Harrison County

AgriLife Extension Service Office

Welcome to the Harrison County office of The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. We are glad that you took the time to visit us “on the web”. Harrison County is located in the northeastern part of Texas along the Louisiana border. Marshall, the county seat, is 152 miles east of Dallas and 39 miles west of Shreveport. Harrison County was officially established in 1839 and comprises 984 square miles.

Agricultural commodities in Harrison County include; Beef Cattle, Timber, Forages, Nursery, Greenhouse, Small Fruits and Vegetables.

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.

Resources Available in Harrison 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.

Harrison County Quilters

Harrison County 4-H

WHAT IS 4-H?
4-H is a club for kids and teens to develop life skills, learn about the world around them, and have fun! Youth who join a 4-H club can choose to participate in a variety of projects and activities while they make friends, learn together and serve their community.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Youth:
Clover Kids: K – 2nd Grade*
4-H Members: 3rd – 12th grade (ages 8-18)

Adults:
May serve as volunteers in capacities such as club/project leaders, planning committee members and more!

JOIN TODAY!

texas.4honline.com

4-H AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK
Cattle
Goats
Horse
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
Livestock Judging
4-H FAMILY COMMUNITY HEALTH
Consumer Education
Fashion & Interior Design
Food & Nutrition
4-H NATURAL RESOURCES
Archery
Shotgun
Fishing
4-H LEADERSHIP & CITIZENSHIP
Community Service
Leadership
Public Speaking
4-H STEM
Photography
Robotics

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Working collaboratively to enhance knowledge, effectively utilize resources and spur agribusiness growth in Harrison County is the focus of the Agriculture and Natural Resources arm of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Harrison County is home to 1,134 farms, supporting 27,839 beef cows and calves across 190,247 acres of active agricultural production, including 26,454 acres of hay harvested.¹Elevating beef and forage production is the focus of collaborative efforts between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Harrison County Cattlemen’s Association. By providing educational programs, forage testing, and natural resource management best practices workshops, local farmers and ranchers gain the tools and knowledge to enhance their operations. ¹2017 Census of Agriculture – County Data. (n.d.) Table 1. County Summary Highlights, 2017. USDA, National Agriculture Statistics Service. Retrieved August 23, 2023.

The Harrison County Master Gardener Association is an educational volunteer program made up of members of the local community who take an active interest in lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. Upon completion of extensive training, Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through the Harrison County AgriLife Extension office to provide horticultural-related services to their communities through informative programs, projects, and tree & plant sales.

The Annual Harrison County Farm City Week continues a proud tradition that celebrates the vital connection between agriculture and the community. Known locally as the equivalent of a county livestock show, Farm City Week was established decades ago by a coalition of local businessmen & agricultural producers. What began on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Marshall—with 4-H and FFA students reportedly tying their show calves to parking meters—has grown into a signature event held each year at the Marshall City Arena. Organized and hosted by the Harrison County Agri-Business Association, the event relies heavily on dedicated volunteers and the generous support of donors, whose contributions fund prizes and scholarships for local youth.

The mission of the Marshall Beekeepers Association is to promote the art and science of beekeeping in Harrison County and the greater East Texas area. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just getting started, this association is the place to share knowledge, ask questions, and stay informed about all thing’s bees.

Harrison County Family & Community Health

Helping Texans Thrive, One Healthy Choice at a Time is the mission of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health (FCH). Our programs are designed to empower Texans to improve their lives through science-based educational programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities across the state. From nutrition education to mental health support and accident prevention, our programs provide practical solutions to foster healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all Texans.

The mission of Harrison Extension Education Association, HEEA, is to work with the county Texas A&M AgriLife Service to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service. HEEA strives to improve family and community life across ethnic, age, cultural and ability lines through life-long learning opportunities. Call today to add your hands and heart to improve the quality of life for our community.

The Master Wellness Volunteer Program is an engaging series of classes that provides volunteers with 40 hours of training in health and nutrition education. In return, the volunteers agree to give back 40 hours of service to the community. A certification exam on the final day of training assures that each proud volunteer has the tools and knowledge needed to represent the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The training focuses on nutrition and dietary guidelines, food safety and food demonstrations, healthy lifestyle choices and children’s health.

The Harrison County Quilters are a group of adults of different skill level who enjoy sharing their love of sewing, quilting, crafting and fun. Join in the fun and fellowship on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension office.