RBC | Long before Meghan Davis became Rio Blanco County’s new Colorado State University Extension director, she was competing on one of the biggest stages in the dog show world.
As a teenager, Davis showed Doberman Pinschers at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. She spent years working for a professional dog handler, was ranked the top junior handler in Washington, Oregon and Idaho for several years and competed with breeds across multiple American Kennel Club groups.
Today, that same passion for animals, education and mentoring has brought her to a new role serving Rio Blanco County’s agricultural community.
Davis officially stepped into the position earlier this summer after spending the past 12 years at Colorado Northwestern Community College, where she helped launch the school’s agriculture program before moving into administration and eventually serving as dean of instruction.
But while she enjoyed higher education, Davis said she missed working directly with producers, youth and the community.
“I’ve been wanting to get back into agriculture for several years now,” Davis said. “I really miss working with folks, producers and kids, more hand in hand as opposed to the administrative role I held previously.”
Originally from western Washington, Davis grew up in a rural community where the dairy industry played a major role. She was active in Future Farmers of America during high school before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Washington State University.
Her graduate research focused on reproductive biology, studying the effects of alcohol on male stem cells using mouse models while also serving as a teaching assistant for introductory animal science courses.
That experience eventually led her to Rangely, where she accepted an opportunity to build CNCC’s first agriculture program.
After her husband accepted an opportunity in Meeker, the couple made Rio Blanco County their home. Over the past 11 years, Davis has become deeply involved in the community, serving as a Rio Blanco County 4-H dog leader, volunteering with the Meeker Sheepdog Classic and Meeker Skijor, and recently joining the White River Conservation District board.
“I really enjoy a smaller community,” Davis said. “One of the things I’m a firm believer in is giving back to the community.”
For Davis, volunteering is about investing in the next generation.
“In order for society to continue, or in order for Meeker or Rangely to continue to be what they are, or grow, or change, or whatever it might be, you have to step up and get involved,” she said.
Now leading CSU Extension’s agriculture and natural resources programs in Rio Blanco County, Davis hopes to serve as a bridge between local residents and the research and educational resources through Colorado State University and beyond.
“To me, it connects producers and consumers with the land-grant institution when it comes to research or projects or programs that are going on,” she said.
Davis said she is grateful for the opportunity to lead the county’s Extension office.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent and support our community as the next county Extension director,” she said.
She said one of her first priorities is listening.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with our local stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the needs of our county — both production and consumer related — and work on creating relevant and impactful programming,” Davis said.
Because Rio Blanco County has a small Extension staff, Davis said many residents may not realize the variety of services available through Extension, from soil testing and water sampling to educational workshops, agricultural consultations and youth programming.
She also hopes to broaden public awareness of 4-H beyond livestock projects by introducing new educational opportunities, including exploring new curriculum through National 4-H and increasing classroom outreach in local schools.
“I feel people think 4-H is livestock oriented, and that’s a portion of 4-H,” Davis said. “But there’s also so much more to meet the interests of our youth.”
Agriculture, Davis said, remains central to Rio Blanco County’s identity.
“Agriculture is at the heart of Rio Blanco County, and I’m looking forward to connecting our producers and consumers with vital resources to meet their needs so our traditions can continue for the next generation,” she said.
As Rio Blanco County continues recovering from recent wildfires and ongoing drought conditions, Davis believes Extension can play an important role in helping producers navigate future challenges.
“We are at a critical point where our natural resources are facing multiple competing interests,” she said. “It’s imperative that our producers have access to the information and resources to help them navigate these constraints.”
She said those challenges include wildfire recovery, virtual fencing, succession planning, mental health and adapting to changing regulations.
Those challenges have only reinforced her appreciation for the resilience of the local agricultural community.
“We just have to persevere and push through,” Davis said. “I think that’s kind of what a lot of ag folks do in a time of need and what makes this community so strong.”
While her résumé includes national dog show competitions and years in higher education leadership, Davis said her focus now is on listening and serving.
“I want to learn from them and I want to be here to support them,” she said. “I want to help be a resource to our communities, both in Rangely and Meeker, so people can come to us as a respected, trusted source to help them accomplish whatever it is that they’re looking to do.”
She also hopes Extension can help strengthen the relationship between agriculture and the broader community.
“Extension can also help educate the community on agriculture production and practices and be that middle ground for connecting community members to our producers to help with understanding and awareness,” Davis said.
Whether she’s helping ranchers navigate new challenges, introducing students to agriculture or mentoring the next generation of 4-H members, Davis hopes to continue giving back to the community she now calls home.
Meghan Davis recently began serving as Rio Blanco County’s new Colorado State University Extension director and agriculture and natural resources agent. Davis brings more than a decade of experience in higher education and local 4-H leadership as she works to connect residents with Extension resources and educational opportunities.
A 4-H exhibitor presents a market beef project during the 2025 Rio Blanco County Fair beef show. The 2026 Rio Blanco County Fair opens with the horse show Saturday, July 25, before continuing July 27 through Aug. 1.