With a strong passion for agriculture and a desire to see farmers succeed, Chris Brown has joined the Virginia Cooperative Extension as an associate extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Halifax County.

After living in the county for more than a year with his wife, Leah, Brown decided to start applying for agriculture positions.

His wife currently serves as Halifax County's agriculture development director.

Brown received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech in 2009 majoring in animal and poultry science. In 2010 he received his master's degree in career and technical education.

Before taking the position in Halifax, Brown worked as an agriculture teacher in Pittsylvania County and worked for county maintenance for nearly a year.

"It is only my second day on the job, but what I enjoy most is that there is something different every day. It's never the same thing," said Brown on Tuesday.

The new extension agent said his job duties include responding to producers' interests and needs related to crops, animal science and financial management.

"Basically we offer the research based information from Virginia Tech to the public," said Brown.

Brown admits he pondered his career choice in high school but hadn't applied until recently.

His choice to take the Halifax position was led by his passion for agriculture and his desire to see farmers succeed.

"My goal is to learn as quickly as I can to meet demands of producers in the county," said Brown.

When he isn't getting acquainted with his new job, Brown works on his mini- scale farm where he raises goats and some free range chickens. He also enjoys motorcycling and outdoor sports.

A floating reception will be held for the new extension agent Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 171 S. Main Street in Halifax.

"I look forward to working with the county and agriculture producers, and I hope I can be an agent that people refer to," Brown concluded.

from the Gazette-Virginian