What is Extension?

Extension is a statewide educational agency and a member of The Texas A&M University System linked in a unique partnership with the nationwide United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension System and County Commissioners Courts. Extension values and promotes principles of citizen and community involvement, scientifically-based education, lifelong learning and volunteerism. It provides access to citizens in all 254 Texas counties and works cooperatively with the 10 universities and 8 state agencies of The Texas A&M University System and other state and local agencies to bring the necessary resources to local communities that will address local issues and solve local problems.

Mission and Scope

Texas AgriLife Extension Service educates Texans in the areas of agriculture, environmental stewardship, youth and adult life skills, human capital and leadership, and community & economic development. The County Office offers the knowledge resources of the Texas A&M University System to local citizens for self-improvement, individual action and community problem-solving.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service has a mission to provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Texas. Extension education encompasses the broad areas of agriculture and natural resources, community economic development, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H and youth development. In the context of this broad mission, the priorities for Extension education are:

• Ensure a sustainable, profitable, and competitive food and fiber system in Texas.
• Enhance natural resource conservation and management.
• Build local capacity for economic development in Texas communities.
• Improve the health, nutrition, safety, and economic security of Texas families.
• Prepare Texas youth to be productive, positive, and equipped with life skills for the future.
• Expand access to Extension education and knowledge resources.