Identifier

UA 5.4

Dates

1915-2021

Extent

50.47 linear feet [49 record boxes, 3 document cases, 1 half document case]

Abstract

SDSU Extension's purpose is to foster a learning community environment that empowers citizens to advocate for sustainable change that will strengthen agriculture, natural resources, youth, families, and the communities of South Dakota. This collection is composed of records generated by the Cooperative Extension Service and includes general administrative materials, 4-H publications, personnel communications, news releases, and the South Dakota AgrAbility Project.

Historical Note

The overall mission of the Cooperative Extension Service is to disseminate and encourage the application of research-generated knowledge and leadership techniques to individuals, families and communities in order to improve agriculture and strengthen the South Dakota family and community. The Cooperative Extension Service is the off-campus informal educational function of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The service extends the South Dakota State University campus to every community and the advantages of higher education to all people. The extension staff is dedicated to the task of assisting individuals and groups to meet the challenges of change in farming, ranching, marketing, the home, state and nation. They use the press, radio, television, satellite, interactive audio-visual, educational publications, group methods, and individual contacts to inform and teach. Through its extension agents and specialists, the Cooperative Extension Service disseminates the findings of research and encourages the application of knowledge to solution of problems encountered in everyday living across the entire state.

Content Notes

This collection is composed of records generated by the Cooperative Extension Service and includes general administrative materials, 4-H publications, personnel communications, news releases, South Dakota AgrAbility Project, and Cooperative Extension publications.

The Administrative records are composed of Extension correspondence with R. Milton Rich, Area Development Specialist, regarding the adult education program in 1964, and proposals for a division of 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.

The 4-H publications are composed mainly of 4-H club publications directed at members and leaders of statewide 4-H clubs. These include newsletters, project guides, forms, reports, and other informative pamphlets. Also included is a state commemorative document noting the centennial of 4-H and club member record books from the 1930’s.

The personnel communications are composed of published items, which were distributed to extension personnel across the state. These items were bound, however, no system of arrangement could be determined except by year. The earlier items seem to have less arrangement than the more recent items. From about 1977, the items seem to be arranged by subject which covers a broad area including: 4-H, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, calendar of events, dairy, Farm and Ranch News, home economics, horticulture/forestry, plant science, State Fair, and veterinary science. Also included are some news releases that were left with this sub-group because they were bound together. In 2004, this material was microfilmed so material was unbound. These items are arranged first chronologically by year then alphabetically by the title on the bound item. This collection is housed at an off-site facility. Requests to view this material must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Some material is available in microfilm.

The news releases are composed of news releases distributed to the media by Extension Services. These cover all areas of extension during 1939-48. In 2004, this material was microfilmed so material was unbound. These items are arranged first chronologically by year then alphabetically by the title on the bound item.

This material is housed at an off-site facility. Requests to view this material must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Some material is available in microfilm.

The publications are composed of publications and newsletters produced by the Extension Service. Included are circulars, handbooks, leaflets, newsletters, reports, series, and miscellaneous items.

The National AgrAbility Project was established through a provision of the 1990 Farm Bill. Congress began funding the project in 1991. The goal is to inform, educate and assist individuals with disabilities and their families.

The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a cooperative programming effort between South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Easter Seals of South Dakota, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

Ask Us!

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please let us know.

Registration Form

Website

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.

Download

Share

COinS