Erath County Cooperative Extension
Our Mission... Real learning for real life

To provide quality, relevant outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Texas.

GOALS

• Educate Texans to improve their health, safety, productivity, and well-being
• Educate citizens to improve their stewardship of the environment and Texas' natural resources.
• Educate Texans to make decisions that contribute to their economic security and to the state's economic prosperity.
• Foster the development of responsible, productive, and self-motivated youth and adults.

ABOUT ERATH COUNTY

In 1854, the land, including the site of Stephenville, was located and the title secured. This land was located on the upper Bosque River Valley in Central Texas. The state of Texas accepted this agreement, and in 1856 the County of Erath was organized with Stephenville as the county seat.

The county covers an area of 1,085 square miles, with an elevation ranging from 900 to 1700 feet above sea level. The annual rainfall is 30.3 inches.

Agriculture remains the number one industry of the county, with a 2002 income of $224,447,100. The county ranks number one in dairy cow numbers and production for the state of Texas. Stephenville is the home of Tarleton State University, which continues to increase in enrollment, with today's enrollment at 8,324 (6,829 at the Stephenville campus and 1,495 at Killeen).

The county has continued to increase in population, growing from a population of 27,991 in 1990 to 33,001 in 2000.