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For Norris, MSU and WRRI Fuel Career Growth
Jake Norris's journey from agriculture student to Extension employee to project manager for the Water Resources Research Institute highlights the career-development opportunities available at Mississippi State University.
"My main goal is to help farmers succeed," said Norris, who grew up helping his grandfather raise livestock in Itawamba County in northeast Mississippi. "A bunch of us came off farms, so we can relate to the people we're helping. I was able to build a fabulous bond with my coworkers at the institute. It was a great step in my career development."
After graduating from MSU in 2015 with a degree in agricultural science, Norris worked for two years at the University of Arkansas's research station in Marianna. He then returned to Starkville to focus on cotton agronomy for MSU Extension—a job that often kept him on the road doing on-farm trials and field testing.
"My work with Extension allowed me to travel the state a good bit," he said. "The coolest part was seeing the different cultures and diversity of Mississippi and how agricultural practices differ around the state. It was a good learning experience."
In 2023, Norris joined the Water Resources Research Institute at MSU, which introduced him to a new side of agriculture that deepened his knowledge of irrigation practices and their effects on the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer.
His projects included managing water levels for rice farming and using soil sensors to optimize irrigation for corn and soybeans. By working directly with farmers in their fields, he realized the need for more sustainable irrigation strategies that also increase crop yields and profits.
"I didn't know that irrigating was such a pinpoint science, but timing is everything with water—especially in the Mississippi heat," Norris said. "People take water for granted, but it hurts everyone when we waste water. WRRI is on the forefront of helping growers save water and irrigate better."
Recently, Norris took another step forward in his career journey when he accepted a farm manager position at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station's (MAFES) Brown Loam Branch in Raymond. This position allows him to serve farmers in the central part of the state as well as guide MAFES research on the 1,700-acre station.
"MSU and the institute have a lot to offer students who are interested in agricultural careers and increasing their potential for growth and advancement," said Jason Barrett, associate Extension professor and interim director of the WRRI. "We're thankful that Jake continues to use his knowledge, expertise and leadership skills to benefit Mississippi's agricultural community."
The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.
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