Leads a successful extension program in Holmes County

Holmes County native, Tara Elizabeth Howell, has a family farm in the Coxburg Community with her husband Scott and three children: Livi, Colton, and Orin.

“I grew up as a row crop farmer’s daughter in the small town of West, raising pigs and cows,” says Howell. “That lifestyle fueled my passion, not only to teach my own children how to farm, but also to contribute to the bigger picture through my work with Mississippi State University Extension.”

Howell is a certified ServSafe food safety instructor and attained her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Business Administration from Delta State University. While in college, and for a short time after, Howell worked in the banking and finance industry, but she began to feel she was missing something. She was told about a job at the extension service, and quickly after being hired, she was sure she had found her place. 

“My job combines all the things I love: teaching children, community service, farming, nutrition, cooking, and life skills,” says Howell. “I serve as the County Coordinator, Family Health and Wellness Agent, and manage the Holmes County 4-H programs. My county program areas include: livestock, horses, interior design, shooting sports, 4-H camps, leadership, cooking classes, health and wellness.”

Howell says her duties often “cover a wide range of topics,” and “involve teaching youth and adults practical skills for everyday life.” Her passion is found in “lifelong learning and self-sustainability.”

“As an Agent, I provide research-based information that benefits people of all ages,” says Howell. “I believe it’s important for children to know where their food comes from and ideally, and how to raise it themselves, whether that’s growing a garden or raising animals.”

Because her children have been involved in 4-H as well, Howell sees the merit in the program through what it has done for them. 

“They not only participated, but gained confidence, learned to serve their community, and even chose college majors based on their 4-H experiences,” says Howell. “Contrary to what some may think, 4-H isn’t just about showing animals or winning ribbons. It’s about developing life skills, social skills, and learning how to give back and show grace whether you win or lose. I would love to see every child have the opportunity to experience 4-H, and to gain the confidence to try something new.”

The 4-H program was first put in place to create community amongst farming families so they could share their skills and educate each other. Because Holmes County was the birthplace of the first program in 1907, Howell feels “a real responsibility to keep that legacy alive.”

“I’ve made it a priority to ensure our county continues to have a strong, thriving program that reflects both our history and the needs of today’s youth,” says Howell. “I’m especially proud that we currently have four youth serving as State 4-H Ambassadors.”

Howell believes serving her community is part of her calling.

“Over the years, I have served on several boards and community service projects, including the Lexington Rotary Club, Lexington Food Pantry, Keep Holmes County Beautiful, and the Killebrew Agriculture Foundation,” says Howell. “I am currently serving as the President of the Mississippi Association of Extension 4-H Agents. I am also a member of Coxburg Methodist Protestant Church.”

According to Howell, her greatest influences have been her grandparents. She cherishes the moments she spent with them and respects the wealth of knowledge she gained from them. “With only a ninth-grade formal education,” Howell’s “Gramps” taught her everything from “the value of lifelong learning” to “how to love Jesus.” DAJ