HAYS COUNTY — Hays County has a new agent for agriculture and natural resources.
The Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s hiring of Aaron McCoy as the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent for the county. McCoy was the finalist chosen for the position by the Extension Administrator.
“We are very excited to have him here,” said Michael Haynes, District Extension Administrator, “as his innovation is one that has really led our district and many of our state efforts. We are excited to have him as part of the Hays County team.”
McCoy comes from Caldwell County, where he served as the county’s Extension Agent for 4-H and Agriculture for two years.
“I grew up very close to this community,” McCoy said before the commissioners, “right outside of Burnet, Texas. So this community really does mean a lot to me. I really love 4-H, agriculture and helping people. Combining all of those, extension was the perfect profession for me.”
Informing and educating the public are two primary roles that county extension agents undertake, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. They also work with other people including local committees, fellow agents, businesses and school districts.
Agricultural agents specifically have experience in the production, processing and distribution of agricultural products, conservation and environmental concerns, marketing and economics. They work primarily with farmers and ranchers.
“I want to continue to address the urbanization of the community. I [also] want to address our small acreage owners and our large acreage owners to make sure they are adequately informed on proper educational methods.”
With his own experience working in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension field, commissioner Walt Smith encouraged McCoy to not lose sight of the importance of connecting with the youth and 4-H programs.
“I would highly encourage you to do as much outreach as possible as soon as you can after the first of the year to those clubs and organizations,” Smith said.
