Fort Bend County Appoints New County Extension Agent – Horticulture to Support Agricultural Outreach
Joseph “Jody” Taylor officially began his role as the County Extension Agent – Horticulture for Fort Bend County on November 1. As a long-time resident of Rosenberg, Taylor looks forward to leveraging his experiences to serve his community in a way that aligns with the values of the Extension Service, helping Fort Bend County thrive. Taylor brings a rich background of experience, including over three decades of military service, a strong passion for horticulture, and a commitment to community service.
Taylor's appointment was announced by the Fort Bend County Office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), an organization dedicated to educating Texans in a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, youth and adult life skills, leadership, and community development. The Extension Service, a part of the Texas A&M University System, works to improve lives by providing residents with access to valuable educational resources and support.
"I am excited to be a part of the Fort Bend County Extension Service, serving the agricultural community, learning and growing with our diverse population in Fort Bend County," Taylor said of his new role.
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With a career that spans 33 years of military service, Taylor is no stranger to leadership and community engagement. His military experience has equipped him with strong skills in education, logistics, and leadership, while his passion for agriculture and sustainable plant production has led him to become a farmer, beekeeper, and Master Gardener. In addition, Taylor is deeply involved in volunteer work, making him a well-rounded individual with a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Taylor’s educational background includes a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security from American Military University. He also served as a Professor of Military Science at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he managed instructional programs for ROTC cadets and integrated modern teaching technologies in both in-class and online settings.
"His background in higher education, adult teaching, small farm management, and horticulture makes him uniquely suited for this position," said Amy Ressler, County Extension Director for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County.
Joseph “Jody” Taylor, the newest County Extension Agent – Horticulture Ressler emphasized the importance of Taylor’s ability to connect research with real-world applications, noting that his experience in education and community outreach will be instrumental as Fort Bend County’s agricultural and urban communities continue to grow. "As Fort Bend County continues to grow, it is imperative that Extension Agents are adaptable in the urban environment," she explained. "Agents need not only to know subject matter but also must be able to make meaningful connections; connecting with people, connecting people with each other, and connecting technical information with real-life applications. Jody’s teaching ability, people skills, and passion for knowledge will be an asset in this position."
The Fort Bend County Extension Service plays a critical role in the region, providing education and resources on a wide variety of topics such as sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and community problem-solving. Through workshops, publications, seminars, and individual consultations, the program empowers residents to improve their lives and communities.
With his extensive background and deep commitment to both horticulture and community engagement, Taylor is poised to make a significant impact in his new role. His leadership and passion for sustainable agriculture will help strengthen the educational initiatives of the Fort Bend County Extension Service, benefiting residents and farmers across the region.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
