Spotlight on: Jay Whaley
Extension Agent (4-H)
Routt County
I was born May 16, 1974, and
raised in Routt County as a fourth generation Routt County native, and a third
generation Routt County 4-H member. I spent my early years showing steers,
lambs and pigs in 4-H and FFA. Because my mother was a 4-H sewing leader, I was
forced to sew and even model. I can still sew on a button because of 4-H! When
I wasn’t doing 4-H, I was playing small town sports. After graduation I
attended NJC in Sterling studying Animal Science and then transferred to CSU
majoring in Agriculture Education.
In 1996 I accepted a position
teaching Agriculture in Cheyenne Wells where I had the privilege of building a
new program. In 1998, after a divorce, my daughter, Jaelyn, and I had the
opportunity to return home to Routt County where I’ve worked as the 4-H
Agent for the past 12 years.
In Routt County I have had the opportunity
to become involved in many new and excited projects and programs. I helped
build a $700,000 facility at the fairgrounds with funds raised by 4-H members
and the community. I taught college level animal science classes, taught and
helped integrated community mapping into the 4-H program, but mostly had the
privilege in working with some of the most outstanding youth, agents and
families. I have learned the extension systems by reporting to mars, e-power,
COERS, ES237, quarterly reporting, blue ribbon (dos and windows based),
4honline, and a few others since we change every few years!
I am married
to Shiloh and have three girls. Jaelyn, 14; Larhae, 3; and Addison, 4 months.
Living in a house full of girls has taught me patience! I love my family and
the lifestyle we live. My wife attended the University of Wyoming (I try not to
hold it against her!), and prior to us getting married, was employed in the
medical field. We live on a ranch south of Yampa and raise cattle, sheep; feed
a few horses and put up a little hay. We have been given the opportunity to
raise our family in a great place.
When we are not home, you will find
us watching Jaelyn play volleyball or running track, and in between I am the
head wrestling coach at Soroco High/Middle schools. Shiloh has the most
important job of the family; she is a stay-at-home mom, and handles the daily
chores on the ranch.
I feel I have been a 4H member all my life and
appreciate the great people we get to work with.