Jon Vest is a Senior Agriculture and Natural Resources agent based in Floyd County, serving producers, landowners, families, and communities across the region. A Virginia Tech graduate and former 4-H Allstar, he has worked in Extension for more than 33 years, focusing on practical, research-based education that supports agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

Vest studied horticulture at Virginia Tech, and alongside his core programming, he maintains a special interest in fruit production and apple grafting. Through collaborations with Master Gardeners and statewide efforts, he supports the preservation of Virginia’s heirloom apple varieties, helping maintain the heritage of historic orchards while sharing practical skills with growers and community members.

This story is part of Get to Know Extension, a Q&A series highlighting the people who make Virginia Cooperative Extension’s mission possible.

How did you get started in Extension? What brought you to this work?

“I graduated from Virginia Tech in 1992 and entered the commercial horticulture industry working as a chemical salesman with a Southwest Virginia territory. My extended territory helped introduce me to many industry professionals, agricultural operations, and various municipal departments along the way. As my chemical background and experience grew, I was able to apply for an agent position with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Roanoke.

In 1993, I was hired as the commercial horticulture agent. Virginia Cooperative Extension was not necessarily new to me, as I participated in the 4-H program as a teen and had the privilege of becoming a 4-H All Star. My original 4-H agent and club leader was able to welcome me as her new coworker 33 years ago.”

Man stands next to a sign that reads "Virginia Cooperative Extension"
Jon Vest stands beside his Mobile Agriculture Lab, a traveling trailer that brings Extension programming directly to farms and meets producers where they are. Photo by Case Keatley for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

What does Extension mean to you personally and professionally?

“Extension is my opportunity to serve my community by sharing research-based knowledge. My sharing has the potential to make real differences in people’s lives.

I am an educator charged with helping those around me better understand and adopt the tools necessary in improving their farm sustainability, conserving our natural resources, and encouraging agriculture profitability.

If I can help my neighbors acquire the same knowledge that I as an Extension agent am fortunate to experience while doing my job, I think I will have made an impact.”

What do you enjoy most about your role in Extension?

“The people, the variety, and the impact are all part of it, but if I had to choose, I’d say it’s the relationships and the long-term impact those relationships make possible.

Over 33 years, I’ve seen entire families and communities grow and change. It feels good to work with a young 4-H’er who later comes back as a farm owner, a teacher, or a volunteer. I may help a producer through a tough season and later see their operation stabilize and expand.

The variety of the work keeps it interesting. One day I’m in a field or garden, the next I’m in a classroom or someone’s kitchen. No two days look exactly alike.

What ties it all together is the sense of impact. I know I’m not just delivering information. I’m helping people make decisions that affect their livelihoods, their health, and maybe their kids’ futures. Hearing someone say, ‘My suggestions have changed how we do things and it’s made life better,’ is what really keeps me in Extension.”

Man holds a opaque plastic jug next to a dumpster of similar jugs.
Jon Vest examines a pesticide container during a farm chemical recycling effort, helping producers properly dispose of agricultural materials. Photo by Case Keatley for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Tell us about a moment that made you proud to work in Extension.

“One of the moments that made me the most proud was our Extension response to Hurricane Helene.

I traveled into communities where nothing felt normal. Roads were washed out, barns were damaged, and several families had lost most of their stored feed. I remember standing in a field where the river had deposited nearly 3 feet of sand, rock, and debris and hearing the producer say, ‘I don’t even know where to start.’ In that moment, being an Extension Agent was about being a listener and offering reassurance.

We set up a system so farmers could receive hay, feed, and fencing supplies. We organized emergency workshops on flood-damaged forage, livestock health after flooding, and documenting losses for disaster assistance programs. We helped connect producers and families with relief resources.

What made me proud wasn’t just that we shared information. It was watching neighbors help neighbors once they had trusted guidance. Seeing Extension become a hub where people could walk in tired and worried but leave with a plan and a bit of hope reminded me exactly why Extension exists.”

How does your work make a difference in your community or region?

“Extension work makes a difference because it can gradually insert university knowledge and create practical changes in people’s daily lives.

We help producers adopt practices that keep their operations profitable and sustainable. Programs on nutrition, food safety, financial literacy, and 4-H youth development give people concrete skills they can use immediately.

Whether it’s a hurricane or flooding, Extension helps people prepare and navigate recovery. Our work builds long-term resilience, not just short-term relief.

Over 33 years, I actually see impact. Farms that survive and innovate, youth who come back as community leaders, neighborhoods with better access to healthy food. That’s how our work really changes the community and region.”

What’s one misconception people have about Extension that you’d like to clear up?

“One misconception I’d really like to clear up is that Extension is just for farmers or just for kids in 4-H.

Those are important parts of what we do, but Extension is really here for the whole community. We work with homeowners, parents, youth, retirees, small businesses, and local governments.

Another misconception is that we’re mainly a place to get a pamphlet. The printed materials and online resources are useful, but the heart of Extension is relationships. We provide education tailored to local needs through classes, one-on-one consultations, site visits, and long-term programs that walk with people over time.”

What advice would you give someone beginning their career in Extension?

“Focus first on people and learning and give yourself time to grow into the role.

Invest in relationships and build trust. Ask questions and listen more that you talk.

Don’t try to be a senior in your first year. Learn to manage your workload and say no.

Protect your life outside of work. Burnout is real. A sustainable pace will keep you effective for the long haul.

Above all, stay curious and mission-focused. If you keep asking ‘What does my community really need, and how can I help them meet that need?’ you’ll build a rewarding career in Extension.”

Man holds poster with apples on it.
Jon Vest reviews a Virginia Grown Fresh Apples educational poster, one of many tools used to support producers and connect consumers with local agriculture. Photo by Case Keatley for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

What are you currently excited about?

“A personal goal is to keep growing programs and offer in-person relationships. While online options offer flexibility, it is through trusted hands-on workshops, farm visits, or conversations around a kitchen table that may remain the most impactful.”

Finish this sentence: Extension is important because…

“Extension is important because it connects people with unbiased, research-based help so they can make better decisions for their families, farms, businesses, and future.”

- Written by Case Keatley, field marketing & communications coordinator