The courier-index., 1917-11-23

~ersity" has become a reality. The
Agricultural Extension Division or
eanized in a small way only a few
years ago has grown in extent of ser.
vice and in range of subject matter
until now inc University is in position
10 serve any community in the state
In connection with practically any OF
its agricultural problems
Unity of Effort.
Through a memorandum of under
standing the College of Agriculture OF
the University and the United States
Department of Agriculture have
agreed that all extension work con-
Quoted in the state by either institu
ton will be through a central organi-
ration, the Extension Division Of the
College Of Agriculture. This insures
unity OF effort and avoids useless du-
-;....@--aIiop,
The Ayr, altural Extension Work
Is founded on the fundamental pri1l-
.ciple that the best way Of teaching is
through demonstration. For this rea-
son the term Demonstration Work"
is very often used.
Organization.
The College of Agriculture of the
University and the =. S. Department
of Agriculture look to the Director Of
Extension as their Joint representa-.
tive responsible to each. Under this
organization the State Agent has
charge of County Agent work; the
State Home Demonstration Agent the
County Agent Work for Women; the
State Boys and Girls Club Agent,
Club Work: and highly trained spec
ialists in the several phases of agri-
culture and home economics.
County Agent Work
Sixty-two county agents, employed
bointly by the Extension Division and
the county, visit farmers on their own
farms, in their own communities, At
their own schools; advise them as TO
best farm practices for their particu-
lar soil, farm, and market conditions
conduct demonstrations with them;
enroll and instruct farmer boys in
the club work of corn, cotton, peanut,
pig, or calf growing: and each be
comes a guiding factor in shaping the
agricultural growth OF his county
along lines of greatest economic value
10 the county.
Demonstrations Within Farm Homes
Folty-seven trained women next
year there win be sixty), County
Home Demonstration Agents, assist
the farm wives in their efforts to be
come better housekeepers. Here, too,
the demonstration is the basis on
which the lesson is targht. The girls
are taught to grow a tenth acre of to
,matoes or other vegetables, or a pen
of chickens. Canning and drying OF
fruits and vegetables are taught
through actual demonstrations. W.
men and girls study bread making
sewing, and the many other household
problems through demonstrations con
Quoted by the agent. But by far th'
greater effect of the work is the de
yelopment Of leadership on the part
of local people who volunteer ana aid
in promoting the work in the many
communities of the county.
Supervision.
For economy and efficiency in su
perviSion Of the work the state is di
yided into five districts of fifteen eoun
ties each. The District Agent (man'
IS responsible to the State Agent fol
the work of each of the county agent:
IN his district. The District Hom'
Demonstration Agent (woman) is re
sponsible to the State Home Demon
stration Agent for the work OF thu
County Home Demonstration Agent
In her district.
Specialists.
County Agents are called upon 70
information in all branches of agri
culture. He, therefore, cannot spe
scialize in any one branch of agricul
ture. More or less technical informa
tion of a specialized character il
necessary for certain types of farm
ing in all counties of the state. Tni
demand Is met by providing special
lists, men wso have had opportunit.
20 make special study of certain
branch OF agriculture and placing
their services at the disposal OF tn
County Agents 10 instruct them AM
assist them in instructing others. TIL
following lines are now supplied witt
one or more specialists: Animal hus
bandry, dairying, horticulture, hom
economics, livestock diseases, farm
machinery, poultry and marketing
Ultimate Aim.
While the Extension Division wa
apparently created as an agency 70
carrying the information possessed b.
the University. the Experiment Sta
tions, and the Department of Agricul
ture to the people, 1t would be fail
mre If leadership among the people
did not result The ultimate aim Ii
the development of leadership among
all the people"