History of the Cooperative
Extension Service
The roots of Extension go deep in American history.
The concept that all people can benefit from education is a great
part of the tradition of free America.
Our founding fathers, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin,
developed agricultural societies, which provided educational opportunities
for farmers and industrial workers to create a social, political
and economic climate to encourage citizens to learn and apply
knowledge. These agricultural societies were influential in the
passage of legislation in 1862, permitting the establishment of
Colleges of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in all states. In 1887,
Agricultural Experiment Stations were authorized and the Cooperative
Extension Service was established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act.
Purpose and Scope
The major function of the Extension Service is to provide informal
adult and youth education--to help people help themselves. It
is education for action directed to helping people solve the various
problems which they encounter from day to day, and the needs of
people for a better life. The problems of man, involving his community,
home and children are the concern of the Extension Service.
County Extension Offices are the off-campus arm of Montana State
University, and it transmits information on many subjects from
research centers and Universities to the public. It helps people
interpret the information and encourages the application of it
to the solution of problems. Extension is people-oriented and
encourages widespread participation of local people, regardless
of race, sex, creed, color, handicap or national origin.
Financing
The Extension Service is financed by Federal, State, and county
funds. As a general policy, Montana counties provide funds for
the operation of the county office, plus a contribution toward
the salary of the County Agents. State and Federal funds are used
for operation of the State office, including salaries, travel,
and supplies. A portion of each County Agent's salary is also
paid from State and Federal funds.
Duties and Responsibilities of County Staff
Education is the basic job of County Extension Agents and Assistants.
As educators, they represent Montana State University and the
United States Department of Agriculture. They live in the county
and are in daily contact with rural people as well as those in
urban areas. They become aware of the social and economic changes
that affect the lives of the local people.
The County Extension Agents have the following
responsibilities:
1. To maintain an office where people can get information
and counsel on problems of agriculture, home economics, urban
horticulture and related fields.
2. To work with local people in planning and implementing long-range
educational programs.
3. To develop local leaders by providing encouragement, training,
and the opportunity to gain leadership experiences.
4. To disseminate factual information in appropriate subject matter
areas to the people by all available methods.
5. To maintain good working relationships with all other agencies
and organizations that contribute to social and economic development
in the county.
6. To keep accurate records and use them for evaluating the effectiveness
of their work.
Subject Matter Specialists
The University Specialists are the link between the many sources
of information (including new research), and the County Agent
and his clientele. Each Specialist is responsible for providing
leadership in the Extension educational program relating to his
subject matter field. He assists the County Extension Agent and
the local people in identifying and analyzing problems - helps
plan educational programs - and provides informational support
on the subject of his specialty.
The success of the Montana Extension Service has, in large measure,
been due to the dedication and high standards of performance of
the men and women on the field staff.
In this rapidly changing society, the County Agents provide organizational
structure and programs to meet changing economic and social needs.
We are here for the people of Montana, "With Education &
Research working for you".
