Kari Sponaugle

Overview:   As the Agriculture Natural Resources Extension Agent, I provide programming and support to livestock producers, landowners, and land managers in Highland and Bath Counties.  Additional duties of the agent include, but are not limited to, support of pesticide recertification programs, soil testing and fertility recommendations, forage testing and nutritional program recommendations for livestock operations, support of Virginia Beef Quality Assurance programs, development of educational programs to assist livestock producers and landowners improve income, efficiency and sustainability, and support of forage crop utilization and education.  The agent also supports existing 4-H youth development programming in areas related to agricultural education.  The Highland and Bath Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent serves and provide advice to various county, regional, civic and producer organizations.

Education:

2017 – Master of Science, Virginia Tech Agricultural Leadership and Community Education

2010 – BS, Agriculture Ferrum College

Honors:

2022 - Distinguished Service Award, National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals

2018 - Promotion from Associate Agent to Extension Agent

2009 – Delta Tau Alpha Honorary Agricultural Society, Academic Achievement in Agricultural Studies, Ferrum College

2008 – Alpha Chi Honor Society, Ferrum College

2005 – Virginia 4-H Delegate to National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GA 

2004 – Inducted to Virginia 4-H All Stars

Professional Activities:

2013-2022 - Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Bath & Highland Counties

2022-Present - Epsilon Sigma Phi, Extension Honorary Society, member

2018- 2020 - VALOR Class IV Fellow

2018-Present - State YQCA Instructor

2017-Present - Unit Coordinator, Highland and Bath Counties

2015-Present - Mertz Career & Technical Center Advisory Council

2014-Present - Chair, Virginia Assoication of Fair Youth Leadership Scholoarship Contest

Brief Bio:

Kari is a native to Highland County and held the position of 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for Bath and Highland Counties from January 2013 until July 2022.  She currently serves as president of the Highland-Bath County Farm Bureau board and attends McDowell United Methodist Church.  Kari was a Class IV VALOR (Virginia Agricultural Leaders Obtaining Results) fellow. 

Kari and husband, Michael, have three children and operate a 50-acre, H-GAP certified vegetable farm in addition to assisting with the family beef and poultry operation.