Ag educator still on county’s chopping block

After the smoke cleared from the Steele County Board reversing its decision to cut the Master Gardeners program, another proposed budget cut remains in the shadows—one that could have devastating effects on a county reliant on agriculture.

The county’s original budget decision also included slashing the half-time ag educator position. Currently, Steele County splits a full-time position with Rice County in which Ryan Lermon serves as agricultural and natural resources educator through the University of Minnesota Extension.

Steele County has had an ag educator of some form for more than a century, according to Lermon. He noted the position began as an ag agent in 1923 and was later paired with the 4-H program. The ag agent handled 4-H until the current format of 4-H educators came into play several decades ago.

He pointed out that about 30 counties in Minnesota have ag educator positions, very few remain in southern Minnesota— long considered a key area in the heartland of agriculture. Olmsted County is the closest, he noted, while Blue Earth and Le Sueur counties cut a joint position in 2024.

For Steele County, Lermon said the timing of the decision couldn’t be worse.

“The hardest part is with the harvest going on right now farmers are busy,” said Lermon, who has been in the position since 2024. He also said with the hype surrounding the Master Gardeners in recent weeks, many don’t realize that the ag position is still set to go away at the end of the year.

Lermon said he felt blindsided by the county’s decision, especially considering that two county commissioners, James Brady and John Glynn, are on the Extension committee.

“I was shocked about it as I never had any communication from them,” Lermon said, noting a lack of foresight behind the board’s decision.

In recent weeks, Lermon said he has been working to raise awareness and encourage the public to speak up.  “I need a voice from the community and from members who use my services,” he said.

Lermon said in a society shifting to artificial intelligence, the need for having an unbiased educator couldn’t be more important. “Having someone here in the county is more vital than ever,” he said.

If the position is eliminated, Lermon said farmers and landowners will lose local programming and direct access to assistance by phone, email or in-person site visits, such as pasture consultations.

“They will lose (direct) access to someone answering questions,” Lermon said, noting in many cases farmers and landowners would be forced to pay consultants.

He fields many inquiries from homeowners regarding trees. “I often check out their trees to let them know why their tree is dying,” Lermon said.

“A lot of people need our guidance and help because they don’t have the knowledge.”

Lermon also hosts agriculture workshops during the North American Farm and Power Show, one of the largest shows in the country held in Owatonna every March.

One challenge that has become increasingly difficult in recent years is the lack of veterinarians for large livestock. “The more information that we can provide to the community will help them succeed as livestock producers,” Lermon said.

Lermon is also involved with land rent meetings for landowners. He said he provides vital information to landowners on what they can expect to charge for rent.

“I would love for the ag educator position to stay,” Lermon said. “It’s a good resource for the community to have with unbiased research information to work through problems.”