July 23, 2007

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VEGA – Knowing the programs offered by Texas Cooperative Extension can be beneficial to both producers and students, Charlie Martin can't wait to start as the new agriculture agent in Oldham County, he said.

Martin will participate in the First Step to Success mentoring program for August in Carson County before beginning in the Extension office in Oldham County on Sept. 1, said Donna Brauchi, district Extension administrator in Amarillo.

"Charlie brings a strong background in agriculture, experience in working with youth, enthusiasm for becoming involved in the county, and a desire for a strong overall Extension program," Brauchi said. "We are excited to have him join our Extension team in Oldham County and the Panhandle district."

Martin, a native of Ardmore, Okla., grew up on a family stocker cattle and cow/calf operation and has been the agriscience and technology teacher at Follett Independent School District for the past two years.

He graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2004 with a master's degree in agriculture and in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell.

After earning his degree at West Texas A&M, Martin completed an internship with the Extension office in Oldham County.

"I really felt the people and the county in general were very supportive," he said. "They are looking for a high quality program and I hope to be able to offer that. I want to have a well-rounded program in both 4-H and agriculture."