Thank You...and More Parting Words
August 25, 2026
Submitted by Chris Onstad
On my first day as an extension professional, I was in my new office in Shelby, Montana. I went through files, met a few people that stopped in to welcome me and answered a question about private pesticide applicator license.
Later I went to campus for four days of orientation. I spent a day with a mentor, but most importantly, I had great co-workers and supportive neighboring agents. It all helped me engage quickly.
A year later, our daughter (Ashlyn) and son (Alec) were born at the local hospital. The room was flooded with flowers and cards of congratulations. The baby shower for me at the courthouse a couple weeks prior gifted us hundreds, maybe even thousands, of diapers, for the newborn twins. After only a short time, we were accepted and part of the community. It was a wonderful feeling!
That day at the hospital changed the course of my life in ways more than being a new father. Just a couple days prior, I had been offered and accepted a position with a prestigious private company back in Fargo, North Dakota.
But, after experiencing first-hand the care of those in the extension office, my heart was bursting with emotion. I called my supervisor and asked to withdraw my resignation. We were not ready to leave such a welcoming and caring place with a job that I truly enjoyed.
That day, I recognized the potential mistake of leaving for another job, and began a long-term and rewarding career with extension.
By no means was it a perfect journey. It has had hills and valleys. But as I think back on the positive notes, it was definitely filled with much more reward than challenge.
The ultimate prize was watching those I’ve helped put into practice knowledge that made their lives better. A farmer that grew pulse crops for the first time; a rural community that now had a watershed protection plan; a 4-Her that gave better reasons; an agent that received awards for the impact they generated; a local unit director building a perfect district budget; a regional director that grew stronger and more confident, and an organization that adopted new ideas.
So many wonderful memories. Oh shucks….here come the emotions! …blink, blink…
Each and every person that I have interacted with in extension has helped shape who I am. Thank you for that experience you provided, encouraging or challenging me to grow every day. There are so many of you, that I can’t begin to mention by name, but you will forever be embedded in my memories.
Retirement will bring the time I need to support family and create memories with the younger generation. I will travel with my wife, hunt, fish, and maybe even get back to gold mining. I hear the price of gold is up!
My last day in practice was Aug. 21, but my email will continue. If you would like to share a memory, I would be blessed. Continue to keep your vison of a bright future and don’t let the little things bog you down.
Best wishes! It’s been a wonderful career and I’m a better person because of you.
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