AgriLife Extension announces new agents and program specialists

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has filled key positions by hiring new agents and program personnel in districts across the state.

These county agents and program specialists are positioned to help AgriLife Extension serve every Texas county. They will serve as the agency’s primary connection with the people in their local communities, providing hands-on education and programs based on scientific research.

The grassroots structure of AgriLife Extension, with a presence in every county, ensures area residents will be able to contact someone who is familiar with the everyday solutions and emerging needs specific to that county. County offices are anchored to 12 district offices located around the state that are dedicated to problem-solving the unique challenges faced by every region.

Below is a list of the newly appointed AgriLife Extension personnel and the districts, counties and programs they will support.

AgriLife Extension county agents

Sara Stewart, coastal and marine resources, Cameron County

Stewart, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, earned her bachelor’s in earth, environmental and coastal sciences at the University of New Orleans and is earning her master’s in rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management from Texas A&M. She spent the last 11 years working with the fisheries industry as a research scientist. Her roles revolved around cooperative research, community outreach, stakeholder engagement and as a liaison between fishermen and the scientific community. Stewart said AgriLife Extension is the key to fully incorporating her passions into her daily life, blending her career and personal values in an authentic and fulfilling way. “Engaging with the public and stakeholders is something I genuinely enjoy — a role that feels less like a job and more like a meaningful way to spend my time,” she said.

Carrie Mitchell, family and community health, Chambers County

Mitchell, of Baytown, earned her bachelor’s in business management at LeTourneau University and master’s in educational psychology with a specialization in school counseling at Texas A&M University. She spent the past 17 years in various roles in public education in and around Chambers County. Mitchell said she is passionate about working with the youth of Chambers County to develop their leadership capacity. By fostering strong relationships and addressing local challenges, she aims to inspire positive change. “I want to empower individuals and communities through education and sustainable practices to bridge the gap between research-based knowledge and real-world application and to provide tools to enhance their quality of life,” Mitchell said.

Hannah Goebel, agriculture and natural resources, Dawson County

Goebel, of Manvel, earned her bachelor’s in animal science at Texas State University and is working toward a master’s in integrated agriculture there. She spent the past summer as an intern with the AgriLife Extension office in Hockley County, assisting with integrated pest management work. While completing her bachelor’s degree, she worked for a paint horse trainer and boarder in Seguin. Goebel said she is excited to start her new position and begin making connections in Dawson County. She has a background in livestock animals and recreational shooting. Although she did not participate in 4-H, she said she is eager to get involved. “I hope that through my time in AgriLife Extension, I can serve others and make a difference in the lives of youth across the county and region,” Goebel said.

Erin Smith, agriculture and natural resources, Denton County

Smith, of Tyler, earned her bachelor’s in horticulture and master’s in agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked for Texas A&M AgriLife Research as a research associate in two ornamental horticulture research programs, as well as in the ornamental plant production industry. Smith has also done some landscape design, installation and maintenance work. She said she has loved learning all her life, especially when it centers on nature. Her favorite part of horticulture is trialing new plant varieties and improved growing techniques. “I especially enjoy working with Master Gardeners and helping the public increase their knowledge of plants that thrive in Texas,” Smith said. “I joined AgriLife Extension to become part of an outstanding team that educates and grows a stronger Texas.”

Darby Sparkman, family and community health, Hardeman County

Sparkman, of Quanah, earned her bachelor’s in digital communication from West Texas A&M University and is working toward a master’s in counseling there. She previously taught elementary school in Quanah. As the daughter of an AgriLife Extension agent and ag teacher, she spent her youth raising animals, participating in any project that 4-H allowed and spending entire summers at the 4-H Center in Brownwood. She said she is excited to be back as a leader and give back to the community. “When you grow up in a rural community, you aren’t always aware that resource accessibility is an issue,” Sparkman said. “Stepping into the role, I will try to lessen the gap between needing and receiving help. I am passionate about physical and mental wellness, community development and youth leadership.”

Jaycee Ferguson, agriculture and natural resources, Haskell County

Ferguson, of Haskell, earned her bachelor’s in natural resource ecology and development at Oklahoma State University. She worked as a research assistant at the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agriculture Research Service in college and last year as an AmeriCorps member in Tupper Lake, New York. Growing up, Ferguson was active in multiple 4-H programs, including in Haskell County. She was involved in numerous activities such as showing pigs, livestock judging and archery. “I’m excited to help the youth of Haskell County grow their interests and leadership skills as participants of the 4-H program,” Ferguson said. “As someone passionate about wildlife and environmental education, I look forward to being a resource for landowners in the area.”

Marissa Latigo, Better Living for Texans, Hidalgo County

Latigo, of Progreso, earned her bachelor’s in biology from the University of Texas-Pan American. She started as a student worker for Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Weslaco and later worked as the education director for the Valley Nature Center, as the recreation activities coordinator with the Southwest Key Program and as a regulatory compliance officer for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Latigo grew up participating in Progreso High School FFA, showing hogs, lambs and goats, and serving as president her senior year. She said she is excited to begin her new role and is ready to serve her community and educate the public about gardening, healthy living and nutrition.

Wendy Grantges, family and community health, Hill County

Grantges, of Hillsboro, earned her bachelor’s in family and consumer science at Texas Woman’s University. She has 12 years of experience in public education, focusing mainly on nutrition and culinary skills. She also owned a catering and baked goods business for 15 years. Grantges was actively involved in FFA and FHA. “I am honored to serve the citizens of Hill County,” she said. “I am passionate about health and wellness, both physically and mentally. I hope to expand on our current community members’ knowledge to help them become healthier and more productive Texans.”

Rebekah Bear, family and community health, Houston County

Bear, of Alto, earned her bachelor’s in fashion merchandising and her master’s in interdisciplinary studies, both from Stephen F. Austin State University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Bear pursued her teacher certification and taught at both the secondary and elementary levels. Bear grew up in the 4-H system, participating in the food show, fashion show, livestock show and hay judging. She attended State 4-H Roundup several times for consumer decision-making, served on the County Council as president, and received the I Dare You Award and the Gold Star Award. She said she is excited to work with the youth of Houston County as 4-H coordinator. “AgriLife Extension has so many exciting and beneficial programs that I look forward to sharing with the residents of Houston County,” Bear said.

Cassie Mavis, agriculture and natural resources, Johnson County

Mavis, of Edgerton, Ohio, earned her bachelor’s in agribusiness and applied economics, with minors in agronomy and agricultural communication from The Ohio State University. She completed various internships at Ohio State, including with AgriLife Extension in Hill County, Precision Planting’s agronomy research farm and Farm Credit Mid-America. She also obtained her certified crop advisor candidate status. Mavis grew up on a family farm and was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA. She is passionate about serving others and loves the agricultural industry. “I want to serve farmers and rural communities in agriculture, and during my internship with AgriLife Extension, I saw the positive impact agents can have on the community,” she said.

McKenzie Striegler, agriculture and natural resources, Kimble County

Striegler, of Brady, earned her bachelor’s in agriculture media and communications at West Texas A&M University. Since graduation, she has worked in the agriculture marketing sector. Striegler grew up participating in the 4-H system in myriad activities, including photography, horse judging, public speaking and showing Dorper sheep. Through the skills learned during her 13 years in 4-H and Clover Kids, she became a 4-H Foundation Scholarship recipient. She said she’s excited to work with the youth of Kimble County to develop their leadership skills and advocate for agriculture across all ages and areas. “I joined AgriLife Extension because I saw the impact the agency made in communities through 4-H and youth development, producer outreach and educational materials,” she said.

Mallory Randig, agriculture and natural resources, Limestone County

Randig, of Thrall, graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M, where she double majored in agricultural communications and journalism and agricultural leadership and development. Randig worked as a student assistant for District 9 for over two years and completed an internship with the AgriLife Extension in Williamson County. She grew up participating in 4-H, showing livestock, livestock judging and swine quiz bowl. Randig said she looks forward to inspiring local youth in Limestone County by sparking their interest in agriculture through meaningful leadership experiences and opportunities. “I hope to be a valuable resource for the producers, youth and community here in Limestone County through AgriLife Extension,” she said.

Jay Caddel, agriculture and natural resources, Tarrant County

Caddel, of Wichita Falls, earned a bachelor’s in horticulture at Texas A&M University. He spent the past three and a half years as the nursery manager for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, where he increased his knowledge of plant propagation and native Texas plants. Caddel said he is excited to help Texans live better lives and continue teaching the benefits of native plants.

Ryan McCormick, agriculture and natural resources, Walker County

McCormick, of Tarkington, earned his bachelor’s in animal science and minor in wildlife management at Sam Houston State University. Previously, he worked for the Texas Department of State Health Services in the meat safety assurance division. McCormick was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA growing up, showing market hogs and participating in various activities in both programs. He earned his Lone Star Degree in 2018 and went on that same year to be a livestock judge during his freshman year at Sam Houston. “I joined AgriLife Extension because I believe it is my calling to serve in this capacity,” McCormick said. “The work and services required of this position are what I grew up with, pursued through education and have a strong passion for. I see this not as a job but as a way of life you work toward daily.”

Kevin Meek, agriculture and natural resources, Wheeler County

Meek, of Briscoe, earned his bachelor’s in vocational agriculture education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He spent 26 years teaching agriculture science at Fort Elliott High School. He brings a wide range of practical abilities, such as livestock management, nutritional planning, crop management and experience with student teams that have seen success at the state level. Meek grew up in the 4-H program showing swine and steers. After college, he spent 10 years in Missouri as a farm manager. During his time there, he spent countless hours as a 4-H volunteer. Meek said he joined AgriLife Extension to continue his role as an educator, focusing on the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

AgriLife Extension program specialists

Jonathan Consford, integrated pest management, El Paso and Hudspeth counties

Consford, of Spring, earned his bachelor’s in agronomy and his master’s in agricultural biology, both at New Mexico State University. He previously worked on a small farm and with the New Mexico state climatologist. Consford said he is excited to work with growers locally in El Paso and Hudspeth counties, adding that after living in the El Paso community for 16 years, it has become his home. He is happy to be able to serve his community. He said he is passionate about regenerative agriculture practices and all the benefits that come from fostering life in the soil.

Cristin Kasprzak, viticulture, Lubbock

Kasprzak earned her bachelor’s in horticulture at Texas A&M University. She developed a strong foundation in agriculture through years of specialty crop production, managing an agribusiness and teaching field workshops to aspiring growers. In recent years, she has applied her expanding expertise to viticulture and winemaking while also promoting Texas wines through the Department of Horticultural Sciences’ Spirited Learning event. “As an advocate for the Texas wine industry, I’m committed to promoting our state’s exceptional wines and supporting the hardworking growers and winemakers who are shaping its future,” Kasprzak said. “I offer practical guidance on everything from pest management to soil health, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.”

(Photo credit: Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)