Castro County

AgriLife Extension Service Office
Close up of the top of swollen fingergrass sillouetted by the sun behind it.

Cattle, cotton, corn, and hardworking people characterize this rural Panhandle county with a colorful history rivaled only by its sunsets!

In 1876, the Texas Legislature created and named Castro County after Henri Castro. Henri served the King of Naples, Italy as consul to the state of Rhode Island. He later became an American citizen and helped the state of Texas acquire a loan of $7 million from a finance company in his native country, France. H.G Bedford organized and named the county seat, Dimmitt, in 1891 in honor of his Civil War chaplain, Rev. W.C. Dimmitt.

Our three cities (Dimmitt, Nazareth, and Hart) contribute a rich cultural background, while our landscape provides a colorful backdrop. Depending on the time of year, you can see lush green wheat pasture, pure white cotton, golden yellow corn, and cattle or horses in various shades. Even your crayon box of 64 would be jealous!

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides practical, accessible solutions to everyday challenges. Our extension agents provide educational and outreach programs and services for the youth and adults of Castro County. They also assist the people of this county in making decisions within their farming operations and provide agricultural programs. Connect with us to explore the many resources, programming and activities available to you.

Current and upcoming programs

Young Scientist Take and Make Kits-(pdf) September through May

Clover Kids Youth Culinary Academy-(English & Spanish pdf)  September through April

Castro 4-H Youth Quilt Classes-(pdf) Saturdays (9a-12p) on October 25, November 22, December 20, February

*CLICK ON PROGRAMS FOR MORE INFORMATION.*

 

Resources Available in Castro County

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Castro County provides a variety of adult and youth educational outreach programs and services for health, STEM, and agriculture. Connect with us to explore all of the available options. We look forward to helping you. Click the links below for more information about local programming or contact your county office.

Take and Make Kits

Young Scientist Take and Make Kits are available at Rhoads Memorial Library. Pick up a new kit on the first Tuesday of every month September through May.

Adult Programs

  • Christmas food program
  • Summer food program
  • health programs

Better Living for Texans

  • Youth Enrichment in schools

4-H & Youth Development

  • Youth displays breads they made

    Our 4-Hers participate in these events and more.

    • Robotics
    • Food Challenge
    • Thankful for cooking programs
    • Quilting
    • Horse Judging
    • Photography challenges
    • community service
    • sewing
  • summer program for kids

    Youth programs include:

    • Monthly Take & Make kits at Rhoads Memorial Library (September- May)
    • Summer Reading/Nutrition program at Rhoads Memorial Library (June-July)

Castro County