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By Candie Fix
Managing Editor 

Stewart hired to fill 4-H agent shoes at CSU Extension

 

March 18, 2020

Jessie Stewart

Jessie Stewart fills a new role as Phillips County 4-H Agent with Colorado State University Extension. Stewart, who lives in Haxtun, started her new position on March 6, one that was left open in August 2019 when then 4-H Agent Kindra Plumb announced her resignation.

Stewart, who is originally from Johnstown, is nearing her one-year anniversary of moving to Haxtun, when she then took a crop specialist job with ServiTech.

While in high school, Stewart showed goats and pigs through her local FFA Chapter as well as competed on the livestock judging team. As part of that team, Stewart said she competed in a number of local and state competitions at the high school level.

After high school, Stewart attended Northeastern Junior College where she studied agriculture business and crop and soil sciences. She later attended the University of Wyoming, earning her bachelor's degree in ag communications with a minor in agriculture economics. At both colleges, Stewart was a part of collegiate judging teams, competing at the National level.

"I've always had a passion for showing," Stewart said. "That passion grew deeper and more intense when I started judging."

Stewart said when she learned of the opportunity with the local extension office, she knew working with youth, the 4-H Program and livestock is something that would be a perfect fit for her. She said her participation in FFA in high school and participation in livestock judging in college gave her a deep appreciation for what both the 4-H and FFA programs can provide for youth and that, she added, is something she wants to be a part of.

In the first few weeks as a 4-H Agent, Stewart said she plans to jump in and get her feet wet and hit the ground running. She said she is taking time to learn what exactly her role is in each area at the Extension Office while also attending club meetings, meeting 4-H families and leaders and getting acquainted with resources that will be useful for both parents and youth.

"I'm not changing much, I am just working to get comfortable in my new role and learning how best I can serve 4-H youth in the area," she said.

Stewart said she plans to stay in Haxtun and thinks that living in one end of the county and working in the other will give her a unique advantage. "I have a way to connect with the whole county," she said.

In her free time, Stewart said she likes to spend time outdoors with her rescue dog Cooper as well as hunting. She also enjoys reading, working out and true crime podcasts.

"I also have a huge passion for learning," Stewart added. Something she is excited about as a new 4-H Agent. "I have the opportunity to learn new things and see what this takes from behind the scenes. It keeps me on my toes."

So far, Stewart said she loves her new position and is thankful that everyone at the Extension Office and Phillips County has been kind, patient and welcoming to her. "I'm excited about how passionate youth and all those involved are for 4-H."

 

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