Extension welcomes Stewart as new 4-H agent

For the past year, Jessie Stewart has been making Phillips County home. As of March 6, though, she is in a new role that she hopes will bring her even closer to the community. Joining the local Colorado State University Extension Office, she will be serving as Phillips County’s 4-H agent, a position held by Kindra Plumb through August 2019.

Originally from Johnstown, Stewart attended Northeastern Junior College after she graduated from high school. There she studied ag business and competed on the livestock judging team. She went on to attend University of Wyoming, where she studied ag communications, journalism and ag economics. She competed on the livestock judging team there as well.

During her time at the University of Wyoming, Stewart was active in facilitating judging camps, shows and contests.

“That’s where I developed my passion for working with youth,” she said.

Last May, Stewart moved to Haxtun to work as a crop consultant. She found, however, that she missed working with youth and with livestock. That’s what motivated her to seek out the 4-H agent position.

“I’m just really excited to get to know people in the community and get to play a bigger role,” she said.

As an Extension agent, Stewart will be working with all of the kids active in a Phillips County 4-H club. Whether they’re raising a show heifer or learning cake decorating, she will be there to coordinate and hold kids accountable. At the heart of it all is providing educational opportunities for the youth.

Though July may seem distant to some, 4-H’ers are keenly aware that it will be here before they know it. Stewart, too, is looking forward to the Phillips County Fair this summer and will be busy getting ready for it in the coming months.

Stewart continues to live in Haxtun with her rescue dog, and she’s excited to meet and work with people across the county.