The Spirit of Service: Jim Shirk, CARET Delegate for Penn State

This National Volunteer Month, we celebrate those who serve on behalf of the land-grant university mission. A ninth-generation farmer from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Jim Shirk is a steadfast advocate for agricultural research, Extension, and education at the state, regional and national level.

Alongside his wife, Stephanie (pictured), Shirk manages and co-owns his family farm, overseeing a diversified grain operation and raising Black Angus cattle and Boer goats. He is also the Northeast US Territory Manager for CEVA Animal Health Poultry Division.

Shirk served for 23 years as a Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) delegate for his alma mater, Penn State. CARET is a national grassroots coalition of volunteers advocating for sustained federal support of the land-grant university (LGU) system.

In honor of his contributions, Shirk was recently recognized with the 2026 Lifetime of Service to CARET Award. Learn more about his service in this Q&A:

What first inspired you to become a CARET delegate, and what has kept you committed over time?

My involvement began while I was serving as the Ag Services Manager for the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, which at the time was the only position of its kind in the country. In that role, I learned about Penn State’s College of Agriculture and its Ag Council, and I saw it as a valuable opportunity to connect with other agricultural leaders and give back to the College that had given me so much through my own education and life experiences.

What I found was far more than a networking opportunity. I became part of a community of people deeply committed to advancing the land-grant mission of research, Extension, and teaching. That experience turned me into a passionate advocate for Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and for the public investment needed to sustain its work.

In 2002, Dean Robert Steele asked whether I would consider serving as one of Penn State’s two federal advocates through appointment as a CARET delegate. I was honored to accept, and over the next 23 years I remained committed because I firmly believe in the mission of land-grant universities to improve lives through discovery, education, and service. That mission—research shared through Extension and taught broadly for the public good, just as President Lincoln envisioned—has been one of the great strengths of our country for more than 150 years. I want future generations to benefit from even greater opportunities because of it.

How does funding for research, education, and Extension help your community?

In our community, we see the impact of land-grant research, Extension, and education every single day. For me, the most visible examples are in production agriculture—helping farmers improve efficiency in crop, poultry, and livestock production while also addressing disease challenges, environmental impacts, and animal welfare concerns.

My wife, Stephanie, and I are the ninth generation to own and operate our family farm, so we have a deep personal investment in being good stewards of the land and our animals. A big part of that stewardship is also maintaining a profitable operation so we can pass along that legacy to our children as the tenth generation, while continuing to provide food for our community.
At the same time, the benefits of this funding extend far beyond production agriculture. Extension programs provide families with trusted guidance on nutrition and health, helping people live longer and healthier lives. 4-H Youth Development introduces young people to STEM, leadership, and hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and builds confidence. In truth, nearly every part of a community can benefit from the work supported through land-grant universities. That is why continued investment in research, education, and Extension matters so much.

Can you share a moment from your time as a CARET delegate that really stayed with you, and/or you when saw the impact of your advocacy?

One of the most meaningful recent examples of the impact of CARET advocacy was the inclusion of the Research Facilities Act in the 2025 Farm Bill. For years, agricultural research in the United States—while still among the best in the world—has been limited by outdated and inadequate facilities.

Seeing that issue finally addressed through a commitment of $125 million annually over the next 10 years felt like a truly generational achievement. It represents a major investment in the future of agricultural research in this country and will help build the infrastructure needed for discoveries that benefit not only American communities, but people around the world. Being part of the collective advocacy that helped move that forward is something I will always remember.

What does being a CARET delegate mean to you personally?

Being a CARET delegate has been one of the greatest honors of my career. It gave me the opportunity to serve a cause I care deeply about while building lifelong friendships with people from across the country who share that same commitment.

Penn State and the land-grant system have shaped me in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally. Because I have benefited so much from that system, it has been a true privilege to advocate for its continued strength and growth so future generations can benefit as well.