Shane Knight

Research Technician
MAFES Coastal Research and Extension Center
Years in Position/Service to MSU: 1.5

Successful agricultural research depends on more than the scientists conducting experiments. It also relies on people like Shane Knight, whose work helps create the conditions for discovery.

Knight manages the Beaumont Horticultural Unit, a Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station research farm within Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center. There, he maintains research fields, buildings and equipment while helping ensure scientists have the resources they need to conduct research that benefits Mississippi growers.

At 20 acres, the Beaumont Horticultural Unit is one of the smallest research locations; however, it plays an important role in advancing vegetable and urban horticultural production for local and regional markets. Research conducted there includes vegetable variety trials, herbicide evaluations, high-tunnel production, greenhouse research and studies that help commercial, community and home growers improve efficiency and productivity. For Knight, supporting that work is what makes the job meaningful.

"Being outdoors is much more than a happy place," Knight said. "It is an area where I can work and tend to the environment, research and the well-being of those I have never even met."

In addition to caring for research fields, Knight maintains the station's buildings and grounds and keeps its fleet of tractors, trucks and other equipment operating smoothly. His work helps provide the foundation researchers need to conduct experiments throughout the year.

One of his proudest accomplishments came when he successfully produced a fall tomato crop, an accomplishment that required careful planning and persistence.

"No one in this area that I know of had ever successfully grown fall tomatoes, and I was able to do it," Knight said. "It was very rewarding."

Knight said he enjoys the variety that comes with working outdoors and being part of an operation that supports agricultural research across the state.

Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and fishing. He and his wife, Vickie, have been married for 28 years, and they have a daughter who teaches special education.