Extension Office Welcomes New 4-H Agent

By Michele Robertson

The NMSU Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service has a new Extension 4-H Agent on board. Shiloh McCollum moved to Carlsbad from Colorado in November and is ready to connect with the community.

McCollum explained that 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) is a national program that provides opportunities to children ages six to 18. It teaches life and leadership skills, provides educational activities, and offers many other learning opportunities by allowing youth to investigate and participate in numerous programs and events. It provides a strong community for children to find peers and mentors, helping them excel.

“I grew up in Denver and went to Colorado State University, earning degrees in Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, focusing on entomology (insects). I am also a cave biologist, avid gardener, and general nerd. Although I have close relatives who farmed and ranched, my immediate family did not,” she said.

“I became dedicated to outreach and extension when I went to Colorado State University as an undergraduate. My first job on campus was working in an extension laboratory, ‘playing’ with thrips on onion crops. After a while, I taught a variety of science and basic math classes at a community college and a high school. After about a decade of teaching, I returned to the sciences, which eventually led me to move here. I am very excited to be here and serve this community,” McCollum said.

Helping build community and helping the youth learn new skills and explore their world are important aspects for McCollum. “Thus, my priority is sustaining the current 4-H programs offered in this county, as well as building new programming. I hope to meet a lot of great people and encourage them to reach for new goals and horizons through 4-H,” she said.

“I am here to provide opportunities to everyone in the county so they can become their best selves, from students who have no experience with 4-H, the life-long 4-H student, and adult volunteers,” McCollum said.

“Currently, we have a strong program with shooting sports and livestock. I want to keep those events as a driving force in our community, but also leverage my biological skill set to 4-H programs. If there is something that someone wants to try, I am going to do my best to provide that service. I think 4-H offers wonderful opportunities to explore different things and grow as a person and community,” she added.

The extension office offers a wide variety of expertise and programs. “We utilize the most recent research to provide knowledge, skills, and community growth. Have questions about crops, livestock, gardening, crafting, wellness, health, financial literacy, or learning new skills? We try to be there for you! Feel free to reach out,” McCollum added.

Volunteers can be a driving force for any organization. “I would love to have volunteers. We can always find a space for people to harness their strengths and give back to their community.” Background checks and training are required to work directly with youth. “However, sometimes volunteers in the background are just as important as the volunteers in the limelight,” she said.

“If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. I am here to serve my whole community and am very excited to meet everyone!” McCollum said.

The Eddy County Extension Office is located at 1304 W. Stevens St. The phone number is 575-887-6595, and McCollum’s email is srmcc@nmsu.edu.