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 2026 4-H Food & Nutrition Project
Must be a currently enrolled 4-H member to participate. Check out the REVISED flyer and contact Sarah with any questions! [email protected]
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
Be Well, Live Well @Tri-County Library
Thursdays beginning in April @ Tri-County Library in Mabank! Join us for a 5-session series designed especially for adults age 50 and older who want to stay active, independent, and feeling their best! Each session offers practical tips for healthy aging — from understanding medications and reading food labels to making simple food swaps and getting more physical activity in your day. Learn how small changes can lead to lasting independence and a better quality of life! Sign up today with Sarah @469-376-4520 or email [email protected]
Companion Planting Class!
Free class hosted by Gun Barrel City with FCH Agent, Sarah Matranga. Program is June 25th at the Gun Barrel City Community Center. Check out the flyer for details. Sign up today with Sarah @469-376-4520 or email [email protected]
Preserving the Harvest June 2026
June 27, 2026 (9 AM -12 PM) Peaches is the name of the game! Peach Salsa and Peach BBQ Sauce.
Hands on canning class using the water bath canning method with FCH Agent Sarah Matranga @ the Extension Office. Space is limited! Cost is $40/person. Call or email now to reserve a spot! 469-376-4520 / [email protected]. Check out the flyer.
DO YOU LIKE CARBS?
Join us Mondays in June for a free program with CEA Sarah Matranga. See flyer for details. Program is four weeks from 5-6 PM @ the Kaufman County Extension Office (or by ZOOM for info only). First class is June 1st! Call or email now to reserve a spot! 469-376-4520 / [email protected].