Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Professional Excellence Awards Luncheon July 17, 2017 20 1
In 2009, Dr. Morgan accepted the position of Associate Professor and State Extension Cotton Agronomist. Since that time, he has focused on numerous outreach and applied research efforts that have been timely and critical to cotton in Texas and across the Cotton Belt. Dr. Morgan worked closely with county agents and IPM agents to get unbiased information to the diverse clientele of the state. He presents at over 65 AgriLife and industry sponsored educational programs across the state annually, and with the total contacts being over 3,200 annually! Dr. Morgan in collaboration with regional teams have developed nationally recognized large-plot on-farm cotton variety trials, called the RACE (Replicate Agronomic Cotton Evaluation) trials with CEAs across the state. These RACE trials provide high quality and unbiased information to the cotton producers across the state through CEA led field days, winter educational meetings, and the Cotton.tamu.edu webpage. The economic importance of the RACE trials and the cotton webpage to the clientele and ginning industry has been estimated at $58 million annually. He has also worked diligently to get timely information to producers and CEAs through Extension publications, and multi-regional variety trial booklets. Beginning in 2015, Dr. Morgan developed the state-wide, multi-crop, and multidiscipline newsletter called the Texas Row Crops newsletter with subscribers both inside and outside Extension. In many cases, agents use these articles in local media efforts because of the timeliness and value of the content. Dr. Morgan states that, it is truly an honor to receive the TCAAA Distinguished State Specialist Award. Working with and interacting with my CEAs colleagues on educational programs, trainings, and applied research trials is a part of my job that I thoroughly enjoy. 2 19
TCAAA Specialist Award TCAAA Distinguished State Specialist Award Gaylon Morgan, PhD. Professor and State Extension Cotton Specialist 2016-2017 Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Officers Dr. Gaylon Morgon is a Professor and State Extension Cotton Agronomist based in College Station, TX within the Department of Soil & Crop Sciences. While obtaining his B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, he served as a student worker for the AgriLife Extension Service. It was in these jobs that Dr. Morgan learned about the value of the Land Grant Mission. Dr. Morgan s M.S. and Ph.D. were obtained from Extension Specialists, and his projects focused on applied research directed toward answering farmer s questions on pest and nutrient management. In 2003, Dr. Morgan was hired as an Assistant Professor and Extension Small Grains Specialist at Texas A&M University, where he immediately engaged with fellow CEAs, IPM agents, and Specialists to establish a strong working relationship with clientele across the state. Dr. Morgan successfully led the multi-agency effort for uniform, replicated wheat and oat variety trials for over 30 Texas locations annually. Based on Dr. Morgan s efforts and the significant contributions from the Small Grains team and Agents, the estimated economic benefit to the clientele of Texas exceeded $30 million annually. President President Elect Vice President Secretary Treasurer Past President District Directors District 1 Leonard Haynes District 2 John Villalba District 3 Toby Oliver District 4 Todd Williams District 5 Chad Gulley District 6 Caleb Eaton District 7 Rocky Vinson District 8 David Groschke District 9 Dusty Tittle District 10 Michael Haynes District 11 Jason Ott District 12 Marcelino Valdez Early Career Cooper Terrill Life Members Eddie Holland Shane McLellan Tommy Yeater Brian Triplett Zach T. Davis Brian Yanta Cary Sims District Alternate Directors District 1 Michael Wilkes District 2 Jason Miller District 3 Justin Gilliam District 4 Tommy Phillips District 5 Jamie Sugg District 6 David Disselhorst District 7 Lisa Brown District 8 Lonnie Jenschke District 9 Michael Potter District 10 Rachel Bauer District 11 Scott Willy District 12 Martha Ramirez Early Career Floyd Ingram Life Members Joe Taylor 18 3
Professional Excellence Awards Luncheon 2017 Presiding Shane McLellan TCAAA President McLennan County Beef Symposium, a joint effort between TAMU and NMSU; Beef 706 classes at Texas Tech, Sul Ross and Angelo State; Total Resource Management; Rebuilding the Beef Herd, a series of programs set.o address the 2011 drought; and cattle pregnancy determination and artificial insemination clinics. Invocation Introductions of Guests Award Presentations Tommy Yeater TCAAA President Elect Howard County Todd Williams Awards and Recognition Committee Rockwall County One of the achievements that Dr. Carpenter is most proud of is the Ranch Horse Seminar, Competition and Sale he helped organize in Alpine, Texas in 1996. The goals were to help develop a value-added market for the local horse industry. The program was unique because it was a precursor to other now nationally known programs such as SHOT and AQHA Ranch Horse competitions. The special sale of competition horses included bids on 48 head that exceeded $100,000. Dr. Carpenter has received numerous awards during his tenure, including a Vice Chancellor s Award in Excellence, a Superior Service Award and a Publication Award from the Texas Section of the Society for Range Management. Dr. Carpenter attributes the success of his programming efforts to the collaboration he s had with great County Extension Agents. The Ag Agents of Far West Texas are proud to nominate Dr. Bruce Carpenter as one of this year s recognized specialists Closing Remarks Shane McLellan TCAAA President McLennan County 4 17
TCAAA Specialist Award District 6 TCAAA Distinguished Specialist Award Bruce Carpenter Ph.D. Professor & Extension Livestock Specialist Dr. Bruce Carpenter is a Professor & Extension Livestock Specialist headquartered at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center in Fort Stockton, Texas. Born into a New Mexico ranching family, Bruce received his B.S. in Animal Science from New Mexico State University in 1983. Bruce began his career in Extension as an Extension Assistant for the Dept. of Animal Science in Bryan, while in graduate school. Bruce received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Reproduction Physiology from Texas A&M University in 1990 and 1993. In 1994, Bruce began his current role as the Livestock Specialist in Fort Stockton, covering a 23 county area in Far West Texas where he interacts with County Extension Agents, livestock producers and allied industry to conduct educational programs and applied research targeting beef cattle, sheep, goats, horses and ranch planning. At the regional and state levels, he is active in Integrated Toxic Plant Management, a regional program that began in West Texas and grew to a statewide program; the Southwest Distinguished Service Award District 1 Josh Brooks Josh Brooks has served Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for 16 years. He served as an Assistant Agent in Navarro, 4-H Agent in Wise, and the last 13 years as the Ag/NR Agent in Hall County. His dedication to agriculture is evident through programming in cotton, range/pasture, livestock and an extensive 4-H livestock program. Josh has also been involved in youth programming including Agriculture Literacy to drug and alcohol awareness programs in the schools in Hall County. Distinguished Service Award District 4 Sara Allen Sara has served as a County Extension Agent Agriculture/Natural Resources for 26 years, working in Nacogdoches, Montgomery and Hunt counties. Her career has encompassed a wide ranging platform focusing on Small and New Landowner Education, Ag Literacy, 4-H and Youth Development, Beef and Forage Production and supporting a vibrant Master Gardener program. Sara recognizes the value of a dynamic volunteer base and has emphasized training and utilizing volunteers in all areas of her work. 16 5
Distinguished Service Award District 5 Chad Gulley Chad Gulley has served the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 18 years in Polk, Nacogdoches, and Smith Counties. He has been responsible for beef and forage programming, horticulture, wildlife, aquatics, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and 4-H Youth Development. His dedication to agriculture is evident through his leadership on various local, district, and state committees. He provides leadership to numerous Agricultural groups in East Texas also serving as a mentor to a number of Early Career Agents. Outstanding County Agricultural Agents Awards Partner Organizations Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Texas Corn Raisers Board Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board Texas Wheat Producers Board Texas Association of Dairymen Willis Grass Soil Fertility Award Texas Extension Specialists Association Award TCAAA Poster Awards Distinguished Service Award District 8 Shane McLellan TCAAA Scholarship Awards Youth Scholarships Clayton Garrett Michael "Shane" McLellan started his Extension career in 1998 as an Assistant Agent in Hill County, moved to Freestone County as the Ag/Nr Agent and is currently serving as the Agriculture Agent in McLennan County, Waco Texas. McLellan takes great pride in the fact he has always offered a very good and broad based agriculture education program for clientele. 4-H, beef and forage, row crop and horticulture being the major programs offered. Caleb Sumrall James Guyler Sims Shelby Lepley Agent Advance Degree Scholarships Andrew Sprague Hansford County 6 15
Extension Program Awards Recognizing TCAAA members who achieve excellence in developing and implementing innovative methods of teaching principals of production and marketing management to their clientele. These winners are also honored at the NACAA meeting. Search for Excellence in Crop Production Jason Ott Nueces County Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture Distinguished Service Award District 11 Corrie Bowen Corrie Bowen has served as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Wharton County since 2012. Throughout his eighteen year career he s demonstrated outstanding leadership in the areas of beef cattle, row crops, rice, wheat, animal issues/emergency management, and new landowner education. He received AgriLife s Superior Service Award in 2012 and the Vice Chancellor s Award in Excellence in 2013. Bowen received his bachelor s degree from Tarleton State University and his master s degree from Texas Tech University. Michael R. Hiller Jackson County Search for Excellence in Livestock Production Rogelio Mercado Jim Wells County Achievement Award District 1 Michael Wilkes Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Michael R. Hiller Jackson County Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming Roy Walston Kerr County Michael Wilkes has served Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for 8 years in Oldham and Roberts counties. Programming efforts from these counties have covered beef cattle, wildlife, small grains and native range management. Michael also has a very active 4-H program providing excellent leadership opportunities for youth in a wide area of involvement. 14 7
Achievement Award District 5 Kimberly Benton Personal Column 1. Beth McMahon Brazoria County 2. Janet Laminack Denton County Within this small rural county, my horticulture programming is designed to reach the Cherokee County constituents where they live-increasing knowledge, providing best practices, and helping them grow their own food. My programs foster garden growth (including a new city garden and various demo gardens,) and provide trialing opportunities to the local commercial growers. I am a proud member of the Earth-Kind Rose team, and honored to have been included in the awards they have received. 3. Matt Bochat Victoria County Publication 1.Vikram Baliga Lubbock County 2. Beth McMahon Brazoria County Published Photo/Caption 1. Vikram Baliga Lubbock County Program Promotional Piece 1. Paul Winski Harris County 2. Sheryl Long Bell County Achievement Award District 8 Cooper Terrill Cooper started his career as the Falls County Ag/ NR Agent in 2013 and now serves as the Agriculture Agent for Williamson County. He received both his BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University. Cooper has worked closely with program area committees to hold numerous field days and educational programs that will impact local producers. His diverse subject matter has covered row crops, cattle, forage, feral hogs, ag literacy, horticulture and 4-H youth development. 8 3. Beth McMahon Brazoria County Video Presentation 1. Daphne Richards Travis County 2. Janet Laminack Denton County 3. Paul Winski Harris County Website 1. Vilkram Baliga Lubbock County 2. Daphne Richards Travis County The first place winner in each category advances to NACAA Southern Region Competition. The top three regional finalist in each category go on to compete at the national level. NACAA recognizes all state winners as well as regional and national finalists at the Annual Communications Workshop and Awards Ceremony during the Annual NACAA Professional Improvement Conference. 13
Communication Awards Recognizing TCAAA members who excel in communication with clientele Audio Recordings 1. Michael Hiller Jackson County 2. Beth McMahon Brazoria County Bound Book 1. Jason Ott Nueces County Computer Generated Presentation 1. Janet Laminack Denton County Achievement Award District 9 Paul Winski I joined Extension in 2013 as the County Extension Agent for Commercial Horticulture in Harris County. I have implemented programs to address issues related to the green industry such as integrated pest management, Earth-Kind landscape management and the Greater Houston Plant Conference. Earth- Kind plant trials have been initiated with roses, azaleas and landscape shrubs. I received my Bachelor of Science from Delaware Valley University and Master of Science Degree from the University of Connecticut. Fact Sheet 1. Robert Pritz Taylor County 2. Jason Ott Nueces County Feature Story Achievement Award District 11 Kara Matheney 1. Vikram Baliaga Lubbock County 2. Matt Garrett Harrison County Newsletter Individual 1. Tom Guthrie Mills County 2. Xandra Morri Hill County 3. Michael Hiller Jackson County Newsletter, Team 1. Michael Hiller Jackson County Kara Matheney has served as County Extension Agent for Agriculture/Natural Resources with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension since January of 2010. Her career began in Colorado County with programming focused on 4-H, beef cattle, and row crop production. In June of 2014 she transitioned to Washington County and provides leadership for beef cattle, pasture management, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, New Landowners, and 4-H youth development. Kara earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Texas A&M University. 12 9
Early Career Awards Sponsored by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association to recognize and encourage profession excellence for members with less than five years of service. Districts with more than nine qualified agents may present two awards. Andrew Sprague Hanford County District 1 Cristen Brooks Floyd County District 2 Wade Howard Lynn County District 2 Michael Bowman Foard County District 3 Alford Echols Delta County District 4 Retirement Watches Recognizing retiring TCAAA member for the dedication, service, and leadership they have provided during their careers as County Extension agents. 2016 2017 Retirees Greg Jones Garza County 32 years 8 months Jerry Warren Callahan County 19 years 3 months Shaniqua Davis Upshur County District 5 Amber Carroll El Paso County District 6 Jessica McCrory Terrell County District 6 Morgan Runyan Coke County District 7 Floyd Ingram Milam County District 8 Bruce Boyd Hamilton County District 8 Jerod Meurer Brazos County District 9 Roy Flora Liberty County District 9 2015 2016 Retirees Keith Hansen Smith County 29 years 7 months Michael Morrow Lamar County 26 years 11 months Chris Wiemers Blanco County District 10 Robbin Reininger Bee County District 11 Ashley Gregory Hidalgo County District 12 Retirement Watch Sponsor FiberMax Cotton, Bayer CropScience 10 11