(KAIR)--A familiar face in the local agriculture community is saying goodbye, with a longtime Atchison County Extension Agent heading into retirement.

Ray Ladd, for decades, has been a key figure in local extension endeavors, including an active role each year at the Atchison County 4H Fair, in Effingham.

Ladd, a native of Kansas, has served in his position for 45-years, providing education in a variety of areas, from crop and livestock management to lawn care and pet and livestock care.

According to a release, a reception for Ladd's retirement is set for November 10. It will run from 4 until 7 pm at Saint Ann's Parish Hall, in Effingham.

The public is invited. An RSVP is encouraged.