On October 13, 2016, Kaufman County Master Gardeners completed their first-ever, in-county training program. The first class had 18 trainees, all of whom are now Master Gardener Interns. Seven are from Terrell: Sandy Malone, Darrell Scott, Rita Scott, Vicki Stecher, Marie Theobald, Marilyn Walls and Ester Williams. Five are from Kaufman: Beverly Curtis, Wendy Mitchell, Vickie Rader and Marcia Rayne. Three are from Forney: Kris Kumar, Don Mzyk and Nina Rangel. Jonnie Hargrove is from Mesquite. Linda Wells is from Kemp; Linda Young is from Crandall. Robert Yowell is from Combine.

Previously, we did joint training classes every two years in Greenville with Rockwall, Hunt, Rains and Wood counties. After many requests for more-frequent and closer classes, the local association decided to have a local training program. It was held at the Kaufman County Library on 10 consecutive Wednesdays. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist and agents presented information on plant biology and pathology, entomology, soil and soil management and several other related topics. The new interns have one year to complete 50 hours of required volunteer service.