Monongalia County 4‑H and extension agents report rising participation, local farm support and new research trials

Becca Fink Clark, introduced as Monongalia County WVU extension 4‑H agent, told the commission on Feb. 25 that the county's 4‑H program reaches students daily through school enrichment and that Camp Monthly is expected to see large camper numbers this summer.

"We're gearing up for a really busy summer with camp," Fink Clark said, noting the county operates one of the largest single-county camping programs in the state and that extension staff work closely with local schools and partners.

Josh Valencia, the county's agriculture and natural resources extension agent in his first year, highlighted research and service activities that he said benefited local producers. Valencia reported a corn variety trial conducted with a state researcher and a mushroom trial intended to diversify farm operations; he also said extension work saved local producers more than $32,000 this year through services such as soil sampling, mineral orders and technical consulting.

Valencia asked the commission to continue supporting producers and local extension partnerships, noting outreach events such as a well-attended mushroom workshop run with the conservation district and Master Gardeners. Commissioner (speaker 4) and the chair thanked the presenters and encouraged continued collaboration with county staff and partners.

The presentation included introductions of local extension staff and plans to maintain connectivity and office space for the county recreation director who will share suite space to support county programming.