Time to read
2 minutes
Read so far

New county agent begins duties

0 comments

By Kathy Thomson

Kloey Cargill Painter, a four-year veteran of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, recently transferred locations from the Big Bend area to become the Shackelford County extension agent. 

“It has been an amazing adventure being the county agent for Brewster and Jeff Davis counties, but we are over the moon with excitement (to be moving to Albany),” said Painter. “We will be so much closer to family, we just love this area, and it feels like home.”

Rocky Vinson was the local county agent for 25 years. After Vinson’s retirement in 2017, Michaela Bradford filled the post until she accepted a position in the Albany Independent School District.

The extension service and Shackelford County commissioners interviewed the top applicants before offering the contract to Painter.

“We are excited to have Kloey as the Shackelford County agent,” said Marty Gibbs, District 7 AgriLife Extension administrator, San Angelo. “Her experiences in Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Throckmorton counties will be invaluable as she transitions to Shackelford County.”

The Amarillo native already has years of experience in the agriculture industry.

“I look forward to bringing everything I’ve learned and my experiences as an agent to my new role in Shackelford County,” Painter said. “I grew up ranching with my dad, running cattle, and was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA since the third grade. I showed livestock, was on the shotgun team, and competed in livestock judging.” 

Painter has served as the coordinator of events for the National Reining Horse Association in Oklahoma City, worked as an assistant in the horse show department at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and was the ranch manager of the Ramp Ranch in Canadian, overseeing the cattle operation.

Painter also worked at the Spur Ranch during her final semester of college.

“A full time internship is required for graduation from the Texas Tech Ag Science Leadership School,” said Painter. “Within the outstanding opportunity, I assisted in all aspects of ranching management.”

Painter, who had previously worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department surveying dove and pronghorn antelope populations, worked with TPWD staff to perform wildlife surveys on the Spur Ranch. In addition, Painter assisted the ranch’s cow/calf production teams, equine operation, and horse sale promotions.

The agriculture education major graduated with honors from Texas Tech in May of 2015. 

Her first position as an extension agent with AgriLife in Throckmorton was followed by the two-county assignment in West Texas. 

Painter, her husband Ross, and their infant son Truett moved to Albany in November.

“The people in this area are similar to us, and we feel a connection to the town,” said Painter. “We absolutely love Albany, and we’re hoping to put down roots. I want my little one to grow up here.”

Painter is already hard at work in her new position.

“I’ve been working on pig validation, major livestock show entries for all the big stock shows, planning our 4-H Christmas party, and planning an event for the spring that I’m putting on called Kids, Kids, & More.

Painter has invited anyone interested to attend the Shackelford County 4-H Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at The Feed Store.

“I am looking forward to meeting everybody and learning their story,” she said. “I’m also excited to get as many youth involved in 4-H as I can and to be a part of their agricultural experience. 4-H changed my life, so I’m hoping it can do that for others.”