AMES, Iowa – On Aug. 14, two crop experts will join Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in western Iowa. Mark Licht will serve part of west central Iowa and Kyle Jensen will serve a portion of southwestern Iowa.

"ISU Extension is pleased to have the opportunity to employ two well-qualified individuals who possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in crop production and protection," said Gerald Miller, director, ISU Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Licht earned a Bachelors of Science in Agronomy and Masters of Science in Soil Management and Conservation from ISU. Since 2002, Licht has worked on soil management and fertility projects as a program specialist for ISU Extension. He will be based at the ISU Extension Carroll County office and will serve Carroll, Crawford, Calhoun, Greene, Ida, Monona and Sac Counties. He is filling the position vacated by Todd Vagts who resigned in December 2005.

Jensen earned a Bachelors of Science in Agronomy and Masters of Science in Soil Science from ISU. Since earning his masters degree in 2003, he has worked as an agronomist for the agribusiness industry. He will be based at the ISU Extension Southwest Area Office near Lewis and will serve, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Page, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery and Shelby Counties. Jensen will fill the position vacated by Clarke McGrath who has taken a three-year assignment with ISU’s Corn Soybean Initiative.

Licht and Jensen will join the 10 other ISU Extension crop field specialists who work with ISU faculty and other specialists to develop and deliver education programs in support of Iowa crop production. They work with farmers, agribusiness, educational institutions, governmental agencies, farm organizations, cooperatives, commodity groups, community colleges and youth.

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