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the Smith-Lever Act went into effect, creating an educational force that would
change agriculture forever:
The Cooperative Extension Service
President Woodrow Wilson called it
and far-reaching measures for the education of adults
ever adopted by the government.”
“one of the most significant
Although the Smith-Lever Act made it official in 1914, extension work in Arkansas began several years earlier.
1902. The federal government hires Seaman Knapp, known as the Father of Extension, to teach or “extend” good agricultural practices. He would revolutionize farming in the South with on-farm demonstrations.
Although the Smith-Lever Act made it official in 1914, extension work in Arkansas began several years earlier.
1905. The first extension agent, J.A. Evans, is assigned to Arkansas.
1908. The first corn club was organized
in White County.
Pig & corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls – the forerunner of modern day 4-H – began not long after.
Pig & corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls – the forerunner of modern day 4-H – began not long after.
1912. Agents are hired to teach girls
in canning clubs.
traditional activities such as livestock and cooking are still part of 4-H, but so are:
• Aerospace, robotics & geospatial technologies • Computer science & multimedia• Nutrition, health & safety• Citizenship & community service• Leadership & public speaking
Around the same time the Extension Homemakers Council was established to teach home demonstration work.
1912. Farm women across the
state learned techniques for food
safety, mattress making and
clothing construction.
Around the same time the Extension Homemakers Council was established to teach home demonstration work.
1930s. Extension home demonstration
club members showed thousands of women
how to can food during the Depression.
modern extension programs are still promoting healthy lifestyles and families through food safety, as well as:
• Health & nutrition education for youth, limited resource groups or those with chronic illness.• Money management techniques• Relationship and parenting skills• Successful aging advice• Child care provider training
The Cooperative Extension Service has always had a key role in community and economic development.
1920s. Extension agents and faculty
helped organize Marketing
Cooperatives to help farmers sell
their crops.
The Cooperative Extension Service has always had a key role in community and economic development.
1930s. Extension agents helped the Rural
Electrification Administration bring
electric power to rural Arkansas.
The Cooperative Extension Service has always had a key role in community and economic development.
1960s. Extension develops County Councils to promote
economic development.
extension faculty are still helping to build and revitalize our communities with programs that:
• Help businesses grow• Encourage entrepreneurship• Help communities identify marketable resources
During both World Wars, extension played a vital role in supporting the war effort.
1940s. Extension sold war bonds and encouraged
Victory Gardens to help produce more food.
extension programs are still vital to current events:
• Ballot issues education• Leadership development• Natural resource management
Throughout its history, extension has helped promote new developments in farming techniques and equipment.
1950s. Agents aid post-WWII veterans
with integrating new labor-saving
machinery on the farm.
Throughout its history, extension has helped promote new developments in farming techniques and equipment.
1980s. Extension implements the first
verification trials.
extension agriculture programs remain critical to our state’s economy:
• Managing financial risks• Dealing with drought• Integrated pest management
The Cooperative Extension Service is present in all 75 counties to provide Arkansans with the right tools
to meet economic, natural and social challenges.
Our county agents and faculty deliver practical knowledge backed by the latest research to help you:
• Grow more efficient food and fiber supplies to meet increasing global demands
• Build stronger families and communities
• Live healthier lives
• Conserve natural resources
• Have a positive impact on youth
