New extension agent starts work

THOMPSON FALLS – A new face has stepped into the position of the Agricultural and Natural Resources MSU Extension Agent, following in the footprints of his mentor, John Halpop.

Jason Badger started his job on Monday, Aug. 18 and was excited to begin his new position.

“I think what peaked my interest the most was the opportunity to use my education and my interests at the same time,” Badger said.

The new extension agent has a degree in fisheries and wildlife management and also has a forestry and agriculture background, skills he feels like he can combine into his new job.

Badger was once a habitat specialist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, identifying plants and making recommendations for habitat project improvements.

He moved to Sanders County in June of 2011 and became a face within the community during his time as the department head of Sanders County Weed Control, where he was tasked with managing the crews and coordinating grant funded projects. The position took a lot of public interaction, something his new position will also require.

The knowledge he has gained from his previous work will help Badger get a heads up on his work, already having much of the relationships needed established.

Badger is filling the role of his mentor, something that makes his work that much more meaningful.

“John Halpop and I worked together a lot. As an extension agent in agriculture and natural resource, weed education and weed management are two things that you deal with,” Badger said. “He kind of mentored me and that makes it really special for me. He is a very good friend of mine.”

Badger hopes to accomplish many things in his new role, one being that of educating people on a variety of different topics.

“I guess one of my top priorities is education,” Badger explained. “Most people I think want to do the right thing and want to know, but don’t feel like they have the right resources. If I can be that resource and provide them with that information and that direction, that really is my overall goal.”

Badger joined the MSU Extension team during one of their busiest times of the year. With the Sanders County Fair right around the corner, the group has been working to finalize all the loose ends before the fair takes over for Labor Day weekend.

This has allowed Badger to be involved with 4-H, something he hopes to continually be involved in during his time as an extension agent.

When Badger was younger, he was involved with 4-H and FFA and also interacted with extension agents in college. As a 4-H leader and an interview judge at last year’s fair, 4-H has always seemed to play a big role in Badger’s life.

He sees the program as beneficial to the community’s kids and wants to expand his presence.

“I fully plan on being involved with (4-H) all the time,” Badger said. “I think 4-H is extremely important. I think it’s a great program for kids so as much as I’m allowed, I definitely want to be involved with that year round.”

Badger had a positive first week and was excited to see what the job would grow into. Given he is new to the position, he was working on getting into the swing of his role and stated everyone had been incredibly helpful. He said he was both excited and lucky to be a part of a new team that seems to care so much.

“I’m really excited about this job and everyone I work with is fantastic,” Badger said. “They are very patient and I’m getting a lot of guidance, so I think it’s going to be a really good fit.”

MSU Extension’s stated mission is to “improve the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities.”

Badger hopes the community will bring topics of interest to him. From there, Badger said he can set up classes or seminars to help educate people on the issue, whether it be honey bees, gardening or the safe use of pesticides.

Anyone with an idea is encouraged to contact Badger at 827-6934.