AgriLife Extension tells Denton County commissioners volunteers logged 103,086 hours worth $3.59 million

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension representatives presented their 2025 annual report to the Denton County Commissioners Court, emphasizing volunteer support that the agency says underpins its county work.

Tommy Calvert, president of the Denton County AgriLife Extension leadership advisory board, presented a ceremonial check representing volunteer service and gave the headline figures: "The total number reported hours was 103,086," and he said the independent-sector value at $34.79 per hour produced $3,586,361.94 in volunteer value to Denton County. AgriLife staff described program activity spanning youth 4-H outreach, horticulture events, wellness programming for older adults, and partnership efforts with the Denton County Farm Bureau and Cook Children's.

Commissioners thanked the volunteers and AgriLife staff and accepted the presentation. AgriLife highlighted specific program reach, including more than 16,000 youth contacts through school enrichment and community outreach and multiple continuing-education offerings for local producers and professionals.

The presentation framed volunteers as essential because AgriLife Extension operates with limited staff (the advisory board noted nine employees) and relies on trained volunteers to extend programming across Denton County. The court applauded the volunteers and took no formal action beyond the public recognition.

Looking ahead, AgriLife leaders said they will continue volunteer recruitment and training and indicated statewide trainings and local events will remain part of their outreach strategy.