New extension agent has local ties

There is a new extension agent in town.

Amanda Williams comes to the area with a familiarity for the region she is now serving. Williams grew up in Miles City and spent a lot of time on the family ranch near Ekalaka.

The graduate of Montana State University-Bozeman, started work as the new extension agent for Fallon and Carter counties on June 21 after working for the past six years at the US Department of Agriculture Fort Keogh facility in Miles City. Fort Keogh is a 55,000 acre rangeland and cattle research facility. The beef cattle research at the facility includes reproduction, growth, nutrition, breeding and genomics. The range research being done at Fort Keogh includes fire, drought, weed, nutrition and soil conditions.

A 2014 graduate of Custer County District High School in Miles City, Williams went on to graduate from MSU-Bozeman with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science (2018) and a masters degree in range management (2020).

"I worked there for six years, but five of that was off and on through school," Williams explained.

"I pretty much grew up in Miles City. I went to school in Bozeman, but most of the time I was in Bozeman I kept coming back to Miles City. Our family has a ranch about 30 miles southeast of Ekalaka. We were actually closer to Camp Crook, South Dakota than we were to Ekalaka," she added.

"I grew up in Miles City, but our grandparents lived on the ranch. We spent many a weekend on the ranch."

That familiarity with southeastern Montana will help her as she settles in, Williams said.

"My background in animal science and range management ... those are two things that are really applicable to producers in this area. Those are some things that are of interest to a lot of people around here."

"After working at Fort Keogh and then working on my school at Bozeman, both as an undergrad and graduate, I saw the importance of research and why that is important to producers."

"The part that I enjoy the most is working directly with producers and seeing what areas they would like to see researched and how research can directly benefit them the most," she added.

"I think the biggest concerns for this year is how to utilize what water you have available and if the water that you have available is good," she said. Also, forage availability and quality will be another factor.

The fact that she is just getting started in the area is something Williams recognizes. "I don't know everybody yet, so if people need help or have any questions, I am available for help," she said. "Call the extension office and get ahold of us. I'm available for questions. If they need me to look at anything or have questions... I am here to help. That is what my job is."

"Don't be afraid to reach out."

Although she does not have anything planned yet, she said that she will be more involved in the community soon. "I am going to try to get out to as many local things as I can," she added.

She will also have a presence when it comes to fair time, both in Carter County and in Fallon County.

"There are livestock and 4-H council meetings coming up that I will be at," Williams said. "That is one of the main things that I am going to so far.

"Right now, I am just trying to get ready for the fair," she explained.

Later, Williams said she wants to be involved with the local Ag classes and 4-H chapters.

"I am excited to be here and work with these communities. I am going to have to hit the ground running to be ready for two fairs (Carter County Fair starts Aug. 12 and Fallon County Fair starts Aug. 21). It is going to be fun – I hope."

If people want to email her with any questions, Williams said they can use the office email – falloncarter2@montana.edu.