Andy Vangilder

For the last 13 years, Clay County farmers have been aware of the hard work and dedication of Clay County Extension agent Andy Vangilder. Following a recent ceremony, more people around the country have had the opportunity to learn about Vangilder and why he is such a valuable part of this region's crop production.

Vangilder was selected last month as one of two representatives from Arkansas to receive the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

This recognition is given to agents who go above and beyond in their efforts to provide the best possible assistance to their local farm producers. According to the NACAA website, agents who receive the Distinguished Service Award must: have served a total of at least 10 years with outstanding service as a member of the Cooperative Extension Service; worked out and put into effect an effective Extension program which includes carrying to completion some constructive and outstanding work; be actively interested in the improvement of the Cooperative Extension profession; have studied some specific Extension subject by group study, correspondence, university residence study or have pursued some other means to improve his abilities and have the recommendation of the State Extension director.

Vangilder traveled to Greensboro, N.C., to take part in an annual ceremony which featured the presentation of the award, as well as several beneficial agriculture seminars.

While all agents are invited to attend the event each year, this marked Vangilder's first time to attend.

"I'm generally pretty busy in the summer," Vangilder said. "It just worked out to where I was able to attend this year."

While the meeting featured the presentation of his award in front of a large group of his peers, Vangilder, in keeping with his dedication to Clay County farmers, continued his effort to help improve the overall agricultural excellence.

"It was a real good meeting in that I got to visit with a lot of agents from other states and hear about the different programs they're implementing."

He also was able to take in the sites of one of the most agriculturally-rich areas in the nation. Vangilder, along with his girlfriend, Jill Wynn, toured the Cotton, Inc., headquarters. Cotton, Inc., is the leader in promoting cotton in the United States. As such, the tour featured the latest in cotton technology, as well as a look at one of the largest cotton mills in the nation.

He also took part in a number of educational seminars.

"I spent a lot of time at the different seminars, hearing about the current trends and the future of agriculture. It was really a neat experience."

Vangilder has been an Extension agent for 27 years. He started working in Craighead County in 1981, before coming to Clay County in 1995. While he works with all crops in the county, his true abilities shine in working with the people who grow them.

"I just really enjoy working with all my producers. We've got a real good bunch of farmers in Clay County. They're the ones who put in all the work it takes to make a successful crop."

Apparently, the feeling is mutual. A number of farmers donated funds to help cover the cost of Vangilder's trip. This assistance, along with that from local businesses and available grants, essentially covered the cost of his trip.

Through his work, Vangilder also is involved in a number of different activities, including programs with the 4-H organization and the county schools.

"I tend to stay pretty busy, but I truly enjoy what I do," Vangilder said. "I work with some really good people both in the field and in the office."

Vangilder has a Master's degree in general agriculture from Arkansas State University.

In his spare time, he enjoys working on his own farm. He also is an avid deer and turkey hunter.