Have you ever heard a gardener tell someone to “check with your local Extension office”? Whether it’s a struggling tomato plant, a patchy lawn, a tree disease, or an unfamiliar insect, the Extension office is often the first and best place to turn. But what exactly is an Extension office and how can it help you? I am so glad you asked!
The Shelby County Extension Office is your go-to source for far more than gardening advice. Our Extension agents offer educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, financial literacy, 4-H youth development, family health, and food nutrition and safety. We are here to serve the citizens of Shelby County and beyond with trusted, research-based information that makes a real difference in everyday life.

Extension offices are part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System, established more than 100 years ago to connect university research with local communities. In Tennessee, UT Extension has an office in each of the state’s 95 counties. The Extension Office works to improve the quality of life for Tennesseans through research-based education in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community economic development.

Here in Shelby County, we are proud to have agents from both the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University working together to serve our community. Our office is located at Agricenter International, and our agents are experts in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and youth development. They develop programs tailored to local needs, provide workshops and consultations, and truly “meet people where they are”.

We are rooted in education and supported by federal, state, and local funding. Everything we do is grounded in research and designed to strengthen individuals, families, farms, and communities.
Come celebrate Extension Month with us! Stop by the Shelby County Extension Office, learn more about our impactful programs, and meet the dedicated staff who are here to help you succeed. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you can reach us at 901-752-1207. We would love to see you!