They go by many names: Agricultural extensions, county extension offices, cooperative extensions, or university extension offices. They may do different things in different places around the world, but for the most part these government-sponsored programs work to spread and teach accurate and useful information about agriculture, home economics, gardening, and some similar subjects. While most extensions have their roots in rural and farmer education, they often offer a great deal of useful information for gardeners, landscapers, and people who just love plants. By learning a bit more about the role of extension offices, the history and development of extensions, and the services that state extensions offer, you can make better use of these services and the many things they offer to us. In grand Gardzen fashion, let’s dig in!
A Brief History of Agricultural Extensions
Organized efforts to share agricultural knowledge and new agricultural techniques with farmers is an ancient practice. The first known program of this type appears in Zhou-dynasty China around 800 BC, when the Emperor’s ministers launched a plan to teach farmers about drainage, irrigation, and crop rotation. Our current system of extensions generally involves colleges and universities working with government offices to spread science-based developments in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, home economics, and agricultural business management. Farmers, homemakers, landscapers, community planners, and—yes—home gardeners can all benefit from the information and services that extension offices provide. Gardening is always evolving, and keeping up with the changes that come our way can be a challenge. Extension offices are there to make this easier and help us find valid, accurate, and relevant information for our homes, farms, and gardens.
What Services Do Extensions Offer?
The particular services offered by extensions will vary based on region, location, time of the year, and the resources available. However, there are some general services that most extensions offer. If you’re curious or need information about one of these broad topics, you should absolutely ask to see if your local extension can help:
- Learning skills and gaining certifications for the professions of agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry
- Providing accurate information about specific species of plants, crops, and growing practices
- Supporting, teaching, and providing information about diverse skills—this can include home gardening, food preservation, landscaping, and more. This information is generally available to both professionals and home gardeners
- Offering access to important information about invasive species, pest species, weather issues, and other challenges that may confront farmers and gardeners
- Many extensions have volunteer master gardeners who are available to answer questions from gardeners about plants, soil, and similar garden-related questions
- Some extensions offer soil and water testing services and may supply plants, seeds, or more through seasonal programs. This isn’t universal and not every extension will have such programs, but it never hurts to ask!
As you can see, agricultural extension offices do a lot to help farmers, gardeners, and really everyone in the community! So how do you find your local extension office?
Finding Your Local Extension
Getting in touch with your local agricultural extension office is easier than ever, and you’re likely using one of the best tools right now. A simple web search for “(your community/province/state) agricultural extension office” will probably produce the results you need. The University of Arkansas hosts a handy collection of links to state extension office websites (which can connect you to your local office) and our friends at Agriculture Canada offer a similar list of programs and services for Canadian gardeners. Back in the digital realm, the Extension Foundation, a US nonprofit devoted to promoting and supporting extension offices, has a variety of online resources available which can provide information about many relevant topics. Again, each extension program and each office may offer a different set of services, so get in touch and ask them if they can help with what you need or connect you with those who can.
Agricultural extension programs are wonderful resources that provide accurate and up to date information that empowers us all to take a larger role in food production, landscaping, and other agricultural/horticulture related activities. No matter what you’re into, if it’s related to plants or growing things they can likely help!
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