Sho-Ban Tribes bids farewell to Fort Hall Ag Extension Director Nola Cates after 41 years of service
Nola Cates
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Office of Public Affairs
FORT HALL — After more than four decades of a dedicated career to youth development, agriculture education, and community growth, Nola Cates will retire as the Agriculture Extension Director.
Her remarkable career of service began on August 30, 1984, and her last day is on November 21.
Cates has been considering retirement for the past few years, but says she only recently felt fully ready to make the move.
“I’m looking forward to the freedom to set my own pace and do what I want to do. No reports, no budgets, no mandatory meetings,” she said.
Her lifelong commitment to working with youth is what first drew her to the field. “I've always loved working with kids, that's what makes me happy,” Cates said. That passion shaped her entire career and left a lasting imprint on generations of Tribal youth.
Among her proudest accomplishments, Cates highlights her role in developing the community garden, establishing the livestock program, and coordinating a 4-H cultural exchange with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2002. Her work with the Intertribal Agriculture Council also stands out as an important milestone.
Cates hopes to be remembered as someone who made a meaningful impact. “I’ve always been a passionate believer in youth development,” she said. She is widely known for her ability to connect with young people and inspire them with enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication.
When asked what she will miss most, her answer came easily: “Definitely working with the kids.”
Over her four decades of service, Cates has witnessed significant growth in youth programming. “Today, 4-H is the largest youth development program in the U.S. There’s a larger variety of projects available now,” she explained.
She also credits early mentors who shaped her career, including the late Delbert Farmer, who was instrumental in helping her when she was first hired. He taught her all about Extension work and how it helps the community.
As she transitions into retirement, Cates says the next chapter feels full of possibilities.
She leaves colleagues with the advice she’s carried throughout her work: “Have patience and listen to our youth. Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes extend heartfelt gratitude to Nola for her commitment and decades of service. The Natural Resources Division hosted a retirement luncheon in her honor on November 19 in the Dome Room.
