Extension agent Tucker honored by ALBCIA

The Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (ALBCIA) honored Clarke County Extension Coordinator Kevan Tucker as the 2006 ALBCIA Outstanding Extension Agent during the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet held on Feb. 17, 2007, in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center. Tucker was recognized with the award for his support and implementation of beef cattle performance programs in West Alabama.

While Tucker received formal recognition for contributions made to the industry, his selfless concentration and ongoing commitment to helping others spawned the recent display of public appreciation. The reason he chose to become an extension agent is as intrinsic as it is refreshing. Tucker simply finds self-gratification through the act of assisting others.

In October of 1997, Tucker took a position as County Extension Agent for Marengo County with assignment in production agriculture. Soon after arriving, he discovered that beef producers in the area were hungry for information and guidance in making operational improvements.

"I like working with people and assisting them with decisions on their farm," Tucker said. "Often times those decisions can be as simple as a common herbicide recommendation, or as complex as long term plans and goals for a beef herd. Both situations and everything that falls in between is very rewarding, including being able to observe the change and improvement in their operation."

As a 1993 Mississippi State graduate with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business, Tucker is able to exercise his understanding of business to help improve the marketing practice of individuals in West Alabama. Tucker said he believes there is an abundance of great cattle in Alabama that simply need marketing as a whole package.

"Co-mingling cattle into larger groups of cattle for marketing has proven to be the venue to teaching other improvements and value added practices," Tucker said. "It may sound backwards to sell them first then make them better, but it helped me show producers the steps. This included improving vaccination programs, culling decisions, weaning, genetic improvements, reproduction etc. Each year producers seem to add another management practice that improves the cattle as well as their marketability."

According to Tucker, providing service to the public as extension agent, via advice or hands on participation, presents multiple pleasurable aspects. Tucker also believes he is blessed to have interaction with the distinctive type of community that surrounds him.

"I am extremely fortunate to work with a great group of folks, both in my Livestock work and other responsibilities," Tucker said. "The people of West Alabama are wonderful to work with. Things tend to operate at a relatively slow pace here in comparison to other places in the state. They have long standing traditions and a valued sense of history of their communities, county and region. That, along with working to improve their area, as well as their farms, makes for a unique and pleasurable people."

Tucker works extensively with the West Alabama Feeder Calf Sales in conjunction with Linden Stockyard and also coordinates the annual ALBCIA Herdbuilder Replacement Female Sale. Both programs serve the state cattle industry by rallying participation in West Alabama.

Though Tucker received his last formal educational accreditation in 1993 from Mississippi State University, his learning experience continues to progress institutionally and informally. This allows Tucker the chance to develop an optimal perspective when offering help to local citizens. Tucker humbly admits he continues to learn from his coworkers, as well as, from daily interaction with individuals in livestock work. And after he leaves a day of servitude of those seeking assistance within his community, Tucker fills some of his time pursuing a master's degree in education at the University of West Alabama.

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