Friday, July 30, 2010
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| 10/8/2008 5:04:00 PM |
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County extension agent retires after 30 years
Carolyn Harmon
Staff Writer
WINFIELD - After 30 years as Putnam County West Virginia University Extension Agent of agriculture, Wayne Bennett has retired.
Bennett, 70, of Eleanor, began his job as extension agent in 1978. While he does not own a farm, he grew up on one in Randolph County on top of Spruce Knob.
He began his college education at Glenville State College and later transferred to West Virginia State University.
He specialized in agriculture and economics and graduated with a degree in agriculture.
Prior to his job with the extension, he taught vocational agriculture for 16 years in the counties of: Wirt, Nicholas, and Roane.
Bennett was looking for a change from teaching when the extension agent job opened.
Although the job encompassed many duties, Bennett still did a lot of teaching on topics, such as insect control, farm planning, how to set up a farm to make ends meet and possibly make a little profit.
"The people you work with in extension actually need help and they are more receptive to what you tell them," Bennett said.
According to Bennett, agriculture is on the upswing, and in Putnam County has remained stable over the last 30 years.
With the rise in food costs, more people are becoming interested in it.
Within the county, 99 percent of farmers own their farmland and they want it to pay off, Bennett said.
They are motivated to make that happen by growing different crops, raising different livestock, and whatever it takes to pay their taxes and keep things going.
In addition to farms, this year was the biggest for the number of people that planted produce in their yards, Bennett said.
"We see that as a trend for the future," he said. "People are saving the family budget this way and home grown produce always tastes better."
When Bennett educates new farmers he begins by asking them what they are thinking in terms of farming.
For example, if they do not like cows, they should not raise them. Then they move onto the economics and how to make a profit. Bennett enjoyed dealing with people and the variety the job brought.
"Every day was different," Bennett said.
Because of his interest in people, Bennett will stay on a few boards in Putnam County, such as economic development, solid waste, and the Putnam County Fair.
"I'll be into several things off and on," Bennett said. "I won't be far away."
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