MSU Adds Peanut Specialist

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Starting in January, Mississippi peanut farmers will have a dedicated source to turn to for information.

Jason Sarver was recently hired as peanut specialist by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. His official start date is Jan. 3.

Sarver is a native of Berea, Ky. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2006 and a master’s degree in plant and soil science in 2009 from the University of Kentucky. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia, where he is studying peanut agronomics.

“Jason has an extensive degree of training in all aspects of peanut production and management,” said Mike Phillips, head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at MSU. “His thorough understanding of soil fertility, harvest management, weed control, variety selection and control of plant diseases is an invaluable asset to peanut production in our state.”

Sarver said he looks forward to working with growers and colleagues.

“I am excited to join the team of crop specialists at MSU,” Sarver said. “They are highly skilled and care deeply about what they do. I’ve also met with several of the growers, and they are eager to have a specialist to call on for research-based data.”

Sarver’s office will be located in Dorman Hall on the Starkville campus.