New OSU Extension Educator Starts

The new OSU Extension Educator has big shoes to fill.

Clifton Martin officially began his duties this week as Muskingum County’s newest OSU Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources. He replaced 27-year veteran, Mark Mechling, who retired in June.

“It’s really about providing a service to the county, providing a link between the university and the agricultural programs there, and all of the wider community here and the citizens, and also allowing that link to go both ways from the citizens to the university, and also from the university to the citizens,” Martin said.

Martin may be new to the area, but is no stranger to agriculture education and development. His previous work includes two years experience with an environmental consulting firm, specializing in oil and gas projects.

“I have spent the last four years working in Wooster, Ohio for the OARDC, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, in the soybean pathology lab, prior to that I completed a Master’s Degree in New Hampshire working with the fruit and vegetable specialists for extension there, and have an undergraduate degree in environmental science,” Martin said.

Martin said he looks forward to building relationships in the community and strengthening resources.