About Us

The Cooperative Extension Service is a nationwide informal educational system created by the federal Smith-Lever Act of 1914. It is a partnership between state land grant universities, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the county governments throughout the nation. All of these groups share in the planning, financing, and operation of extension programs. Funding and programs are provided jointly by the federal, state and local government partners. Here, that's the USDA, the University of Florida's IFAS and the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners.

Most of the 3,200 counties nationwide have a county Extension agent whose role is to provide informal, pragmatic education and informational services to

commercial and homeowner / hobbyist agriculture and agribusiness
natural resource based enterprises
local citizens as households, consumers and families
youth and community organizations

The Extension office is a department within county government. The office collaborates with other county and USDA offices, the chamber of commerce, agri-industry and consumer groups, the public library and the school system to fulfill its roles of information services, technology transfer and assistance to individuals or groups in making informed decisions in their self-interest.

IFAS Extension Mission

The mission of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, UF/IFAS, is to provide scientifically based agricultural, human and natural resource knowledge that citizens use in making decisions which contribute to an improved life.

Extension programs strengthen decision making, knowledge application, economic security, environmental care and leadership skills for all citizens. Issues addressed are identified through citizen, community and university involvement.

Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service Office

The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service conducts research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, marine interest, and 4-H youth development. Programs are designed to meet various age groups, economic levels and social situations. We maintain a large bulletin library representing 3,500 subjects, most of which are available free of charge to county residents. Organized groups we sponsor include Family & Community Educators, Master Gardeners and 4-H Clubs.

Programs of the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service are open to all individuals and groups regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or handicap. In compliance with ADA, participants needing special accommodations to attend programs should contact the office one week prior to the activity.

We invite you to suggest how your County Extension Service can expand or improve programs so we better meet your needs.

Staff

John G. Lilly, Sr.
4-H Coordinator, Interim County Extension Director (Mar 2, 2009)

Hometown: Jasper, FL
BS, Tuskeegee University, AL
MS, Florida A&M University
Came to Jefferson County from Alachua County in 1987.

Jed Dillard
Livestock & Forages, Extension Agent

Hometown: Arnoldsville, GA
BS, University of Georgia
MS, The Ohio State University
Resident of Jefferson County since1977; joined Extension in April 2007

VACANT
Family & Consumer Science, Extension Agent

Vacant position "paused" due to budget limits at the UF/IFAS level

Gladys Neely
4-H Program Assistant