Kaufman County
Greetings from the Kaufman County Extension Office. Kaufman County had its beginning in a fort built in 1840 to protect surveyors from Native Americans. By 1845, settlers began arriving to claim land in the area, which led to the formation of Kaufman County in 1848. It was named after David S. Kaufman, a pioneer Texas legislator in the Republic of Texas, and one of the first representatives of the new State of Texas in the U.S. Congress.
For much of its history, Kaufman County depended upon agriculture and ranching for its economic growth. The wide variety of soils permitted many different crops for many years. Today, there is perhaps more emphasis upon ranching and light industry as the county grows due to its proximity to the Dallas metroplex.
In October 1903, the success of techniques proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase productivity was proven at the Porter Farm near Terrell. A network of farm demonstration agents was quickly built which brought these techniques to the farmers of the nations. Such was the importance of the method demonstrations through the “Terrell Plan.” The U.S. Department of the Interior erected an official plaque at the farm commemorating its establishment. At the time, the only similar marker in Texas was at the San Jacinto battleground. A centennial celebration for the Porter Farm took place in Kaufman County in October of 2003.
Kaufman County is the fastest growing county in the State of Texas and the fourth in the United States. Even with the growth, Kaufman County still keeps to its roots of being involved heavily in agriculture. In 2023, gross agriculture sales accounted for $95,398,000 to the economy. Livestock and forage alone made up 72.3% of that with sales of $68,949,380.
Mission: To provide the citizens quality, relevant outreach and continuing educational programs.
Visit the County Office WebsiteKaufman County Resources, Publications & Links
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.
Kaufman County 4-H & Youth Development
Texas 4-H & 4-H Online Links
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Water Resources
Horticulture

‘Ag in the Classroom’, a 4-H School Enrichment Program, is a program coordinated with school personnel with use of selected 4-H learning materials as well as some Texas Farm Bureau and Texas 4H Ag in the Classroom curriculum as part of the school curriculum during school hours. They involve one or more sessions with activities led by 4-H Youth Development Program staff, volunteers, and teachers.
For more information on how to obtain the use of these materials contact Carrie Sharp, 4-H Coordinator, at (469-376-4520) or [email protected].
Please fill out the Form site to get more information for each of the programs listed.
Curriculum Enrichment Resource request form – Fill out form
Must be a currently enrolled 4-H member to participate:
Check out the new FALL 2026 4H Food & Nutrition Project flyer Call or email to register now!
NEW: 2026 FOOD SHOW CONTEST MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026. Registration Deadline is November 30, please see flyer for details! RSVP TODAY
Contact Sarah with any questions! [email protected] / 469-376-4520
The educational program will feature Dr. David Drake, who will present “The Pasture Mealybug: Information about this New Invasive Pest.” Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about this emerging pest and its potential impact on pastures and forage production. One continuing education unit (CEU) will be offered.
Whether you are a producer looking for timely information, a young person interested in agriculture, or simply someone who wants to support Kaufman County youth and agricultural programs, the Hay Show and Expo offers something for everyone. Click on the title above for the flyer.
Join Sarah for a 10-month master class in 2027 on Homesteading. Please see flyer for more information and sign up today!
KAUFMAN, Texas — Kaufman County 4-H invites youth livestock exhibitors, families, and community members to the Kaufman County Barnyard Battle 4-H Livestock Jackpot, October 24–25, 2026, at the Kaufman County Fairgrounds, 4001 S. Washington St. in Kaufman.
The two-day event will showcase youth agriculture and livestock projects while giving exhibitors another opportunity to compete, improve their showmanship skills, and put their hard work to the test.
Saturday, October 24, will feature the Heifer and Steer Show, beginning at 10 a.m. A Youth Hay & Forage Judging Contest will also be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, will feature sheep and goats. The Goat Show begins at 10 a.m., with the Sheep Show beginning no earlier than 1 p.m. Sheep entries will close at noon.
Livestock divisions will include heifers, steers, market lambs, wether dams, market goats, and wether does. Showmanship will be offered for Pee Wee, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior exhibitors. Fun barnyard challenges will also take place throughout the event.
Livestock entries are $40 for the first entry and $35 for each additional entry. Showmanship is $10.
The Barnyard Battle is designed to celebrate agriculture while providing young people opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, and confidence through their livestock projects.
Community sponsorship opportunities are also available to help support awards, youth activities, and event expenses.
For additional information about the Kaufman County Barnyard Battle, contact Jamie Busby at 972-955-2630. Click on the title above for the flyer.
Bring Your Best. Battle for the Banner!
Join Sarah in her Lunch & Learn Series at the Kaufman County Extension Office. Email Sarah and sign up now! Click each class to see the flyers!
October 23: Fall into Soup Season
November 6: Fall Flavors on a Board
2027
January 22: Declutter Workshop
February 26: Mocktails & Mingle
March 5: “Growing Grapes in Texas: Wine Not? Guest Speaker: Michael Cook, Viticulture Program Specialist with Texas A&M
April 23: Floral Arrangements
May 21: “What to do before going into the garden” Guest Speaker: Kaufman County Master Gardener, Rita Ware
June 25: Kaufman Area Beekeepers Association
July 23: Pickling Without Canning
August 20:
September 17:
BIG ADVENTURES START SMALL!
Give your child a fun first step into 4-H! Clover Kids is designed for youth ages 5–8 and through 2nd grade to learn by doing in a safe, welcoming environment. Each month, Clover Kids will explore a different hands-on 4-H project—from gardening and animals to robotics, fashion, fishing, and photography—while building confidence, curiosity, friendships, responsibility, and new skills along the way. There’s no pressure to compete—just opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and discover what they love! All workshop start at 9 am for 45 Minutes. Dates are – September 12th; October 10th; November 7th; February 13th; March 6th; April 3rd and May 1st. Clover Kids will need to be members of 4H and Carrie will help enroll you on September 12th for all new families!!! Contact Carrie Sharp at [email protected] for more information.
Come grow with us—because every Clover Kid has the potential to do BIG things!
New to 4-H? Start Strong With Us! 🍀
4-H has so much to offer—but figuring out where to start can sometimes feel overwhelming! If your family has been in 4-H for 3 years or less, join us for 4-H Family Foundations, a fun, hands-on monthly series designed just for you. Meet other families, discover projects and opportunities, learn how contests, record books, leadership, and events work, and get your questions answered along the way. All workshop start at 10 am for 1 hour. Dates are – September 12th; October 10th; November 13th; February 13th; March 6th; April 3rd and May 1st. Come learn, connect, and grow with us—and make the most of your 4-H experience! Contact Carrie Sharp at [email protected] for more information.
Join Sarah for a FREE 6-week Master of Memory Program, Wednesdays at 10 AM at Kemp Senior Center (starting September 30). See flyer for details.
Charcuterie meets healthy living! Party is hosted by TriCounty Library in Mabank on October 15, 2026. See flyer for details and contact Sarah to sign up!
Want to get your Food Handler’s Certificate? Join Sarah and learn basic food safety practices for the preparation of food and get a food handlers card. See flyer for details and sign up now!
Join Sarah for a Health Talk Express hosted at Gun Barrel City Community Center, October 27, 2026. See flyer for details.

Kaufman Co Specific Resources/Links
Do you have a passion for health and wellness and a desire to help others? We’re looking for Master Wellness Volunteers to join us in promoting healthy living throughout Kaufman County!
If you are interested in learning more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, visit the AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Program website or email Kaufman County Family & Community Health Agent, Sarah Matranga at [email protected]
We would love to hear from you!
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Kaufman County
Contact Us
Kaufman, TX 75142-5561
Staff Directory
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County Coordinator, County Extension Agent - 4-H and Youth DevelopmentCounty Coordinator
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County Extension Agent-Family and Community Health
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4-H County Support StaffSupport Staff
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4-H County Support StaffSupport Staff
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Office Manager/Administrative Assistant AG & 4-HSupport StaffAdministrative Support Staff
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County SecretarySupport Staff
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4-H County Support StaffSupport Staff

