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
“one of the most significant
and far-reaching measures
for the education of adults
ever adopted by the government.”
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.
Pig & corn clubs for boys and canning clubs for girls – the
forerunner of modern day 4-H – began not long after.
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.
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