Growing up on a cattle farm in North Alabama, Josh and Will Maples are no strangers to agriculture. As associate professors in MSU’s agricultural economics department, both brothers are clearly in their element—whether it’s teaching students, conducting research or serving producers through MSU Extension workshops.

For Josh, a lifelong interest in statistics and policy made agricultural economics a natural fit. He entered MSU as an undergraduate, majoring in agriculture, food and resource economics, before going on to earn a master’s in agricultural economics from MSU and a doctorate in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State.

Will was an undergraduate agribusiness major on a pre-law track at the University of Arkansas but changed his course after graduation and came to Mississippi State, earning a master’s in agricultural economics. He went on to Oklahoma State and earned a doctorate in agricultural economics.

“After visiting campus and meeting MSU faculty at conferences, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” Will said. “After starting grad school, I learned that Extension professors not only do research, but they also get out and talk to farmers and producers. That’s what really drew me in and motivated me to get my doctorate.”

Josh agreed. “I go to Cattlemen’s Association meetings—the same kind that I grew up attending with my dad and granddad—and I still run into people who know my family. I’m also beginning to see some of my first students now working in agriculture, and it’s great to connect with them through our Extension outreach programs,” he said.

Josh joined the faculty in the agricultural economics department in 2017, and Will followed two years later. Although their offices in the Lloyd-Ricks-Watson Building are just steps apart, the brothers have carved out their own areas of expertise—Will as a row crops marketing and policy specialist and Josh specializing in livestock.

“A lot of my research and Extension work is designed to inform producers and policymakers about what’s going on in the markets. Agriculture is a risky business. This is a tough time for a lot of our row crop producers, so I’m trying to help them figure out how to navigate risk,” Will said.

“Times are better for cattle producers right now, but understanding the markets and risk protection are still key. No matter how the markets are doing, there’s always a need for educational programs and risk management tools,” Josh added.

Although they work in different agricultural sectors, the brothers often consult with each other informally, keeping updated on markets that impact one another—for instance, corn and soybean markets are relevant to livestock, poultry and catfish markets because those row crops are ingredients in feed.

They also collaborate more formally in preparing for the annual Mississippi Agricultural Outlook Conference, hosted by their department. During the pandemic, they teamed up to design and deliver educational programs for producers, helping them navigate challenges unique to that time.

Of everything they have in common, the most important is their passion for helping people working in agriculture, whether they’re seasoned professionals or just beginning their career path.

“I enjoy the Extension side of my job and helping producers, but my classes are equally important,” Will said. “When I talk to a student and know I’m making an impact on their future, that’s very rewarding.”

“Working with producers and helping them solve real-world problems is my biggest passion,” Josh added. “Will and I like to joke that we’re professors because our older brother beat us back home to run the farm, but working here at Mississippi State, we feel like we’ve gained a whole other family in agriculture.”