STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Trent Irby has moved into an administrative role with the Mississippi State University Extension Service after more than 12 years of serving the state’s soybean growers.

MSU Extension Director Angus Catchot recently named Irby associate director of Extension. In this role, Irby will be working primarily in agricultural and natural resource programs. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving in the position on an interim basis since January.

“Soybeans are our most grown row crop, so Dr. Irby has been one of our busiest and most trusted agronomists for many years,” Catchot said. “He has logged a lot of road miles helping our producers solve problems, and he has shown natural leadership in the process. That ability plus his experience makes him an excellent fit for this role.”

A native of Brandon, Irby has earned three degrees from MSU: doctoral and master’s degrees in weed science, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, technology and business.

Irby joined MSU Extension as a soybean specialist in 2012. His Extension efforts as soybean specialist focused largely on demonstration activities at more than 370 locations across the state since 2013. These efforts provide growers with farm-level data demonstrating research-proven benefits related to crop production, including variety performance, fertility challenges and pest management strategies.

He has also served as co-coordinator of the MSU Row Crop Short Course for several years. This annual educational conference hosts hundreds of producers, consultants and industry professionals in agriculture.

“I am excited about being a part of the amazing things Mississippi State University Extension does to serve our state,” Irby said. “Having been a part of MSU Extension working in agriculture for most of my career, I am blessed to have witnessed firsthand the impact it makes for our state’s citizens.

“MSU Extension truly has something to offer to all Mississippians, and I am honored to serve with Dr. Catchot, the agents in each of our counties and the faculty and staff located both on campus and around the state to enhance the lives of every citizen,” he said.

Irby will be based at the Bost Extension Center at MSU.