With the number of farmers at its lowest level in this century, the Extension Service is not really needed. The well- being of agriculture does not stop at the farm gate. Extension has improperly moved way beyond its original legislative purpose of serving farmers. No mention was made of rural or urban locations. Since 1914, this legislation has been modified to expand even further the Extension purposes, including solar energy, urban youth, etc. 5.
Some programs are the domain of federal agricultural departments.
The Cooperative Extension Service's programs provide education and information on a local level. With this in mind, select those items from the following list that you think the Cooperative Extension Service is actively involved with. Then, scroll the box to see which items are correct. During the past 20 years, Extension resources have been shifted from agriculture and natural resources to family, youth, and social programs. Extension staff has decreased 8 percent in this same time period.