In September, we welcomed Aaron Fisher as the youth livestock and equine programs Extension specialist for the department of animal science.

A Rhea County native, Fisher completed a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in ruminant nutrition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He went on to serve as an Extension specialist and a lecturer in animal science at UTK before accepting a position at Purdue University as the 4-H animal science specialist.

Throughout his role at Purdue, Fisher provided statewide leadership to all of the 4-H animal science projects and was the main 4-H contact for animal shows at the Indiana State Fair, as well as working with various state judging contests.

When the opportunity at UT came up, it was a no-brainer for Fisher.

“A chance for my family to move back home was certainly a big part of the draw,” explains Fisher. “The biggest draw was a chance to lead youth livestock and equine programs in Tennessee. I have a passion for youth and agriculture and relish the opportunity to enhance the youth animal science experience.”

In his new role, Fisher will provide leadership to statewide exhibitions and judging contests as well as developing in-service training for agents and educational programming in the area of animal science for youth and adults.

“The purpose of youth livestock and horse programs is to provide real-life educational opportunities that allow youth to develop animal skills and learn about animal-related careers, and more importantly, to learn what it means to be responsible for something other than themselves,” says Fisher. “With that purpose in mind, my goal is to provide high-quality, educational events that serve as a showcase of the youth livestock/horse experience.”

Fisher will be working closely with Tennessee 4-H, and we are so excited to welcome him back home!