He's back: former AgriLife Extension agent returns to Dallam and Hartley counties
DALHART - Mike Bragg's first day on the job wasn't too tough. He knew where the office supplies were kept in the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office -- and where the producers live in Dallam and Hartley counties.
Bragg returned to AgriLife Extension as the agriculture and natural resources agent for Dallam and Hartley counties on Aug. 24. He was the agent in Dallam County for 14 years before going to work with a local cattle feeding operation for the past six years.
As he returns, one thing will be different - Dallam has been combined with Hartley for AgriLife Extension services. However, Bragg said since he never really left Dalhart, he's still acquainted with the people and the area and is ready to start working with them.
"I really missed Extension, and after working in the other position for six years, I realized how much I also missed public service, so I wanted to get back to it," he said.
"The people in Dallam and Hartley counties are very fortunate to have an individual with Mike Bragg's experience, maturity and passion for AgriLife Extension education," said Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension district administrator in Amarillo.
"He will be a huge asset to the AgriLife Extension staff in those counties and I expect we will see continued growth and excitement associated with the AgriLife Extension educational programs in Dallam and Hartley counties," Nusser said.
Bragg earned his bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University and his master's degree from West Texas A&M University. He started his AgriLife Extension career in December 1985 in Gregg County and also worked in Howard County before moving to Dallam County.
Bragg said he knows there will be some challenges, even though the position is familiar. The economics are tough right now for agriculture businesses, he said, and dairies, which are a new agricultural area for him, have moved into the region.
"These two counties represent a tremendous amount of agriculture income, and I look forward to working with all the different aspects of the industry," he said.
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