El Paso County
AgriLife Extension is a unique education agency with a statewide network of professional educators, trained volunteers, and county offices. It reaches into the El Paso County to address local priority needs. Extension values and promotes principles of citizen and community involvement, scientifically based education, lifelong learning and volunteerism. It works cooperatively with the 10 universities and 8 state agencies of the Texas A&M University System and other state and local agencies to bring the necessary resources to El Pasoans that will address local issues and solve local problems.
Some of our major efforts are in mitigating drought impacts; conserving water use in homes, landscapes, and production agriculture; improving emergency management; enhancing food security; and protecting human health through education about diet, exercise, and disease prevention and management. Collaborative programs enable extension educators and their partners to extend resources in 2012, planned extension programs involved a total of 208 collaborators–diverse private sector and nonprofit entities–and hundreds of school districts.
Mission:
To provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of El Paso.
AgriLife Extension demonstrates the latest technology and best practices to improve the state’s food and fiber system, which serves all Texas consumers and contributes nine percent of the gross domestic product. Texas 4-H, our primary youth program, engages some 600,000 youth in Texas every year in learning projects, leadership development, and community service. Extension brings the resources of the Texas A&M University System to El Paso. Through field-based faculty, Extension provides unbiased, research-based information, educational programs, and technical assistance in the following core service areas:
Through an expansive network of 250 county offices and more than 900 professional educators, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides practical, accessible solutions to everyday challenges. Connect with an AgriLife Extension representative in your area to explore the wide range of educational resources, programming and activities available to you.
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El Paso County Faculty & Staff
Denise Rodriguez, M.S.
County Extension Director
(915)273-3502 Ext.2322
[email protected]
Orlando Flores, M.S.
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2325
[email protected]
A. Gigi Shamaley, PH.D
Family & Community Health Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2321
[email protected]
Vacant
County Extension Agent – 4H
Phone: (915)273-3502
Eduardo Rascon, B.S
Horticulture Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2329
[email protected]
Luz E. Waters, M.S.
Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program Agent
(915)858-1030
[email protected]
Jonathan Consford
IPM Program Specialist – El Paso/Far West Texas
(915)701-3036
[email protected]
Ashley Cisneros, B.S.
Better Living for Texans Program Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2344
[email protected]
Jimena Fernandez, B.S.
Better Living for Texans Program Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2331
[email protected]
Dakota Vasquez, B.S.
4-H & Youth Development
Prairie View Extension Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2328
[email protected]
Ingrid Macias, M.S.
Community & Economic Development
Prairie View Extension Agent
(915)273-3502 Ext.2330
[email protected]
Resources Available in El Paso County
AgriLife Extension offers key programs across the state that are organized and supported at the county level. Click the links below for more information about local programming or contact your county office.
Texas Master Gardener Program
Texas Master Naturalist Program
Texas Master Wellness Volunteer Program
4-H & Youth Development
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Better Living for Texans

Stress Less with Mindfulness - August 2025
Join us for Stress Less with Mindfulness every Tuesday for the month of August. This program introduces participants to the experience and practice of mindfulness to reduce stress. Successful stress management has been found to be effective in reducing related symptoms such as worry, depression, and physical tension.
COMING SOON – BID Academy September 4, 2025 – September 30, 2025
The BID Academy is an in-depth 8 session program, designed to help small business owners become HUB-certified and successfully bid on government contracts. Through expert-led sessions on key topics like bookkeeping and marketing, you’ll gain the skills needed to expand your business and unlock new opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to grow, register today!
August 9, 2025 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Childcare Conference: Fall into Learning: Exploring Growth through Nature, Play, & Nutrition. Kick off the school year with fresh ideas that nurture healthy habits, outdoor exploration, and playful learning for young children. Receive 3 clock-hours of instructor-led training. $15 Pre-registration & $20 day of the event.
Extension Topics for El Paso County
Texas 4-H Youth Development

Plants & Crops

Life & Health

Environment & Natural Resources

Business & Community

Animals & Livestock

Insects, Pests & Diseases

News from Across the State
El Paso County
Contact Us
Ascarate Annex, 2nd Floor
301 Manny Martinez Sr. Dr.
El Paso, TX 79905