The LSU AgCenter’sCooperative Extension Service

ByDr. Rebecca WhiteLSU Ag Center

Once upon a time in America…

1862 - States awarded land to establish agriculture and mechanical colleges

1887 – Hatch Act – established Agriculture Research Stations for each state – tied to state land grant institution

LSU is Louisiana’s 1862 land grant institution

Once upon a time in America…

1918 – Smith-Lever Extension Act passed – tied to state land grant institution

1925-45 - Basic research done in land-grant colleges laid groundwork second agricultural revolution in US

1941 – Extension agents working in every county in US

Land Grant Universities and Extension

All universities engage in research and teaching

Uniquely, all 100 land grant universities in the US engage in teaching, research and extension

Extension means “reaching out” with the resources of the land grant university

Extension’s role

Extension “extends” the university resources to solve public needs through non-formal, non-credit programs

LSU Ag Center

Complex Multi-faceted State wide reach &

beyond One of 10 LSU

campuses

Brief LSU Ag Center History

Separated from the LSU College of Agriculture in 1972 and established as LSU Ag Center

Two-fold purpose Research Extension International Programs

The LSU Ag Center Partnership

Research and Extension faculty have to work hand-in-hand to improve the lives of Louisiana citizens

Role of Research

Create new knowledge

Role of Extension

Provide useful, research-based information to citizens

LA Cooperative Extension Service Mission

To help the people of Louisiana improve their lives through an educational process which uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.

Extension Facts and Characteristics

Created by law Agency of

government Cooperation - federal,

state & local government

Values people more than things

Voluntary

Broad field of work Free to develop

educational programs based on needs

Variety of methods Works with all

family members Promotes

volunteerism

Extension Facts and Characteristics

No fixed curriculum

No degrees or diplomas awarded

Informal Homes, farms &

community sites are classrooms

Large audience

More practical than theoretical

Based on research Promotes problem

solving Promotes

knowledge gain and behavior change

How we serve Louisianians – Extension Roles

Statewide service State Specialists Administrators

64 county locations Local Staff include

Clerical Staff Parish Agents

Role of clerical staff. . .

Refer Extension clients to appropriate agents or specialists Answer phone 1st to greet those who come to office

Assist agents, specialists & administrators with Educational materials Other office work

Role of Extension Agents

Provide local leadership in program area

Provide local situation data Seek local input on

programming priorities Conduct educational

programs based on identified needs and issues

Prepare parish reports Public relations Respond to questions for

assistance

Role of Specialists . . .

Provide state leadership in area of expertise

Provide state situational data

Develop educational curriculums

Provide in-service training Provide technical support

for agents Coordinate evaluations Prepare state program

reports Respond to requests for

information

Role of administrators . . .

Provide organizational leadership in: Developing organizational objectives Policies and operating procedures Staffing Securing resources Overall organizational planning Educational program planning Reporting

External public relations

The Heart of Extension

Education

My hope for our international visitors

That you can see possibilities of our Extension experience for you and your country in a new light, in a new way