(KMZA)--A horticulture agent has joined the staff at the Meadowlark Extension District.

Meadowlark Extension District Director David Key said Laura Phillips began work last week.

Key said Phillips is starting with a “ blank slate” initiating a program anticipated to assist everyone from agricultural producers to gardeners to home landscapers. She will handle part of the load now carried by Crops and Soil Agent David Hallauer, whose specialty lies more with production agriculture.

Key said the need was identified about two years ago, coinciding with COVID when a huge influx of people wanted to start growing their food at home.

Phillips grew up in rural Perry where her parents raised cattle.

She earned her bachelor's degree in ecology, evolution and organismal biology, as well as her bachelor's and master's degrees in classical languages from the University of Kansas. Phillips will work out of the Oskaloosa office.

The Meadowlark Extension District include Jackson, Jefferson and Nemaha Counties.