Jasper County AgriLife

10/15/2026

Introducing Green Coat to White Coat: A New Texas 4-H Healthcare Leadership Academy

Applications are now open for the Green Coat to White Coat Healthcare Leadership Academy!

We are excited to introduce Green Coat to White Coat, a new Texas 4-H Healthcare Leadership Academy designed to help rural Texas high school students take their healthcare career exploration to the next level. Through this selective, seven-month leadership and career development experience, participating students will explore healthcare careers and college pathways, connect with healthcare professionals and mentors, build leadership and professional skills, and investigate healthcare challenges impacting rural Texas communities. Students will bring their learning together through a healthcare-focused capstone project and professional poster presentation.

The Academy will combine monthly virtual learning experiences with two in-person experiences, giving students opportunities to learn alongside healthcare professionals, Texas A&M faculty and students, and other youth who share their interests. Virtual meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month, with in-person experiences planned for March and June.

Who should apply?
The Academy is open to 10th–12th grade students who are curious about healthcare, interested in developing their leadership skills, and ready to explore how they can make a difference in the health of Texas communities. Applicants must be a current 4-H member, represent a rural Texas county and be able to commit to the full seven-month Academy.

Students do not need to know exactly which healthcare career they want to pursue—that’s what Green Coat to White Coat is here to help them explore!

Applications are due November 18, 2026.

Apply here ⬇️ Green Coat to White Coat Student Application: https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MG3cV6EBeTAxX8?utm_source=chatgpt.com

10/15/2026

🦋 Wings off. Buckles on!

Take off wings and bulky costume pieces before buckling up. Keep car seat straps snug, then spread those wings when you arrive!

Watch for little butterflies and other trick-or-treaters as you drive. 🎃

10/15/2026

Share the dip, not the germ! Although the temptation to dip again is normal…Don’t double dip! Research has proven and science suggests that double dipping can be hazardous to your health. Double dipping contaminates the dip with bacteria from your mouth and hands. Check out these options to keep in mind when dip is the center of attention!

10/14/2026

🍓 Should you count calories? Tracking can help some people understand their intake, but it isn’t the only approach. Learn strategies involving food quality, portions, calorie density and mindful eating to support healthy choices. 🥗

If you want to lose weight—or keep from gaining—chances are you’re very aware of calories. You consume them in foods and beverages. You “burn” them through physical activity. You gain weight if “calories in” is greater than “calories out.” But what are they? And does tracking them ...

10/14/2026

Looking for a nutritious snack or meal addition? Cottage cheese is packed with benefits!
✅ High in protein to help build and maintain muscles
✅ Rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth
✅ Contains phosphorus, and B vitamins
✅ Helps keep you feeling full and satisfied longer
✅ Versatile and easy to enjoy with fruits, vegetables, or whole grains
Just one serving of cottage cheese provides a protein boost that can support active lifestyles and healthy eating goals. Try it topped with fresh fruit for a sweet treat or paired with vegetables for a savory snack!
🌟 Creamy, nutritious, and delicious! 🌟

10/13/2026

Why does your weight change from day to day? 💧 Food, fluids, glycogen, digestion and hormones can all affect the number on the scale. Learn why daily fluctuations are normal and why longer-term trends can provide more useful context. 📈

Wondering why your weight fluctuates from day to day? Learn how water, sodium, carbohydrates, digestion and hormones can cause temporary changes on the scale.

10/13/2026

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Follow these simple steps to help keep our smallest pedestrians safe year-round!

Behind the wheel: Slow down near schools, neighborhoods, driveways, and crosswalks. Put distractions away, watch for children, and check carefully before turning or backing up. Be ready to stop at a moment's notice.

On foot: Teach children safe crossing habits, and practice together:

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing. Keep watching for traffic as you cross.
• Use crosswalks and follow pedestrian signals. A walk signal doesn’t replace checking for traffic.
• Make eye contact with drivers if possible, and wait for vehicles to stop before walking. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Hold hands with children under 10 when crossing streets and walking through parking lots. Children this age need an adult’s help to cross safely.
• Put phones and other distractions away so everyone can pay attention.

Talk through what you’re doing: “Let’s stop here, look both ways, and wait until it’s safe.” Each walk is a chance to build habits children can carry with them as they grow.

Whether you’re driving or walking, slow down, stay alert, and help everyone get home safely.

10/12/2026

To wrap up our celebration of National 4H, we are celebrating Arvitta Scott with Gregg County 4-H-Texas A & M Agrilife Extension, who was recently featured on KLTV 7 for her role in advancing the future of 4-H!

Enrollment numbers continue to increase thanks to the extensive opportunities 4-H has to offer, with support from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Gregg County Commissioners have also announced a brand-new archery facility that will be located at the incoming AgriLife Extension building.

Read more about 4-H and its rapid growth here: https://bit.ly/3VCVNrA 🍀 Texas 4-H Youth Development Program

10/12/2026

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist Danielle Sekula was featured on RFD-TV, where she explained how the pasture mealybug, an invasive pest, can devastate entire pastures and the grasses that are used to feed cattle and horses. Read more at the link: https://bit.ly/3UeuB1V

Texas A&M Entomology

10/12/2026

Most well problems do not start big.

It is usually something small.
A worn part.
A cracked pipe.
A change you did not notice right away.

Checking your system regularly can help you avoid bigger issues later. A few things to keep an eye on:
🚰 Exposed pipes
🚰 Changes in water pressure
🚰 Anything that feels off

Learn more with the Texas Well Owner Network guide: tx.ag/TWONWaterMaintenance

Texas Water Resources Institute | Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences