"Cooperative Extension Service Records" by SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library
 

Identifier

UA 5.4

Dates

1915-2021

Extent

47.47 linear feet (46 records boxes, 4 document cases)

Abstract

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established a national agricultural extension system, which was implemented at South Dakota State College, building on earlier efforts like Farmers' Institutes. Over time, the service expanded to provide personalized assistance to farmers, youth programs like 4-H, and specialized technical expertise in various agricultural fields.

This collection documents the Cooperative Extension Service's work in South Dakota, including Administrative Records, such as annual reports, impact statements, and the service's history and philosophy. It features 4-H Publications, including guides and historical materials, as well as Personnel Communications distributed to Extension staff. News Releases cover outreach efforts from 1939 to 1948. A key initiative, the South Dakota AgrAbility Project, is also highlighted, which assists individuals with disabilities in agriculture. This collection offers a comprehensive view of the Extension Service’s contributions to agriculture, youth development, disability support, and rural community-building.

Historical Note

In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing a national system of agricultural demonstrations to provide rural communities with essential agricultural information. This initiative was facilitated by field agents from the Department of Agriculture and land-grant colleges.

The foundations of agricultural extension work were laid in the late 1880s when farmers sought guidance from agricultural experts at colleges to improve crop production methods. In 1888, regular Farmers' Institutes were initiated to disseminate this knowledge. Originating from local farmers' gatherings in the 1880s, these institutes were hosted both at South Dakota Agricultural College (SDAC) and statewide. Faculty participation was authorized by the Regents and Trustees.

Legislative support for Farmers' Institutes began in 1889 and 1891, with laws enabling state assistance. By 1894, state appropriations supplemented funding, though local communities often shouldered financial responsibilities due to limited state resources. Following the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, these institutes were discontinued.

In 1912, Brown County appointed its first county agent under a cooperative agreement between the Better Farming Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and South Dakota State College. By 1913, additional counties adopted similar programs. In 1914, Dean G. L. Brown formalized a memorandum of agreement with the USDA, enabling federal, state, and local funding for extension work. The agreement required South Dakota State College to maintain a Division of Extension, with USDA oversight through a States' Relation Service.

Initially, the extension service focused on personalized assistance to farmers and homemakers, later shifting to work with organizational groups. The Farm Bureau Federation, established to collaborate with the Extension Service, played a key role in its early years. However, by the 1920s, other agricultural organizations contested this relationship, arguing that county agents, as public servants, should not promote specific organizations. The Farm Bureau ceased to be the official extension partner in 1935.

The Extension Service also emphasized club and home demonstration work. Boys’ and girls’ club programs began in 1913 and were later supported by Smith-Lever funds. Homemakers’ clubs, previously tied to Farmers’ Institutes, evolved into home demonstration programs, focusing on topics such as poultry raising, fireless cookers, clothing, and food values. Over time, changing technologies and economic conditions expanded the scope of these programs.

Specialists complemented county agents by addressing technical agricultural issues. Shortly after the Smith-Lever Act, a dairy specialist became the extension department’s first expert. Over the years, specialists have contributed expertise in areas such as breeding, farm records, and construction.

The mission of the Cooperative Extension Service is to disseminate research-based knowledge and leadership techniques to individuals, families, and communities. Its goal is to improve agriculture, strengthen South Dakota families, and enhance community resilience. As the informal educational arm of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the service extends South Dakota State University’s reach to every community.

Using diverse communication tools—including press, radio, television, satellite, interactive media, educational publications, and personal interactions—the Cooperative Extension Service equips South Dakotans to address challenges in farming, ranching, marketing, home life, and beyond. By sharing research findings and promoting their practical application, the service continues to impact lives statewide.

Content Notes

This collection comprises records generated by the Cooperative Extension Service, encompassing a variety of materials related to administrative functions, 4-H programming, personnel communications, news releases, and specialized initiatives such as the South Dakota AgrAbility Project.

The Administrative Records include correspondence with R. Milton Rich, Area Development Specialist, discussing the adult education program in 1964 and proposals for dividing continuing study, extension, and terminal education. Also included are Cooperative Extension Impact Statements for the West District and a history and philosophy of the service, reflecting the broader administrative and strategic goals of the Extension Service.

The 4-H Publications focus primarily on materials directed at 4-H club members and leaders across the state. These include newsletters, project guides, forms, reports, and informational pamphlets. Notably, the collection contains a state commemorative document marking the centennial of 4-H, as well as club member record books from the 1930s, offering insight into the historical development of 4-H programs in South Dakota.

Personnel Communications are a collection of published materials distributed to extension personnel statewide. These materials were initially bound, though their arrangement became more organized over time, with later items categorized by subject starting around 1977. Topics include 4-H, agricultural economics, animal science, home economics, horticulture/forestry, veterinary science, and more. Some news releases are included in this series, reflecting the Extension Service's outreach efforts. In 2004, this material was microfilmed and is now arranged first chronologically by year, then alphabetically by title.

News Releases consist of items distributed to the media by Extension Services, covering a wide range of topics related to agricultural education and outreach from 1939 to 1948. These materials were also microfilmed in 2004 and are arranged chronologically by year and alphabetically by title.

The Publications series contains a variety of materials produced by the Extension Service, including circulars, handbooks, leaflets, newsletters, and reports. These publications provide insight into Extension's educational outreach across numerous disciplines, such as agriculture, home economics, and youth development.

The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a significant initiative documented in the collection. Established under the 1990 Farm Bill, the project aims to support individuals with disabilities and their families through education and assistance. The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a cooperative effort between South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Easter Seals of South Dakota, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, and the collection includes materials related to this important program.

This collection provides a comprehensive view of the Cooperative Extension Service's educational, outreach, and community-building efforts in South Dakota, with a focus on 4-H, agricultural practices, disability support, and rural development initiatives. Materials are housed at an off-site facility, and requests to view the collection must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Some items are available in microfilm.

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Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

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