Extension in the United States
The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices. These offices are staffed by one or more experts who provide useful, practical and research-based information to agricultural producers, small business owners, youth, consumers and others in rural areas and communities of all sizes.(1)
The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant universities to educate citizens in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts and other practical professions. Extension was formalized in 1914, with the Smith-Lever Act. It established the partnership between the agricultural colleges and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work. At the heart of agricultural extension work, according to the Act, was developing practical applications of research knowledge and giving instruction and practical demonstrations of existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture.(2)
Smith-Lever mandated that the federal government (through USDA) provide each state with funds based on a population-related formula. Today, the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service distributes these so-called formula funds annually.(2)
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas’ Division of Agriculture. With offices in all 75 counties, their faculty and staff provide educational programs and research-based information to the people of Arkansas. From agricultural programs to family financial management to youth education, they offer educational programs that have immediate and practical applications. The Extension faculty work hard to meet the needs of the people they serve, leaving nothing undone that might contribute toward success. A number of educational programs are offered including: balance rations/forage testing, on-farm bull testing, forage database, horsemen’s short course and P.R.E.P testing. For more information about these programs and other programs or resources provided by the Extension contact your local extension office.(2)
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county educators and area, district and state specialists develop science-based educational programs to help Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely. Programs focus on increasing opportunities for agricultural enterprises, natural resources and environmental management, food, nutrition, health and safety education and youth, family and community development. For more information about the programs and resources available through the the Oklahoma Extension contact your local extension office.(3)
