Thus, Extension may be something to a lot of people, but it is not everything to everybody. Extension is often criticized for not paying enough attention to large, commercial farmers. Farmers primarily get their information from the private sector farm suppliers and consultants. Farmers are facing ever-increasing complex production, management, and marketing decisions. Therefore, they seek information from a variety of sources, including Extension.
Extension is involved in programming that complements that of social service agencies.
Extension programs, such as youth and family development, family resource management, and human nutrition, are educational programs that complement the service-oriented programs of other agencies. Furthermore, Extension collaborates their educational programs at the local, state, and national levels with the various social service agencies. This helps assure effective use of funds and is for the mutual benefit of the clientele. Examples of collaboration range from youth and family development programs at HUD housing projects to human nutrition education in concert with the USDA food stamp program. Every country has a main agricultural department that you can contact for information about laws and research.