S ince 1915, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has bridged the gap between academic advancements and the practical needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Established through the Smith-Lever Act, the state agency connects research-backed solutions from Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and AgriLife Research directly to Texas communities. “Through a network of professional educators, trained volunteers, Texas 4-H facilitators and local offices, AgriLife Extension has a presence in every Texas county,” said Dr. Jeff Savell ’75, vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences. “AgriLife Extension helps our research and advancements be useful in the hands of every Texan.”
Today, with over 83,000 volunteers and nearly 100 programs, AgriLife Extension continues to strengthen communities, improve lives and boost economies, saving millions in health care costs, driving agricultural productivity and promoting environmental sustainability. “Our agents and volunteers work daily to build resilience,” said Dr. Rick Avery ’88 ’12, director of AgriLife Extension. “Together, we’re shaping the future of communities across the state.”
Explore AgriLife's Impact
1. El Paso Jointly led by AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension, the Rio Grande Colonias Center strengthens food systems by providing critical resources to underinvested communities. One of 12 such centers established nationwide by the USDA, the initiative works to enhance food security and economic resilience in Texas, New Mexico and beyond.
2. Odessa The West Texas Child Care Providers Conference, a multi-county event hosted by AgriLife Extension agents, features professional development trainings led by early childhood development specialists. The sessions cover information from recent behavioral studies affecting early childhood learning that child care center directors and providers can take back to their communities.
3. Canadian AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery unit deployed in February 2024 in response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history. Personnel operated animal supply points to distribute hay, feed and fencing supplies; opened a human resources relief center to support local victims; and continued to assist with long-term recovery.
4. Mount Pleasant In 2024, AgriLife Extension personnel led a week-long Poultry Agribusiness Course for animal health officials from 11 states to enhance collaboration between state veterinarians and the commercial poultry sector. The course aimed to help participants better manage future infectious disease outbreaks and improve disease response preparedness.
5. Fort Worth The Tarrant County AgriLife Extension office expanded its 4-H STEM program through federal funding to purchase robotics kits for classrooms. After completing training, teachers can check out the equipment from the Extension office free of charge, helping area schools overcome the cost and expertise barriers to starting robotics programs.
6. College Station Each year, nearly 2,000 attendees gather at Texas A&M for the Beef Cattle Short Course, the largest program of its kind worldwide. Recognized both nationally and internationally, the course equips beef producers with the latest industry information to help their operations succeed.
7. RAYMONDVILLE During an Operation Border Health exercise, AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery unit joined forces with Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team to support animal health efforts. Together, they treated 1,022 animals, providing an estimated care value of $400,000.
The Junior Master Gardener program, an international youth gardening program managed by AgriLife Extension, cultivates more than just plants. It nurtures personal responsibility, servant leadership, healthy eating and environmental awareness in students through their gardening experiences. With a presence in schools and community programs across all 50 states and more than a dozen countries, the program offers teachers an academically aligned curriculum rich with hands-on lessons that encourage not only a love for gardening but also a deeper connection to community and personal growth.Grow the future: You can support the Junior Master Gardener program and help enhance youth experiences, provide educator training and advance curriculum development.
Give today
By providing structure and purpose, BattleGround to Breaking Ground helps veterans navigate the challenges of adjusting to civilian life while empowering them to create their own employment through farming. Established by AgriLife Extension in 2011, the program also serves active-duty military, their families and beginner farmers through its traditional or condensed program that offers workshops, courses and hands-on training to guide participants in starting and growing their own farms or ranches.
Support our heroes: Gifts to Battleground to Breaking Ground can help give our veterans the tools, mentorship and livestock they need to turn their agricultural ambitions into thriving farms.
Make an Impact
The Texas State 4-H Horse Show, hosted annually at the Brazos County Expo in Bryan, draws over 350 young riders and their families for a week of fierce competition, hands-on learning and college preparation opportunities. The event offers much more than ribbons and prizes, providing students with classes, educational workshops and a chance to showcase their skills and earn recognition.
Saddle up for success: Giving to the State 4-H Horse Show helps celebrate exhibitors, expand educational opportunities for youth and funds the essential resources that bring the show to life, from judges to arenas.
Support the show
