April, National Garden Month a Tribute to the Cooperative Extension

The ground has thawed from the winter, at least in most areas. Many people are deciding if they want to start a garden or what crops will they be planting this year.

Gardening is a passion of mine. I initially started my studies in agronomy and later changed to nutrition. The cooperative extension became an important part of my education and a wonderful resource. It was also the first job I had as a dietitian, teaching nutrition in a summer program through Cornell University Extension.

What is the Cooperative Extension?

The Cooperative Extension, also known as the Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, is a research based educational program designed to help people in the areas of agriculture and food, home and family, the environment, community economic development, and youth and 4-H. The service is provided in every state's designated land-grant universities. 

NIFA is the federal partner in the Cooperative Extension System. It provides federal funding to the system and, through program leadership, helps the system identify and address current issues and problems.

History 

The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant universities to educate citizens in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts, and other practical professions. Extension was formalized in 1914, with the Smith-Lever Act. It established the partnership between the agricultural colleges and the USDA to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work. 

Over the last century, the extension has adapted to changing times, and it continues to address a wide range of human, plant, and animal needs in both urban and rural areas. The cooperative extension focuses education in six major areas: 

1. 4-H Youth Development 
2. Agriculture
3. Leadership Development
4. Natural Resources
5. Family and Consumer Sciences
6. Community and Economic Development

Below are educational videos prepared by various Cooperative Extensions across the United States.

How to Grow Blueberries

North Carolina Cooperative Extension

University of California Cooperative Extension Turns 100

Caring for Asparagus

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Eat Smart New York! - 

Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County

Color Yourself Healthy

University of Nebraska

Florida Statewide Extension Sustainability Programs

Resources
1. To find your nearest Cooperative Extension office.
2.  National Gardening Association
3.  Food Gardening Guide

March 19, 2013 National Ag Day

National Ag Day

Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level.

2013 Ag Day Promotional Video

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

*Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

*Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
*Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable product

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping spread a positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide. Other ways you can lend your support, includes sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community.

For additional information contact the Agriculture Council of America at (913) 491-1895. Or use their online contact form.

Resources:
National Ag Day Blog

National Ag Day March 15, 2011

National Ag Day

Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level.

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

*Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

*Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
*Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping spread a positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide. Other ways you can lend your support, includes sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community.

For additional information contact the Agriculture Council of America at (913) 491-1895. Or use their online contact form.

Resources:
National Ag Day Blog