New Agent Joins Richland County Extension Office

Recently the MSU Richland County Extension Office added a new Extension Agent Marley Manoukian to the team.

With this position, Manoukian will help producers and home gardeners with plant and insect identification and plant disease diagnosis. She will assist with soil, water, forage quality analysis, and in-house nitrate testing. She will also help provide the Private Applicator Training program for producers interested in becoming licensed to use restricted use pesticides.

"I welcome any and all questions regarding horticulture and agriculture, and if I don't have the answer, I will gladly find out," said Manoukian. "I am looking forward to getting to work with the folks here in Richland County."

Manoukian grew up on a ranch in Malta, MT and knew that she wanted to stay involved in the agriculture industry, so she pursued a college degree in animal science. 

In 2019, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science: Livestock management and industry as well as a business certificate from Montana State University - Bozeman. In 2021, she also obtained a Master of Science degree in animal and range science with an emphasis in Ruminant nutrition at MSU. 

She previously worked as an Agriculture and 4-H Extension Agent for Rosebud and Treasure counties, where she worked with agriculture and natural resources, youth development, community development, livestock range, and forage production. 

Some of her favorite things about being an agent is meeting new people and helping them with issues on their operation. 

She said, "I really enjoyed being an agent there and was excited to start a new role in Sidney. I am hoping to learn more about Richland County, connect with the community, and meet more producers."