By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension has announced the appointment of Nick Volesky as its new Horticulture and Specialty Crop Field Specialist. In this role, Volesky will work closely with the SDSU Extension horticulture team to address the needs of South Dakota residents in areas such as home landscaping, specialty crop production, and gardening.
Based in Rapid City at the West River Research and Extension facility, Volesky will support projects and outreach programs aimed at improving plant care and crop production across farms, homes, schools, and community gardens. He will collaborate with other specialists to provide research-based solutions and educational resources to both rural and urban communities.
Volesky joins Cody Molnar, SDSU Extension Horticulture Plant Pathology Field Specialist, as one of the newest additions to the horticulture team. The team offers expertise in areas such as gardening, lawn care, tree and shrub management, water conservation, soil health, and Master Gardener training.
A Nebraska native, Volesky earned bachelor’s degrees in horticulture and applied science from the University of Nebraska. He later completed his master’s degree in plant science at Utah State University. His academic background and hands-on experience position him well to address the state’s diverse horticultural needs.
Before joining SDSU Extension, Volesky worked with Utah State University Extension’s integrated pest management program. There, he educated producers about managing diseases that affect specialty crops. He also conducted research on cut flowers and other aspects of specialty crop production, adding valuable experience to his role at SDSU.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Education