Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 2025 |
Photo – UW Extension logo – Courtesy University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming has yet to fill the open Agriculture and Natural Resource Education position in Carbon County.
The University of Wyoming’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator teaches farmers and ranchers across the state land‑use practices and shares the latest research on crops and livestock.
In March, Abby Perry, UW’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for Carbon County, was named the state’s Small Acreage Specialist. Since that time, the university has been searching for someone to fill Perry’s former role.
Speaking at the November 18th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, UW 4‑H Youth Development Extension Educator Emily Haver reported that a new Ag and Natural Resources Educator has still not been found. Due to the lack of qualified candidates, Haver said University Extension Associate Director Dannele Peck is working with stakeholders to fine‑tune the position’s responsibilities.
Haver invited Commissioner John Espy and another commissioner to the November 24th meeting. The UW extension educator said representatives from numerous state and local agencies will attend to discuss how the Ag and Natural Resources Educator can collaborate with their organizations.
In the meantime, Haver said Converse County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Jedidiah Hewlet will represent Carbon County at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s Winter Roundup and Trade Show in Casper.
Fast forward to the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting. Commissioner John Espy said he and Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett attended the University of Wyoming stakeholder’s meeting to discuss what the county needs in an Ag and Natural Resource Educator. Commissioner Espy said the agencies agreed that the position should prioritize working with Carbon County residents on region‑appropriate gardening and communicating the accomplishments of its various departments.
Commissioner Espy said the Ag and Natural Resources Educator does not need to focus on the county’s agricultural producers because of their existing partnerships with other state and local agencies. Instead, the extension educator should highlight local conservation efforts, such as Carbon County Weed and Pest’s invasive weed management initiative.
Commissioner Espy said Saratoga‑Encampment‑Rawlins Conservation District Manager Joe Parsons attended a meeting where an unspecified conservation method was discussed. Parsons noted that Carbon County had been using the same technique for years. The lack of public communication meant that state representatives were unaware of the county’s ongoing conservation practices.
Commissioner Espy said stakeholders and University of Wyoming representatives agreed that public communication should be a central responsibility of the county’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.
For information on how to apply, call the University of Wyoming Extension Office at 766‑3566 or email mrober38@uwyo.edu.
