Randall County, Texas was created in 1876 by the 15th Legislature and includes 916 square miles; it is the only Panhandle County with two creeks running through it (Tierra Blanca and Palo Duro). The altitude is 3,000 to 3,889 feet with canyons ranging from 50 to 1,750 feet in depth. The average rainfall is 19 inches.

Canyon, is the county seat. Randall County was named in honor of Brigadier General Randal, the first Texan named to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. General Randal died in battle at Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas on April 30, 1864 and is buried in Marshall, Texas.

In 1900 there were 963 residents in Randall County. The 1960 census shows 33,913 residents in Randall County - that number has more than trippled to 110,053 for 2005. This growth trend has implications for several county issues including water resources, access to health care, county zoning and quality education.

Agriculture is a 141 million dollar industry in Randall County. Principle crops include wheat, milo, corn, cotton, hay and beef cattle production. Randall County is home to West Texas A&M University, also a part of the Texas A&M University System, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the TEXAS Musical Drama.

Mission: To provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Randall County.

Scope: Texas AgriLife Extension Service Randall County, is a member of the Texas A&M University System. Extension, with some 950 professional educators located at Texas A&M and at 12 district and 250 county offices, operates in a unique partnership with federal, sate, and county government to address the needs of people in every community. Extension provides education in food and fiber systems, environment and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development, and community and economic development.

Goals: The top 10 issues identified by County residents in the 2004 Texas Community Futures Forum in Randall County include but are not limited to:

*Water

*Youth

*Behavior Related Health Issues

*Ag Economics

*Jobs

*Aging Population

*Education

*Changing Demographics

*Medical, Dental and Mental Health