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 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.
County Extension Director/4-H Coordinator (March 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 since 1977
Joined Extension in April 2007
Julianne Shoup
Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent
Hometown: Carbondale, IL & Gainesville, FL
BS, University of Florida
Joined Jefferson County Extension in January 2017
Gladys Neely
4-H Program Assistant
Hometown: Monticello
Began with Jefferson County Extension in 1992 after serving as Leader of the Hickory Hill 4-H Club.
Allen Vanerson
4-H Program Assistant – FAMU
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
BS University of Mississippi
BA, University of Mississippi
Joined Jefferson County Extension in 2014
Christine “Chrissy” Rojas
Administrative Secretary
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Began with Jefferson County Extension in 2014.
Dr. Pete Vergot
Northwest District
Extension Director
Located at NFREC-Quincy.
Contact Dr. Vergot at:
Phone: (850) 875-7137
Fax: (850) 875-7148