AgriLife Extension fills new county agent positions across the state
Agency personnel provide educational programming, outreach in their respective communities
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the hiring of new county agents in its districts across the state.
AgriLife Extension employs county agents to serve every Texas county. These agents connect with the people in communities, providing hands-on education and programming based on scientific research.
A complete county agents list can be found at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/counties/.
The following are the individuals recently hired in the AgriLife Extension districts and the positions they will fill:
District 4
Kinder Patton, family and community health, Bowie County. Patton, of Stamps, Arkansas, earned her bachelor’s in psychology and her master’s in public administration, both from Southern Arkansas University. She has dedicated her career to public service and nonprofit work. After spending the past four years in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she worked with a local nonprofit, she has recently returned to the area. She said she is eager to serve Bowie County as an AgriLife Extension agent and is passionate about community health and wellness. She believes education on these subjects is key to the overall well-being of individuals. “I live by the quote ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world,’” Patton said. “I believe in the people of my community. My intention is to lead by example and inspire change through education.”
Leon Watson, agriculture and natural resources, Van Zandt County. Watson, of Kirksville, Missouri, earned a bachelor’s in agricultural education, a master’s in practical arts and vocational-technical education at the University of Missouri-Columbia and an education specialist degree in administration/secondary school leadership from the University of Central Missouri. He was an agricultural education instructor for 25 years. After moving to Texas, Watson continued teaching for seven years. He has spent his career focusing on mobilizing existing resources for optimum success and efficiency, and Watson said it is second nature for him to lead in such ways that are participatory and hands-on. He possesses expertise in developing, designing and leading complex community engagement projects that work with various stakeholders to reach a common goal. “As a leader, I hope to find what motivates and inspires individuals to strive to be their best,” he said.
District 5
Jennifer Dyson, 4-H and youth development, Harrison County. Dyson, of Tatum, earned her bachelor’s in agribusiness and is currently working on her master’s in agriculture sciences, both at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dyson spent 15 years working in the medical field as a certified medical assistant in the cardiology department. She changed careers in May 2023 and went to Harrison County as the 4-H program assistant, where she spent a year and a half working and building its 4-H program. Dyson was a Rusk County 4-H member for 10 years showing cattle, pigs, goats and lambs. She also participated in livestock judging, food and nutrition, and served leadership roles. “I’m thrilled to work with the youth and help prepare them for their future,” Dyson said. “They represent the next generation, and I’m eager to play a part in guiding them to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
District 6
Izzy Ford, health, Midland, Upton and Crane counties. Ford, of Klein, earned her bachelor’s in agricultural education with a concentration in leadership at Texas Tech University and is currently pursuing her master’s in agricultural leadership at Tarleton State University. Ford’s work experience has been primarily with youth, from physical fitness to ministry. She said she is passionate about working with the adults in her counties to help them develop skills to take care of their long-term physical and mental health. She hopes to make learning fun again for all ages. “I joined AgriLife Extension because I think the most impactful form of education is done outside of the classroom,” Ford said. “I hope that my work can reflect this and be impactful to all who choose to join in on the fun.”
Kade Hunter, agriculture and natural resources, Martin County. Hunter, of Snyder, earned his bachelor’s in animal science from Tarleton State University. He spent his time at Tarleton as a sales clerk at a western wear store and at a high school golf course. Hunter grew up showing goats, lambs and commercial steers through Snyder FFA. He also played golf and was on several judging teams through FFA. Hunter said he is excited to work in a county that is very passionate about the livestock industry. “I joined AgriLife Extension as a way for me to stay involved in the livestock industry and to help kids find a passion for it like I did,” he said.
Dayanara Martinez, family and community health, Pecos County. Martinez, of El Paso, earned her bachelor’s in business management at the University of Phoenix. She has worked nine years in the AgriLife Extension office in Pecos County. She has also been a Clover Kids volunteer leader since beginning working with AgriLife Extension. Martinez said she is passionate about working with youth and adults of Pecos County to develop an interest in 4-H and leadership capacity, and she is actively seeking volunteers for her committees. “I hope to impact the community with great events and programs that benefit everyone,” she said.
District 8
Meagan Cline, agriculture and natural resources, Bell County. Cline, of Lometa, earned her bachelor’s in animal science at Texas A&M. She has an extensive background in ranching and livestock production. During college, she worked at Texas Equine Hospital and, after graduating, as head veterinarian technician at the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie. Cline grew up on large beef cattle and quarter horse ranches around Lampasas County. She was an active FFA member, competing in livestock shows with beef heifers and market lambs and goats, and was involved in public speaking, livestock judging and horse judging. She said she is excited to bring her experience and ever-growing passion for the agricultural industry on board and make a positive impact in Bell County. “Youth are the future of agriculture,” Cline said. “If I can be of any guidance to those in finding their place and passion within the ag industry, I’m doing my job.”
District 9
Joseph “Jody” Taylor, agriculture and natural resources, Fort Bend County. Taylor, of Rosenberg, earned a master’s in higher education administration from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s in homeland security from American Military University. He was a professor of military science at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he administered and managed instruction and program requirements for ROTC cadets. Taylor spent the last two years building a small market garden farm and apiary while working with the Fort Bend County Master Gardener program and the Texas A&M AgriLife BattleGround to Breaking Ground agricultural business development program. He said both programs helped him realize the AgriLife Extension mission aligned with his passion for agriculture, “I joined AgriLife Extension to use my passion to help educate and assist other community members in agricultural development.”
