Texas A&M AgriLife Extension presents 2024 report; volunteers credited with more than 76,000 hours and a multimillion‑dollar volunteer value

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension staff presented the program’s 2024 annual report to the Denton County Commissioners Court on Dec. 10, highlighting program growth, volunteer engagement and outreach across the county.

Stephen Behringer, the county 4‑H agent, introduced county agents and summarized 4‑H and AgriLife activities: 4‑H membership growth to 372 members with 82 volunteers across 10 active clubs; outreach reaching nearly 14,000 students through school partnerships; and programs including the Small and New Landowner Conference, hay sample testing, private applicator training and nutrition education under the Better Living for Texans (BLT) program.

AgriLife volunteers and leaders presented a numerical summary of volunteer contributions. The Leadership Advisory Board representative told the court that the “total number of reported hours was 76,707, which when multiplied by the independent sector value of volunteer time at $33.49 an hour is a value of $2,005,168.92” (figures presented at the meeting). The presenter and Judge Eads said the volunteer work is essential because the AgriLife office has a small paid staff and depends on trained volunteers to deliver county education and outreach.

The Leadership Advisory Board president presented a ceremonial check to the commissioners that symbolized the volunteers’ reported service to the county. Court members thanked AgriLife staff and volunteers and called the program “a great partnership,” noting its role in youth development, nutrition education, gardening and natural‑resources outreach. No formal funding action was recorded at the meeting; the presentation was informational and ceremonial.