Joe is a native of northwest Kansas.  He grew up on a diversified crop and livestock operation.  Throughout his youth he was active in 4-H showing hogs and cattle.  He participated on the livestock judging teams at Butler County Community College and Kansas State University.  Past experience includes managing the Swine Research Farm for the University of Arkansas.  He also spent seven years as an extension agent in Northwest Kansas and most recently worked as an agronomist/crop consultant prior to starting as Grant County Extension Ag Agent in September 2010.