The Mississippi State University Extension Service has welcomed a new agriculture and natural resources extension agent, Tristan Peavey, who will be located right here in his home town.

“My mom and dad grew up here in Brookhaven and I did, too,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to come home.”

Peavey, 25, didn’t start off wanting to work in agriculture as a career, but it’s funny how life works sometimes.

“Growing up, I always thought I wanted to be a doctor,” he said, especially since his father is a general surgeon in Brookhaven and McComb. “I went to State for a year and then ended up leaving and going to work at Betty’s Eat Shop, which I really enjoyed. I liked the idea of agriculture as a direct supplier to restaurants. I’ve also worked on a friend’s farm and appreciated how it all ties in together.”

Once Peavey embraced his future, he went back to State, which his grandfather thought was a good idea. “Well, you’re going to Cow College, so… .” Peavey insists with a laugh that his grandfather, Billy Peavey, was just being “a little bit facetious.”

The son of Ashley Whittington of Hattiesburg and Dr. Michael Peavey of Brookhaven, Michael Tristan Peavey Jr. graduated from Brookhaven High School in 2015 and is now a Mississippi State University alum, with an undergraduate degree in animal and dairy sciences. He is currently working on a master’s in agronomy.

Peavey worked in the same position in Simpson County and was glad to be able to move back home.

“I like being able to help people,” he added. “I like helping home owners and working to improve agriculture efficiency in my home county. Helping producers and land owners is satisfying.

“Farmers are the hardest working people in America — they are the last true utilitarians who spend 365 days a year working 26-hour days, I tell you. I have all the respect for dairy families and look forward to helping with 4-H events.”

The extension office is located at 301 S. First Street, Room 201, in Brookhaven. Call 601-835-3460 for more information.