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If you live in Emmet County and know anything about agriculture at all - whether it's having a backyard garden or farm several thousand acres - you know Holle Smith.

Smith, Emmet County Extension education director who has served the county for 34 1/2 years, will leave per post at the end of January due to Iowa State University restructuring.

Smith grew up in Clarion and was herself in 4-H as a youth. She received her degree from Iowa State University and student taught in Pella. She took a training position with Extension in Worth and Mitchell counties before taking a position as home economist for Emmet and Dickinson counties in 1975. In 1992 she became Emmet County Extension Education director in addition to a home economics teaching assignment.

"I've really enjoyed it," Smith said of her tenure as extension director. "It's been a wonderful place to work."

Her many roles - and many hats - have included agricultural programming planning, financial planning, health and food safety in Emmet County.

Smith has also been involved in the EPAK program which teaches fifth graders about agriculture. Smith was also instrumental in starting the PROSPER program in 2003 at Estherville Lincoln Central and Armstrong-Ringsted. PROSPER fosters better communication between parents and children and also helps develop youths' self-esteem. Smith also helped start the Emmet County Community Foundation.

During her time as director, Smith has taken a key role in helping network people to accomplish common goals.

"It really is interesting to see how groups of people can do great things," Smith said.

Some of Smith's most rewarding experiences have been seeing those who have come to workshops improve their lives. She also has enjoyed seeing 4-Hers grow from shy youngsters to tomorrow's leaders.

Smith will continue to serve Emmet County residents in her new position as marketing representative at NorthStar Bank.

"Hopefully I'll be able to contribute to them and use some of the skills I've learned here," Smith said.

She says she'll miss her co-workers and people coming to her with questions and needing help.

A public reception will be held for Smith 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Sleep Inn breakfast room at 2008 Central Ave. in Estherville. The community and 4-H families present and past are encouraged to attend.

Those who can't attend the reception but want to wish Smith well can send a card to Holle Smith, 2140 370th Ave., Estherville, IA 51334.