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Montana State University names new Missoula County extension agent for agriculture, livestock
Summary
Natalie, the new MSU Extension agent for Missoula County, introduced herself and outlined priorities including animal emergency planning, forage support, and upcoming educational events and resources.
Natalie (full name not specified in the meeting), the recently appointed Montana State University extension agent for Missoula County covering agriculture, livestock and community vitality, introduced herself at the All-Community Council meeting and described initial priorities for the role.
The agent said she has been on the job about six weeks and will focus on promoting agriculture across the county. Her immediate project is developing animal emergency planning resources for small farms, particularly to address barriers that keep people from evacuating animals during disasters. She told the council she is convening a meeting with the Office of Emergency Management, veterinarians from the Montana Department of Livestock and community members to coordinate planning and resources.
“One of the biggest reasons people don't evacuate is because of their animals. If we can improve the planning around that, the accessibility of some of our Missoula County resources, I think we could all be a little bit safer,” she said.
Natalie said the group will produce resources and host events; she expects materials to appear on missouladeuplace.org in the coming months. She also described outreach and education plans that include a directory and programming for local hay growers and livestock owners, and a video series tentatively titled “Light on the Land” aimed at small-acreage producers with monthly short videos on topics such as water-tank efficiency and manure management.
On disease concerns, attendees asked about avian influenza and the agent said she will include biosecurity and animal health guidance in emergency planning and noted that Montana Department of Livestock veterinarians will participate in an upcoming Healthy Acres educational event. She encouraged community members to take part in the March 1 Healthy Acres talk and to connect with the county’s extension resources.
Natalie asked council members with experience in emergency planning to contact her and offered to present to community councils on wildlife interactions, urban interface issues and living with deer, elk and turkeys. She provided contact information and said she welcomes collaboration with local advisory groups.
No formal actions were taken; this was an introductory briefing and outreach request by the new extension agent.
