Customer service is a major component to being a county agent.  In Hopkins County, clientele will call, walk-in, or email questions relating to different gardening subjects.  One of the most common gardening topics mentioned is soil testing and fertility.  On average, the Hopkins County Extension Office receives 200 to 400 soil samples in a year.   In 2021, 111 soil samples have been tested and analyzed as of May 2021.  The soil samples are sent to the soil lab at the UKREC in Princeton.  Upon receiving the soil test results from the lab, the report is reviewed and recommendations are provided to better serve the clientele.   In addition to soil testing, other common horticulture-related topics include plant/weed identification and control, insect identification, and plant diseases and management.  As of May 2021, over 300 clients have either called or come to the office with these horticulture questions.  When it comes to issues with vegetable crops or woody plant diseases, site visits to farms and homes are necessary in order to properly diagnose a problem.  If a possible disease issue cannot be confirmed on-site, then samples are taken to send to the Disease Diagnostic Lab at the UKREC in Princeton.  The overall goal is to provide clientele with the best possible customer service and to help them find solutions to their gardening problems.