MDC welcomes three new conservation agents to the Central Region

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulated 20 new conservation agents upon their graduation from MDC’s 2025 Conservation Agent Training Academy in September. Since then, these new conservation agents have been gaining experience in the field training program. Now, they’re looking forward to becoming familiar with their assigned counties.

Missouri’s Central Region welcomes three new agents to the area:

Agent Trent Oberg - Howard County

Howard County’s new conservation agent, Trent Oberg, comes from mid-Missouri. Born and raised in Gasconade County, Agent Oberg received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri before joining the Conservation Agent Training Academy.

“I’m excited to be a conservation agent because it allows me to serve the people of Missouri while protecting the natural resources that make Missouri special,” comments Agent Oberg. “I take pride in helping ensure future generations can enjoy our hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions. This role gives me the chance to make a difference by building relationships and working with the community to keep our land, water, and wildlife healthy for years to come.”

Agent Oberg can be reached by email at trent.oberg@mdc.mo.gov or by phone at 660-287-0014.

Agent Cade Petree - Callaway County

Also from central Missouri, Tipton-native Cade Petree has stepped into Callaway County to serve alongside Conservation Agent Drew Miller. Agent Petree graduated with a degree in biology: wildlife enforcement from the University of Central Missouri.

“Callaway county offers and abundance of opportunities for resources users,” states Agent Petree. “I am excited to be able to take on the role of protecting those resources.”

Agent Petree can be reached by email at cade.petree@mdc.mo.gov or by phone at 573-220-2275.

Agent Sarah Abbott - Maries County

Sarah Abbott has been assigned as the new conservation agent in Maries County. Abbott is from Callaway County, living in New Bloomfield her entire life. She is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. where she received her bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. From a young age, Abbott has had a passion for the outdoors thanks to her dad who introduced her to hunting and fishing.

“I am excited to meet the people in my community and hit the ground running,” says Abbott. “I am also looking forward to getting involved with the community in all aspects of my job.”

Agent Abbott can be reached by phone at 573-619-3344 or by email at sarah.abbott@mdc.mo.gov.

These new agents join nearly 200 existing MDC agents in serving and protecting Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife. To find a list of conservation agents by county, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ok.