In my encore career, I am a Regional Agriculture Business Specialist for the University of Missouri Extension. I work with people in agriculture to expand their knowledge and improve their lives and businesses through education. Some of my programs have included Farm and Estate Planning, Farmers Market workshops, Veterans to Farmers education, and Master Gardener training.
In 2012, I retired as a Program Manager for USDA Farm Service Agency based in Washington DC. We moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area in Missouri, where I became involved with the Camden County/University of Missouri Extension Council as a board member.
There were many volunteer opportunities (for people of a certain maturity level) in the area, and I eagerly participated in them. I was especially impressed by the wide range of programs that Extension has to offer in the state.
When the university announced an opening for an Ag Business Specialist in my area, I applied for it knowing that I might have to compete with recent college graduates. I was not ready to retire. An opportunity to teach adults was just what I was looking for! I got the job.
As a retired government employee, I speak “Bureaucrat.” I have helped several farmers and citizens understand the USDA Farm Bill programs and how to utilize them. I recently helped a Vietnam veteran who wanted to grow English walnuts as a farming enterprise get a scholarship to the agroforestry academy for a week-long educational opportunity. We also work with beginning farmers to help them learn the skills they need to be successful, and retiring farmers to help plan how to pass the farm on to the next generation.
Older workers are experienced, confident and capable. We have presentation skills and expertise that we want to share. We are dedicated, hard working, responsible employees who value the opportunity to work with others to help them improve their lives.
Thank goodness the University of Missouri recognizes the value of older workers.