Collett named Stiles Farm Foundation manager
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Ryan Collett has been appointed the new manager of the Stiles Farm Foundation effective April 1, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service administrators.
“The Stiles Farm is a diverse operation serving Blacklands producers throughout Central and South Central Texas that allows producers the opportunity to see applied research in a typical farm setting,” said Dr. Doug Steele, AgriLife Extension director in College Station. “Ryan will continue the long-standing relationships built through decades of research and Extension activities, as well as continue the strong bond with the local community and agribusinesses.”
“We are pleased to turn the management of the Stiles Farm over to Ryan Collett,” said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension interim associate director for state operations, College Station. “Ryan has an exceptional record as a county Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Hill County. He has worked closely with agricultural producers in the Blacklands and will bring his energy and passion for new technology to assist producers and natural resource managers in Central Texas.”
Collett becomes farm manager following the retirement of Archie Abrameit, who spent 18 years overseeing operations on the 2,600-acre farm at Thrall.
“Toward the beginning of my career in Extension, I was able to visit with Archie on demonstrations he has conducted at Stiles Farm,” Collett said. “He immediately struck me as an innovative farmer and someone who was always willing to help. Archie has done very impactful work here over the years, and I am humbled to be a part of that in the future.”
Collett said having served as an AgriLife Extension agent for three years in Hill County prepped him for the new farm manager role.
“I’ve enjoyed serving producers in Hill County and am hopeful many of the lessons I have learned there will serve me well in this new role,” he said. “I’m looking forward to taking on learning opportunities to make production more efficient and profitable for our Blackland farmers.”
Collett earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and master’s degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication in international agricultural development from Texas A&M University in College Station. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in plant breeding at Texas A&M.
Collett will reside at the farm headquarters with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Emelia.
In 1961, the Stiles Farm Foundation was established by the Stiles family at Thrall in Williamson County and became part of the Texas A&M University System. A visionary family, J.V. and H.A. Stiles wanted to commemorate their father, James E. Stiles, and the land he worked. They also wanted to help neighboring farmers and others throughout the Central Texas Blacklands region learn new farming practices.
The farm is used by AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which conduct field experiments and use the facility as a teaching platform.
