Hempstead County Agents “Still on the Job”

By Dale Gathright, Jr., 04/8/20 12:40 PM

 

HOPE — The Cooperative Extension Service has been serving the people of Arkansas, from agricultural communities in rural areas to school children in the cities, for more than 100 years, through good times and bad. Our current era, in which we all face serious health risks from the COVID-19 virus, is no different, according to Terrie James, CEA-Staff Chair, FCS, with the Hempstead County office. James said, “In Hempstead County, the Cooperative Extension Service is still on the job.”

Local agents continue to serve Arkansans during the pandemic and are available through phone, email, and Internet communication platforms.

“Minimizing the effects of this virus, which is unusually contagious and particularly lethal to members of our community who are elderly or immunosuppressed, depends largely on “social distancing” and otherwise limiting close contact. But that doesn’t mean we, as cooperative extension agents, aren’t still here to support our communities in all the ways we always have been,” James stated. “Whether your needs are agricultural, financial, dietary or educational, our agents are still here to offer the best in unbiased, research-based knowledge. We are still fundamentally engaged in supporting community and economic development, helping farmers make the best choices for their crops and helping families make the best use of their resources.”

She added, “Our agents are as available and ready to work as they’ve always been. While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are increasingly available through online venues, including webinars and internet-based teleconferencing. And of course, we’re still ready to answer questions and make recommendations by phone.”

Whether you need to locate your local agent, download one of their publications, or read the latest in agricultural reporting, visit www.uaex.edu. They also have a wealth of resources related to coping with COVID-19 at www.uaex.edu/covid19.