In 2014, NIFA and our partners in the Land-Grant University System celebrate 100 years of Cooperative Extension in the United States. The Smith Lever Act formalized Extension in 1914, but its roots go back to agricultural clubs and societies of the early 1800s. The act expanded USDA's partnership with land-grant universities to apply research and provide education in agriculture.
Today, NIFA partners with more than 100 land-grant universities in pursuit of openness, accessibility and service through Cooperative Extension. NIFA supports both the universities and local offices of the Cooperative Extension System to bring science direct to the regional and county level.
The successes of Extension in the past 100 years lay the groundwork for another 100 years of extending knowledge and changing lives through its many current programs.
To celebrate the centennial, NIFA wants to hear from you! How has Extension impacted your life? Maybe you were in 4-H? Or maybe an Extension agent helped you solve a problem on your farm or taught you nutrition tips? Whatever your story, share it via social media using the hashtag #Ext100Years and tweet it to us at @usda_nifa. We look forward to sharing your stories!