MSU Extension names Ag Agent of the Year

By MSU News Service

10/31/01

            BOZEMAN--Whether riding the range or writing a grant, identifying plants or helping businesses, Virginia Knerr is at home whenever she's serving the citizens of Broadwater County.

            It's that dedication to her work that has earned Knerr the "Ag Agent of the Year" award from the Montana State University Extension Service, said David Bryant, vice provost and director of Extension. The award will be presented during Ag Appreciation Weekend at MSU, Nov. 9-10.

As Broadwater County's only Extension agent, Knerr's duties range from agriculture to economic development to urban forestry. Much of her work is as a facilitator, bringing together people with diverse backgrounds to discuss important issues. Recently, she helped landowners near the Elkhorn Mountains develop a wildlife grazing plan to present to state agencies. Knerr is also well-known for her popular Rancher's Roundtables, where ag producers meet informally to hear guest speakers, exchange ideas and greet neighbors.

            A few years ago, when three Townsend stores closed and others were on the brink, county commissioners--who fund part of the Extension position--asked Knerr to help with economic development. Knerr accepted the challenge, and soon found herself working with the county planning board, serving on a committee to minimize the economic consequences of a large smelter closure in East Helena, and introducing the county to "asset mapping," a system for taking inventory of the talents of community residents.

            Townsend Mayor Mary Upton has worked with Knerr through the Broadwater County Development Corporation, a citizens group that works to retain businesses and improve the community.

"She's a very good organizer," Upton said of Knerr. "She gets things done, she's enthusiastic and has a wide range of knowledge."

            Knerr's organizational skills were put to the test last year when her county was hit by wildfires. Many landowners lost timber, rangeland and forage crops. When the Montana Farm Bureau and other groups donated hay, Knerr was asked to orchestrate the distribution.

            "Virginia really put it all together," said Nancy Schlepp of the Farm Bureau. "It took a lot of time when I know she had a lot on her plate."

Schlepp added that Knerr's work did not end when all the hay was gone—she continued to help those who didn't get hay by working on other management strategies, such as rationing and fencing.

            "She believes in the people she works for and is behind them 110 percent," Schlepp said.

            For her participation in the hay donation programs "Bales for Broadwater" and "I Care a Ton," Knerr was given an award from Montana Gov. Judy Martz last year.

            Even though the fires have passed, Knerr's work with landowners continues. She recently helped procure a grant to help fight weeds and erosion in burned areas.

            Knerr also is a member of the state 4-H horse events committee, coordinates her county's noxious weed seed-free forage program and serves on the Hometown Pride Committee.

Knerr has been Broadwater County's Extension agent since 1993, with previous agent positions in Liberty and Gallatin County. She is a native of Roberts, and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from MSU in Bozeman. She serves on several internal Extension committees, including one that helps evaluate the impacts of educational programs.

Knerr says she enjoys the challenges of her work and the opportunity to build partnerships.

"Every morning when you walk in the door, you never have the same day," Knerr said. "Things are always changing." In her free time--of which, Knerr jokes, there is little--she enjoys riding her horses, elk hunting, cross country skiing and other outdoor activities.

Knerr is respected throughout Extension and within her community. As Harry Hoffman, who owns land near East Helena, puts it: "Virginia may not walk on water, but she sure knows where the rocks are." 

Photo: Virginia Knerr of Broadwater County
                        MSU Extension's Ag Agent of the Year

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Send questions or comments to Carol Flaherty, MSU Communications Services, Bozeman, MT 59717 or email Flaherty at carolf@montana.edu.

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