Smith County hired what is considered the first county agricultural agent in the U.S. to supervise a single county, in 1906

In 1906, Smith County hired what historians call the first county agricultural agent in the United States to serve one county. A county agent brings farm research and advice straight to local farmers. That early Smith County hire helped set the pattern for extension offices that later spread across the country.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension traces part of its roots to this step. The Smith County office still helps farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners with crops, livestock, water, and land. It is a small local detail with a long reach.