WSU Extension Agent Honored For Soil Work

A Washington State University Extension agent has been honored for his work to improve soil health.  Paul Carter is the director for the Columbia County Extension.  He recently received the 2018 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.  This award honors members who have served at least 10 years in cooperative extension, led outstanding extension programs, and earned the esteem of their colleagues.

Carter has focused his efforts on helping farmers preserve the health of their soil balancing nutrients in their crop systems, improving soil health and reducing soil acidity.  He conducts soil health workshops for farmers and decision makers to prevent soil degradation, leads on-farm demonstrations, organizes seminars, and speaks at local and regional grower meetings.

"Our soils are the basis of life, and soil health determines the quality and health benefits of the foods we grow and eat," said Carter. "Whether it's crops for feed, grain or for our own table, by working with producers to improve the soil, we ultimately improve the nutritional value of our diet."

A productive member of the WSU Wheat and Small Grains Extension Team in Pullman, and affiliate faculty with the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems in Prosser, Carter has authored several book chapters, curriculum materials, and educational publications on soil health.

"It was a great honor and a humbling experience to be selected by my peers here in Washington, and then be recognized at the national annual meeting with many other recipients," Carter said. "As an extension agent, I help in any capacity that I can for the benefit of my stakeholders and the community."

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com