Liberty County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development  

LIBERTY, March 12, 2008 - Whoever said that sows, cows, and plows were for me? Maybe you were raised in the Urban Areas of Liberty County and did not have space for livestock. That does not mean that you couldn’t participate in Liberty County 4-H.  Texas 4-H is celebrating their 100 years of a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Just 100 years ago in Jack County the agent, Tom Marks, created a “corn club” for the boys in his county. Marks felt that he could improve the education of youth instead of re-teaching the old habits of adults. Within a matter of years, "pig clubs," "beef calf clubs" (Coleman County, 1910), and girls' "tomato clubs" (Milam County, 1912) were also initiated. The stage was set for the rapid expansion of educational programs directed to rural youth.

Youth may become a member of 4-H when he or she has reached 9 years of age or 8 years of age and has entered the third grade.  If you are wondering what is 4-H? What does it have for me?  We can answer those questions. As mentioned earlier, it was created to educate young boys about corn. Years later, we have advanced in other areas related to leadership, citizenship, and life skills. An example would be the Liberty County Roundup. The 4-H Roundup includes approximately 40 different contests that test 4-H members on life skills in such attributes as decision making, public speaking, organization, and working with others. Other opportunities include such things as Fashion Show, Food Show, an assortment of judging contests, and various educational presentations.   Some of us may ask where these educational programs originate.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service is part of the USDA Land Grant that is part of the Texas A&M University System. Our Mission is to provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Texas. Each county is serviced by Extension Agents. Liberty County has three agents, Ron Holcomb, Alexis Cordova, and Alyssa Puckett with each an area of expertise.  Ron Holcomb is the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent and his role is to provide educational programs for our farmers, ranchers and homeowners of Liberty County. The county also has a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Alexis Cordova. Her role is to coordinate and provide programs for changing families, who seek information and/or educational opportunities on managing money, health, empowering the development of children, workforce preparation and reducing stress.

Our last Agent, Alyssa Puckett, is our newest to Liberty County and is responsible for the Liberty County 4-H programs.  If you would like more information regarding Liberty County 4-H or Texas AgriLife Extension, please contact our offices at 936-336-4558 ext. 221.