When there is a vacancy in a county, the district director/area extension director asks agents in the surrounding counties to fill any gaps until the position can be filled. Selected agents work with the staff in that county to see what needs need to be met. Phone calls and emails are forwarded to the agent. They are also asked to review soil test results and make recommendations to share with clients.

The Horticulture Agent in Madison County has covered, at different times over the last few years, Powell, Estill, and Clark County.

The Agent was asked to cover Clark County from August 1^st until October 15^th in 2021. During that time, she responded to fifty-seven phone calls, thirty-five emails and completed ten soil test recommendations. She also shared with the Clark County Staff Assistants her monthly newsletter and newspaper articles so they could use them locally.