Agent Highlight: Ethan Carter (EA II & RSA, Agriculture/Pest Management)
Ethan Carter’s favorite part of the job is hands‑on and practical: “Definitely doing sprayer calibration with stakeholders.” Helping growers dial in output and master calibration improves efficiency and protects the environment wins on both cost and stewardship.
He’s always learning, especially about products and labels. “I am constantly learning about ‘new’ products and their label uses,” whether truly new chemistries or generics stakeholders bring to his attention. That habit of staying current anchors his guidance in the field.
A simple rule guides his advice: “Pesticides are all different.” Even when names or actives look similar, he stresses checking the label for the right rate and use every time.
As for a typical day? “Every day is different.” He might be out on a site visit calibrating a sprayer, answering licensing and continuing education questions, or talking through product use and rates.
The skills that matter most to him are flexibility and a strong drive to learn. He’s motivated by helping applicators understand safe, effective use and by making the licensing process smoother from start to renewal.
Looking ahead, Ethan aims high: in ten years he hopes to be an Extension Agent IV, the top promotion level for agents.
His advice is clear and practical. For applicators: “Know your product chemistry and be familiar with its label.” For new agents: take your time so you don’t get overwhelmed, and shadow veteran agents to learn their programs and approaches.
Based in Jackson County—the state’s leader in peanut and cotton acreage—Ethan works with a large number of applicators. The scale means more chances to listen, learn, and help, which is exactly where he likes to be.
