COURTLAND
Livvy Preisser brings her personal experiences, as well as formal education, to her role as the new Extension agent for Southampton County.

The 25-year-old grew up on a farm in Lancaster, Virginia, where her family raised wheat, corn, barley and soybeans. Among her responsibilities was tending a garden.

“I was responsible for the produce,” Preisser said.

Those years had a decidedly positive influence on her.

“I fell in love with agriculture,” she said, and decided to attend Virginia Tech to earn a bachelor of science degree in the subject. Following graduation, Preisser worked as an Extension agent in Campbell County. There she found a niche with agri-tourism.

“I worked with small niche market producers and had farm days and got more of the young kids to see what farm life was all about,” Preisser said.

When her husband, Richard, got a transfer to Smithfield Foods, Preisser also learned of the opening in the Southampton office and applied.

Getting out to meet everyone involved locally with agriculture is an initial goal. She also wants to be involved in the downtown Franklin Farmers Market, as well as helping Kim Atkinston grow the area 4-H, a program that her husband was also involved with while he grew up.

To contact Preisser, call 653-2572 or email livvy16@vt.edu.