Monte Stephens, A new steward of the farms

Outgoing Oconee County extension agent Henry Hibbs is confident that his successor - former Lincoln County extension agent Monte Stephens - is the right person for the job.

And if anyone would know about Stephens, it's Hibbs. Some 25 years ago, Stephens was a pre-teen in the 4-H program in Greene County, where Hibbs was working at the time.

"I've known Monte as a young man, when he was just 10 or 11, and professionally I've known him as well," said Hibbs, who retired March 29. "I also knew his family in Greene County. His mother was a schoolteacher and his father was a builder and carpenter.

"He's been an extension agent in Greene, Haralson and Lincoln counties, so he works in all areas of agriculture. He's had about 10 years with extension and he's just a good person. I like him a lot. He's worked with 4-Hers as well as the farmers in the counties where he's been and he's done a really good job - he has a good reputation."

Hibbs recalled that Stephens was particularly interested in the animal aspect of agriculture.

"He showed livestock in Greene County as a 4-H member," Hibbs said. "Monte and his brother started showing off lambs and they switched over to beef heifers and he may have even shown a steer. One of his favorite things was livestock. He really enjoyed that."

Stephens, 37, who started his post in Oconee County on April 1, admitted it felt funny to take over for a mentor.

"It feels kind of weird succeeding Henry," Stephens said. "He's been an exceptional agent. Words can't express how much he's done for the Extension Service and for Georgia. He's a wonderful agent to learn from. He knows how conduct business for Georgia Cooperative Extension."

A Tennessee native who grew up in Greene County, Stephens relishes the opportunity to work with and get to know the residents of Oconee County, he said.

"In Oconee County, you have a diverse background of agricultural issues," he said. "There's poultry, beef cattle and homeowner issues, plus a ton of horticulture, production agriculture, tree farms and nurseries. My hands will be full. ... I'm looking forward to the challenge and meeting everybody in Oconee County."

In Lincoln County, Stephens' primary duties included serving as the county extension coordinator, and he was deeply involved in 4-H and youth development. He c

Comment on "Monte Stephens, A new steward of the farms"