New Equine Extension Educator in Washington County

Brittani Kirkland, originally from Alachua, FL, is Penn State Extension's new equine extension educator located in Washington county. Kirkland recently served as a 4-H Livestock Agent in Larimer County, Colorado, where she was a member of multiple livestock and horse education teams for Colorado State Extension. She received her Masters of Science Degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University, with her graduate research focused on disaster preparedness with her thesis titled, "Oklahoma Wildfires: Examining Extension Partnerships in Large Animal Disaster Preparedness". In addition, she conducted research on human perceptions of equine behaviors and assisted the Oklahoma State equine specialist with all adult and youth equine extension programming. Kirkland helped create and deliver extension programs on numerous equine science topics such as behavior, physiology, health, and biosecurity. Kirkland also has a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Florida. During her time at Florida, she worked in the state animal science extension office helping deliver state and regional equine programs and events to youth audiences.

Kirkland will join the Penn State Equine Extension Team. This team provides equine production and business management educational programs for the equine industry. These programs and information are provided through meetings, webinars, and other virtual delivery methods, as well as individual, on-farm, assistance. Dave Swartz, Assistant Director of Programs for Animal Systems with Penn State Extension, said, "We are excited to welcome Brittani Kirkland to the Penn State Extension Equine Team. Our equine team members work with all segments of the equine industry. With Brittani's extensive experience and training, she will be a great addition to the Extension team in Washington County and an asset to the equine industry in Washington and surrounding counties."

Kirkland started on October 5 and can be reached at the Penn State Extension Office of Washington County (724-207-2010) or by email at bmk5819@psu.edu.