Growing up in Dadeville, Missouri, on his family’s farm instilled in Matthew Huchteman a love for farming and gardening.

So, it’s no surprise that when it came time to further his education, the 2022 Missouri State University graduate chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental plant science with a minor in animal science. He also earned a master’s degree in plant, insect and microbial sciences from the University of Missouri (MU) in December 2024.

Sharing his expertise

Earlier this year, Huchteman joined MU Extension as a new field specialist in horticulture for southwest Missouri. While based in Jasper County, he serves the counties of Barry, Barton, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Polk.

His job involves identifying and addressing horticultural needs in his counties through educational research and programming. He conveys research-based information to farmers so they can apply it in the field. He does a lot of one-on-one consulting with producers.

“I really enjoy working with producers and providing them with solutions to their problems, and that’s exactly what this job entails,” Huchteman said.

He credits his improved workplace communication to the coursework and opportunities he had at Missouri State.

“A large part of what I do now is rooted in communication — talking with producers and sharing information to help solve problems. The classes I took and the experiences I had while at Missouri State prepared me well for that,” Huchteman said.

Time as a Bear

One of the main reasons Huchteman chose to study at Missouri State was because he was already familiar with the campus from competing in Future Farmers of America (FFA) district events during high school.

“We’d go to the Darr Agricultural Center and I really liked the programs provided and the nice facility,” he said.

His involvement in FFA influenced his degree choice.

He began as an animal science major with a plant science minor but shifted his focus to plant-based crop production from grazing systems and forages. With his work in horticulture, he specializes in fruit and vegetable production.

“I’ve always had an interest in this, but my involvement in FFA and a growing passion for plant science are likely reasons why I’m in this field,” Huchteman said.

He participated in two agriculture organizations during his time at Missouri State: MSU Cattlemen’s Association and Delta Tau Alpha National Agriculture Honors Society.

He notes his favorite part about Missouri State was the close-knit feel.

“After attending a very small high school and then a larger university for my master’s, I can say the sense of community at Missouri State is very real,” Huchteman said.

The path to graduate school

While at Missouri State, he learned of a job opportunity in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, from his then environmental plant science professor, Dr. Clydette Alsup-Egbers.

Huchteman began his career at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in November 2021. His goal was to gain more experience and build connections in his field.

This job ultimately led him to pursue a master’s degree at MU, with part of his graduate research based at the center.

During his master’s program, Huchteman focused on elderberry weed management and connected with extension professionals from southwest Missouri.

“Even before starting my current position, I worked with people in similar positions in the region. I had some excellent connections through extension and my graduate work at Mizzou,” he said.

Never stop learning

Huchteman is passionate about the importance of having the ability and willingness to learn.

“It’s counterintuitive, but you have to learn how to learn,” he said.

To build that skill, Huchteman advises students to get involved in student organizations and seek out opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Make connections and don’t take any chance to learn for granted,” he said.

He also stresses the value of internships.

“I did an internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for two years. That was a wonderful way to gain real-world experience,” he said. “Don’t pass up opportunities like that.”

Throughout his career so far, Huchteman has learned that admitting when you do not know the answer is essential to learning.

“I don’t like to give people wrong information,” he said. “It’s OK to tell them you don’t know. Do the research and get back to them with a more informed answer.”

Learn more about environmental plant science