Extension Success Stories

Extension programs share helpful, research-based information with people all across America. Pasco County Extension is part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). It helps bring information from university scientists to local families, students, and communities. Extension programs began in 1914 through the Smith-Lever Act.  Today, they are a partnership between land‑grant universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and county governments. Pasco County supports Extension by providing staff, buildings, and other resources.

Pasco County residents can find "Solutions For Your Life"

Pasco County Poultry Judging Team Wins Big!

The Pasco County Poultry Judging Team earned 3rd place overall at the National Poultry Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. They also won 1st place in market eggs. The team did an amazing job representing Florida and Pasco County.

Individual results:

• Emily Jennings- 3rd overall, 1st in market eggs, 7th in production hens.
• Kaylee Cummings- 2nd in market eggs, 33rd overall.
• Bailey McKendree- 5th in market eggs, 23rd overall.
• Tierani Johnson- 26th overall.
• Nathalie Yoder( Jackson county) 11th overall
• Deanna Brock also from Pasco County Places 3rd in the National Poultry BBQ contest.

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension is very proud of all their 4-H members.

Pasco 4-H Students Win at Florida 4-H Tailgate Cookery Competition!

Pasco County 4‑H students earned top awards at the first Florida 4‑H Tailgating Contest, sponsored by Sonny’s BBQ and Winn-Dixie. The contest teaches students how to safely prepare beef, pork, poultry, and seafood outdoors. It also helps them build life skills like decision-making, healthy living, and communication.

Congratulations to all winners! 

• Beef Grand Champion - Dalton Brock
• Pork Grand Champion - Montana Rose
• Poultry Grand Champion - Deanna Brock
• Shrimp Reserve Grand Champion - Colton Hambrick

Deanna Brock will be going to the National Poultry Competition in November.

Pasco 4-H Poultry Judging Team Wins State Competition!

On June 4, 2016, five Pasco County 4‑H students won 1st place at the Florida State Poultry Judging Contest at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Students judged egg quality, live hens, chicken meat cuts, and more.

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension is proud to have them represent Pasco 4‑H at the National Competition.

Pasco Master Gardeners Launch Mobile Plant Clinic

Expert plant advice can now be found at many festivals and special events

The Pasco County Master Gardeners now have a Mobile Plant Clinic that travels to festivals and events. Homeowners can stop by to get expert help with plant and landscape problems. The clinic was funded by Pasco Master Gardeners, UF/IFAS Extension groups, and Local Wraps, Inc. Special thanks to Michele Wood for designing the clinic’s graphics.

UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Helps Create Community Garden in Lacoochee

Students at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee now have their own community garden and 4‑H Club. They are learning how to grow vegetables, understand food systems, and make healthy choices.

They work with:

• Dr. Whitney Elmore (Urban Horticulture)

• Jean Hink (4‑H and Youth Development)

• Pasco Master Gardeners

• Tabitha Villa and Linda Tesar (Food & Nutrition Program Assistants)

• Jim Moll (Florida‑Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator), who teaches water conservation

The garden helps students learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and caring for natural resources.