Agriculture and livestock are important to many in Lincoln County.

     The Lincoln County Extension Service understands this, and has recently added new 4-H Agent Brandon Alberson to lead the county’s program. The county 4-H agent position has been vacant since June when Paige Ziegler left to return to Franklin County and teach.

     Alberson, of Falkner in north Mississippi, says the 4-H program has always been a part of him.

     “I’m a product of 4-H program myself,” said Alberson. “It’s one of those things that influenced me a lot. 4-H had what I was interested in while I was growing up which, for me, was the livestock part of it.”

     Lincoln County Extension Service Director Rebecca Bates said Alberson is a great choice for the county.

     “He comes with years of working in the 4-H program,” said Bates. “He has great experience working with livestock and equestrian and has a good knowledge of leadership-based 4-H programming.”

     Alberson has been with extension service for eight years and recently moved from Senatobia, where he was the 4-H agent.

     “I’ve been here for three days now,” Alberson said on Monday. “It’s been great, people have been really receptive and helped me and that’s been a tremendous help. I’m excited to get started.”

     Bates said her office had about 15 applications for the position and a committee was formed from area agents to screen the applicants.

     “We’re very excited that Brandon wanted to make the move to the Southwest District,” said Bates. “I’m very pleased to have someone with Brandon’s experience and knowledge. That’s great for the extension service and the county.”

     Alberson is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a master’s degree in agriculture information science. He said he was familiar with Lincoln County before he moved and knows what’s expected of him.

     “I know they have a really active livestock club and we’re going to work and keep that going,” said Alberson.

     Ideas are already starting to come to him.

     “We’re going to work on starting shooting sports next year,” Alberson said. “I’m sure as I get to visit with more people I’ll get more ideas on different things we can do.”

     Bates has been served as the Lincoln County Extension director for five years and has been through three 4-H agents in that time. She hopes the turnover has stopped.

     “He’s one I’m planning on keeping,” Bates said.