Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Smith County has a rich history of serving its citizens. In 1906, W. C. Stallings was hired by the Smith County Commissioners Court as the first county agent in the United States to serve only one county. Today, five agents and one program assistant serve residents with a diverse offering of educational programs and services. Smith County’s year 2010 population of 209,714 places it in the top 25 counties in the state. County agricultural enterprises annually produce an income of $121,600,000 for area farmers, ranchers and horticultural operations.

We provide research-based information in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer science, 4-H and youth development and community resource development through educational programs. The Smith County Extension program is administered by a professional staff of Extension agents working with the Smith County Leadership Advisory Board. Educational programs are implemented through specific program area committees. Board and committee members are community volunteers interested in helping the people of Smith County.

Our office can offer programs to groups in the following areas: Health & Fitness: programs addressing stress, wellness, dietary guidelines, food safety, fitness and using the food guide pyramid; Limited Resource Farmers: a program to increase profitability through diversification, competitive marketing and rural economic development; Youth Development: positive, supervised programs and activities to improve youth self-esteem involving parents, volunteers and youth; Farm & Ranch Profitability: management practices for livestock and forage producers to increase income; Sustainable Environmental Landscaping, Water Conservation and General Horticulture: programs and practices for home and commercial horticulture and managing environmental resources; Better Living for Texans: program designed for limited resource families to learn nutrition, wellness and food safety.