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