Van Buren Ag Ex Director Receives State Award For Excellence

Van Buren County Ag Extension Director Chris Binkley has won a statewide honor for excellence among extension agents.

Binkley said it would not be possible without his co-workers over the past six years.

“It means a great deal,” Binkley said. “I mean UT Extension is like a family. People like Vernon and Ida Darter and their families keep that family tradition going. It is a great honor.”

Binkley said he takes pride in working with the local youth through 4-H. Binkley fund raised for the “Send a 4-Her to Camp” program to give eligible kids a chance to participate in summer camp.

Binkley said he also partnered with local cattlemen of White and Van Buren Counties to create a beef and forage program for producers. Binkley was awarded the Vernon and Ida Darter Award at the annual University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture award ceremony.

The honor is named for the late Extension Dean Emeritus Vernon W. Darter and his wife, the late Ida Darter.