The Cooperative Extension Service offers a host of educational programs and services.
If you do not see what you are looking for below, please contact our county Extension
Office for assistance.
Agriculture in Jefferson County
Agriculture in Jefferson is very active. County Extension Agents work closely with
row crop producers to improve crop yields and best management practices. County Extension
Agents conduct on-farm demonstrations which include; irrigation demonstrations using
Pipe Planner, row crop research verification fields in grain sorghum, rice, soybeans,
and wheat, corn hybrid variety trials, and soybean excluder/includer variety trials.
Integrated Pest Management meetings are held throughout the year to update producers
on what current issues need to be addressed.
4-H Grows in Jefferson County
Annually, over 3,000 Jefferson County youth and adult volunteers participate in 4-H
youth development programming in the areas of Science; Citizenship and Leadership;
Healthy Living and Smart Nutrition for Active People (SNAP-Ed). County 4-H clubs meet
monthly, each led by youth officers under the guidance of trained adult volunteers.
4-Hers participate in exciting hands-on educational activities using national 4-H
curriculum that is supported by research of land-grant universities. Youth (and adults)
can participate in 4-H by enrolling as a member or volunteer, attending a 4-H camp,
through a school enrichment class or a special interest program. 4-H also offers several
project area competitions and opportunities to attend conferences and out-of-county
events. 4-H membership is FREE and open to all Jefferson County youth ages 5-19 as
well as adult volunteers. To enroll in Jefferson County 4-H, log on to https://4h.uada.edu/join/. For more information, contact Pia Woods at 870-534-1033 or by emailing pwoods@uada.edu.
Photo: 4-H Youth Participating in 2023 4-H Day at the Capitol
Gardens and Lawns
Beyond the necessity of growing food, there is knowledge and a sense of accomplishment
that comes from cultivating the earth. The Cooperative Extension Service in Jefferson
County, part of the University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture, assists
our clients in many ways such as: the Master Gardener program, the annual Home and
Garden Show, youth garden, and helping clients with questions on lawns, gardens,
trees, insects, soil samples, flowers, fire ants, composting, and much more. Many
fact sheets are also available on many subjects pertaining to gardens and lawns.
For more information, contact Lee Anderson at 870-534-1033.
Photo: Master Gardener volunteer A. Minter working in MG youth garden.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is to empower individuals,
families, and youth with limited resources acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and
behavior changes necessary to maintain nutritionally sound diets and enhance personal
development.
EFNEP adults focus on educational programs to enhance the quality of the families'
diet. The adults are taught in small groups or individually by EFNEP assistants trained
by Extension educators. The majority of participants complete the EFNEP curriculum
in less than 8 sessions.
The EFNEP youth program focuses on providing food and nutrition education to contribute
to personal development of youth from families with low income. The youth are taught
in summer or year-end enrichment programs conducted by EFNEP assistants and volunteers.
