Farm Horizons • Dec . 5 , 2016 • Page 15 Meet the new Extension educator for McLeod and Meeker counties
BY STARRLA CRAY Associate Editor
The past few months have been a whirlwind for Karen ( Anderson ) Johnson , in a good way .
“ I got married , moved , and started a new job all within about a week and a half ,” said Johnson , who became the new extension educator for McLeod and Meeker counties in late August .
Johnson grew up on a dairy farm south of Lester Prairie with her parents , David and Donna Anderson , and graduated from Lester Prairie High School in 2008 .
She moved to the Twin Cities to attend the University of Minnesota , but agriculture always stayed with her . Johnson was selected as a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist in 2010 , and received the Merle Howard Award for being the World Dairy Expo ’ s top junior exhibitor a year later . At the end of 2011 , Johnson graduated with a bachelor ’ s degree in animal science .
“ Right out of college , I got an internship with Genex / CRI ,” she said .
At Genex Cooperative in Shawano , WI , which is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International ( CRI ), Johnson had an opportunity to learn about cattle genetics , reproduction , and livestock marketing .
ALL WAYS RENTALS
Portable Toilets Construction Sites Handwashing Units
Party Tents
Canopies Secure Fences Public / Private
Events OSHA Approved Towing Units
mikeschmitz44 @ gmail . com 13424 53rd St . SW , Cokato , MN 55321 ( 763 ) 477-5758 • ( 866 ) 477-5758
She continued on an agricultural path after her internship , working as a herdsman on dairy farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin .
In February 2014 , Johnson became an agriculture extension educator for Rice and Steele counties .
“ There are a number of extension educators throughout Minnesota , and we ’ re here to serve whatever needs there are ,” Johnson said .
In July , the previous extension educator for McLeod and Meeker counties , Nathan Winter , was promoted to a regional position , leaving an opening for Johnson to work closer to her hometown .
During that time , Johnson was also planning her Aug . 12 wedding . She and her husband , Beau , met through FarmersOnly . com , a dating website geared toward people who enjoy the country . Beau works at a farm equipment dealership , and he and his dad have a small hobby
Submitted photo
Karen ( Anderson ) Johnson became the McLeod and Meeker County Extension educator Aug . 22 .
farm in Willmar .
As an extension educator , Johnson provides technical support for both agriculture and horticulture .
“ I ’ m always looking for different ways to connect with producers ,” Johnson said .
During the growing season , she often receives questions like “ What ’ s wrong with my tree ?” or “ How do I get rid of a particular weed ?” Johnson works closely with master gardening groups and other entities to provide programs and information .
In winter , Johnson can be found providing education on land rent , private pesticide use , crop input management , tractor safety , and more . One of her goals is to create opportunities for young professionals to get together and progress as a group .
Meeker and McLeod County residents are welcome to contact Johnson with comments or questions about agriculture and horticulture . She can be reached at ( 320 ) 484-4303 or ande9495 @ umn . edu . •