(Editor’s note: This is the third and final article featuring Adair County’s Extension Agents.)
For Dylan Gentry, a career in extension was not always part of the plan. But after growing up around the program and discovering where his interests and strengths could make a difference, Gentry found his place helping others in Adair County.
Gentry has served as the county’s Family and Consumer Sciences agent since January of 2022, providing education and resources to residents on topics ranging from food preservation to homemaking.
“I really enjoy the role,” Gentry said.
Gentry’s connection to extension began long before he became an agent. His father worked as a 4-H agent in Green County, where Gentry grew up learning about the program and seeing the way extension could serve a community.
When Gentry attended college, he initially planned to pursue a different career.
“I was going to be a psychiatrist, and that wasn’t quite working out,” Gentry said.
He began considering what he already knew and what he was good at, eventually returning to the field he had grown up around.
While in college, Gentry was fortunate to work with Dr. Jennifer Hunter, who is now the director of Cooperative Extension. When a position opened up close to home in Green County, Gentry decided to pursue it.
“I jumped on it, and I’m thankful I did,” Gentry said.
As a Family and Consumer Sciences agent, one of Gentry’s most frequently requested areas of service is food safety and preservation. While other agents focus on helping residents grow food, Gentry helps them preserve what they have produced.
The office regularly offers canning classes as well as instruction on dehydrating and other food-preservation methods.
Gentry also helps residents when they encounter problems at home.
“People will call me. They’re in the midst of preserving something in their kitchen, and they want to know, well, this is happening or this went wrong. What did I do and how can I do better next time?” He said.
For Gentry, those questions are more than an opportunity to provide an answer. They are also opportunities for him to continue learning.
“My favorite part of what I do is I get to expand and learn as I teach my classes,” Gentry said.
When someone calls with a question, Gentry researches the issue so he can provide an accurate answer. In the process, he often learns something new himself.
“I learn new things as I research the answer to folks’ questions,” he said.
Food preservation is only one part of Gentry’s responsibilities. Homemakers make up another significant portion of his work within the community.
Adair County has approximately 150 homemaker members across six clubs, including the Joyful Heart Guild, a special-interest group that meets monthly outside of summer months.
The groups combine education and fellowship, often gathering for a lesson and a meal.
One of the largest events of the year for Gentry and the extension office is the annual Holiday Bazaar, held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The event features around 30 locally sourced or handmade craft vendors. Resale items aren’t permitted, allowing local makers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work and promote their business.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for them to highlight if they’re an entrepreneur, get their name out there, so that they continue to grow,” Gentry said.
Now, through food preservation classes, homemaker programs, the Holiday Bazaar and everyday conversations with residents, he is helping provide the same kind of community extension that was first introduced to him as a child.
By Lily Coots
reporter@adairvoice.com
