Plant science specialist joins MU Extension field faculty

LINNEUS, Mo.– A University of Missouri research specialist and former MU Extension field faculty member has rejoined MU Extension as a plant science specialist and Linn County program director, according to Shelley Bush Rowe, director of MU Extension’s Northeast Region.

Valerie Tate started her new duties Jan. 28. Based in Linn County, she will provide agronomy expertise in Linn, Sullivan, Putnam, Adair, Macon and Randolph counties. Tate also will offer horticulture advice in Linn, Macon, Randolph and Chariton counties.

“With her broad experience, educational background and enthusiasm, Valerie Tate makes an excellent addition to the Northeast Region’s staff of talented extension specialists who serve the people and communities of our 20-county region,” says Bush Rowe.

For the past 12 years, Tate worked as a research specialist at the MU Forage Systems Research Center in Linneus. Since 1991, Tate also served in a series of posts with the university, including coordinator with the MU Extension Mark Twain Water Quality Initiative in Macon (2000-2001); research associate at MU’s Forage Systems Research Center (1995-1999); and MU Extension agronomy and water quality specialist based in Shelby County (1991-1995).

While completing her master’s degree in animal science at MU, Tate served as a graduate research assistant. She received her bachelor’s degree in agronomy from MU in 1989. Tate and her husband, Larry, own and operate a family farm in Linn County.