JANUARY 26, 2015;
New Ag Agent getting settled in; says ‘I have big shoes to fill’…
The Lawrence County Extension Office has announced Laura Opell-Maggard as the new Agriculture Agent. Maggard, 26, replaces former agent, Julia Rollins who took a position with Kentucky Farm Bureau last fall.
New Lawrence Co. Extension Agent Laura Opell-MaggardMaggard, who is from Boyd County, is a 2006 graduate of Boyd County High School, and earned her Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Education from Morehead State University in 2010. Maggard, who is just recently married, has family in Lawrence County. “I feel at home here” she said.
Maggard did her student teaching in animal science,NAND was a program assistant at the Boyd County Extension Office for two and a half years. She worked with former agent, Julia Rollins on several different projects. “I already knew a lot of the staff and the farmers. When the job came open, it was perfect timing and I felt like this is where I was supposed to be.” Maggard said she enjoyed being a program assistant, but her goal was to be an agent.
She still lives in Boyd County, but said at some point, she hopes to move to Lawrence County. “I think it’s important to live in the county you are serving, or as close as possible, and be part of the community.” she said.
Upcoming plans include cattle meetings and getting the farmer’s market going again this season. We had a strong master gardener program in Boyd County and I look forward to working with the one here. We also have some new ideas for the Heritage Harvest Tour this year” said Maggard.
She invited folks to come by or call and introduce themselves. “I am very proud to be here at the Lawrence County Extension Office and look forward to working with everyone. I am here for the people and would like to hear their ideas, needs and concerns.”
Referring to Julia Rollins who was the agriculture agent in Lawrence County for the last several years, Maggard said “I know I have some big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge and am ready to get to work.
Lawrence County has welcomed me, and I truly appreciate that.”
For more information on extension programs, call 606-638-9495
