Kelly Tarla
From 2015-ish...
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BURNET — As the new Burnet County AgriLife Extension Agent, Kelly Tarla says she’s going back to a job that promotes fellowship, education and tradition.
“I’ve always enjoyed being with the AgriLife Extension Service,” Tarla said. “I feel like I’m coming back home.”
Tarla comes to Burnet County after a teaching stint at an elementary school in Florence.
She was hired by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to replace retired agent Wade Hibler, who had served for 22 years with the local office and 33 years total with the agency.
“I’ve had lots of agents tell me I’m following a really great man. Wade has such a strong tradition in this county,” Tarla said. “I’m hoping that we can sit down and get some things worked out as to where I need to be, what I need to be doing and how I can continue his tradition and his roots.”
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Her background includes working as an AgriLife extension agent for 4-H and youth development in Bastrop County and an agriculture science and FFA teacher in Higgins.
She earned her master’s degree in agriculture and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture services and development from Tarleton State University in Stephenville.
She and her husband, Bryan, have a 3-year-old son, Ridge.
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During the month prior, she will undergo orientation in Bell, Lampasas and Llano counties, paid for by Texas A&M University, which primarily funds the position with the county picking up a portion of the salary and providing office space.
“Agriculture is always going to make sure that communities are fed. It’s a great way to socialize through 4H and through all of your club meetings, adult education and youth education,” she said. “I’m hoping I can get in there and be what the county needs.”
Wolf Creek Ranch Information
SITE VISIT WITH KELLY TARLA - BURNET COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT
While it is important that the commons areas on the ranch stay well-maintained and visually pleasing, an equally important function
of the WCR Maintenance Committee is land management, (tree canopy pruning, small brush clearing, cactus and invasive plant removal, etc.)
which assures our continued agricultural exemption status for the ranch. To this end, members of the Maintenance Committee invited Kelly Tarla,
our Burnet County Extension Agent to visit the ranch and drive around the entire property, to determine current land conditions and to make
recommendations for how best to support cattle ranching at Wolf Creek. Maintenance committee members Eliza Bishop, Jennifer Shuta,
Claudia Machell, and Board member Rick Ramos, accompanied Kelly at this meeting.
The following report is based on her visit from July 22nd.
Her previous report, from January 20, 2020, is also included.