In The Heartland Highlands County

New UF/IFAS Extension Director Takes Lifetime Work in Ag, 4-H to the Next Level

- LOURDES MEDEROS

ASHLEY HOUPE-KING GILL grew up in agriculture in Highlands County not knowing she also had a passion for Extension work because she had an abundance of skill sets that ranged from wanting to work with youth and families to working in agriculture.

What set the foundation for her new position as director of UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County. “I come from a family deeply rooted in agriculture and

I carry that passion with me in everything I do,” says Gill. “I spent many hours gaining hands-on experience working for my father’s (Robert King) farm equipment business and managing the family cattle ranch.

Her late grandfather, Horace King, was a grove and nursery owner who shared his love for citrus with Gill, teaching her how to care for and graft citrus trees.

Her first order of business is to do what she has done successfully throughout her career as a 4-H Agent — build the Extension presence in the community.