passionate about her return to West Virginia and is eager to start her work for the University.
"I’m passionate about working at WVU and helping producers in West Virginia because it’s an institution that I love and the state I call home. There is a huge amount of potential in West Virginia forage systems. Around 68% of all farms in West Virginia have permanent pasture, so it’s definitely a needed position,” Payne said.
Bringing perspective and getting established is what Payne plans to prioritize in her first year.
“I believe the experience I’ve gained throughout the Southeast can bring a new perspective to West Virginia forage systems. Really, my first year is about getting out and meeting people, figuring out priorities and trying to make the program more visible,” Payne added.
Ronnie Helmondollar, WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources program director, believes Payne will be a significant addition to WVU Extension’s forage agronomy program and its growth.
“Grass is the basis for much of West Virginia agriculture. The effective management of that natural resource can impact the profitability and sustainability of many West Virginia farms. We are pleased to have Katie working with our agents to enhance their capacity as they work with farmers to increase their forage management skills,” Helmondollar said.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram.
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an/09/09/25
MEDIA CONTACT:
Aden Nickerson
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-7606; aden.nickerson@mail.wvu.edu