Kaufman County

AgriLife Extension Service Office

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 Website

Kaufman 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.

Upcoming Events for Kaufman County

KAUFMAN COUNTY 4H IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAMS

‘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
FALL Kaufman County 2026 4-H Food & Nutrition Project

Must be a currently enrolled 4-H member to participate. Check out the new FALL food & nutrition project flyer and contact Sarah with any questions! [email protected]
Homesteading 101

Join Sarah for a 10-month master class in 2027 on Homesteading. Please see flyer for more information and sign up today!
LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

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!

August 28: One Dish Wonders

October 23: Fall into Soup Season

November 13: Fall Flavors on a Board
Herb Gardening!

Join Sarah for a FREE single education session for herb gardening. Two upcoming classes:

Hosted at British Flying Museum in Terrell on August 20, 2026. Please see flyer for details!

Hosted at TriCounty Library in Mabank on September 17, 2026. See flyer for details!
Sharpen Your Mind at Kemp Senior Center

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.
It's a Charcuterie Party!

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!
Food Handler's Certificate--October 26, 2026

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!
Stress Less and Live Your Best!

Join Sarah for a Health Talk Express hosted at Gun Barrel City Community Center, October 27, 2026. See flyer for details.