Representatives from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Prairie View A&M briefed the Ellis County Commissioners Court on local extension activities, staffing changes and outreach accomplishments, and introduced two new agents who will serve the county.

Jay Kingston, district extension administrator, told the court the county's AgriLife office had notable staff turnover this year, including a retirement and a recent resignation. He said federal program cuts reduced the Better Living for Texans (BLT) program statewide and that Ellis County lost one position as a result. Kingston credited county volunteers and program partners with sustaining many programs while the office rebuilds staff capacity.

Kingston and the county coordinator highlighted the county's 4-H and youth development work, reporting that AgriLife reached just over 12,000 students with in-school programming during the past year, the most in the agency's 21-county district. The presentation noted active Master Gardener and livestock programs and described family-and-community-health activities including senior-nutrition outreach and a passenger-safety/car-seat program.

The court was introduced to Robin Green, who will serve as the county's family and community health agent. Staff said Green previously worked as a BLT (Better Living for Texans) agent and brings about three years of experience in nutrition and health programs. The court welcomed Green and noted she will begin work immediately.

The court also heard from Hendricks Broussard and Prairie View A&M staff about a new 4-H agent, LaShica Day, who will serve Ellis County as the Prairie View 4-H and youth development agent. Broussard told the court this Prairie View position is provided at no cost to the county (Prairie View A&M covers her salary and benefits) and that the agent will focus on 4-H programming, STEM activities and opportunities to take youth on statewide and national trips.

Commissioners thanked the extension staff and invited citizens to contact the AgriLife office for program details. The court posed for a group photo with the new staff.

What the record shows
- AgriLife staff reported in-school programming reached just over 12,000 students in the past year in Ellis County (district-leading figure).
- One BLT position was eliminated due to federal funding cuts; staff said the agency is rebuilding its local team.
- Robin Green will be the new Ellis County family and community health agent; LaShica Day will be a Prairie View A&M 4-H agent assigned to Ellis County and is funded by Prairie View.

Sources: Presentation and staff remarks recorded in the public meeting transcript.