McCoy’s position is the first of its kind in the state as well as Knox County. John Barker, county director for OSU Extension, told the Knox County Commissioners on Thursday that the idea for the position was conceived about a year ago after he attended a community meeting about a new hog operation opening in the county. “People were scared,” he said, thinking the hog operation was going to contaminate their water and adversely affect their environment.
McCoy will work with the producers on soil sampling, collecting manure samples and monitoring applications. In addition to working with the producers, McCoy will work with the public via service clubs and other venues to educate the community about manure application, the link with soil sampling and the overall agricultural process.
“OSU is very interested in this because there isn’t a position like Tara’s right now,” said Barker. A combination of grants fund McCoy’s position, which will be for one year.
Barker said the Knox County Extension office is also working on a SNAP Ed position. Funded by a federal grant, this staff member will work with schools that have at least 50 percent of their student population receiving free meals. The person will be based out of the Extension office but spend most of his or her time in the schools. Barker anticipates to fill the position by October.