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| Duane A. Lienemann UNL Extension Educator |
Specifically, the Act stated as its purpose, “In order to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to agriculture, uses of solar energy with respect to agriculture, home economics, and rural energy, and to encourage the application of the same, there may be continued or inaugurated in connection with the colleges in each State, Territory, or possession.” The appropriation for Cooperative Extension as established by Smith-Lever was unique in that it set up a shared partnership among the Federal, State, and County levels of government. A formula funding mechanism was designed to insure that there was support from each of the levels to help the fledgling system achieve stability and leverage resources. The funding would flow from Congress to the United States Department of Agriculture and then out to the Land-Grant Universities to be matched with monies from the states and counties receiving programs.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is a critical component of the teaching, research and extension land-grant university mission and works collaboratively to disseminate educational material and programs to agriculture producers which over the last 100 years has helped establish Nebraska as a leading agriculture state; 4-H youth development has helped youth prepare for responsible adulthood; and family and consumer sciences has prepared people for healthy, productive lives of those in our community, our state and this great nation! Extension engages with rural and urban learners through practical, community-based education, resulting in knowledge, skills and motivation to strengthen profitability of animal and plant production systems, protect natural resources, help people make healthful lifestyle choices, ensure a safe and abundant food supply, encourage community vitality and prepare the next generation of leaders. I suggest that you look at the UNL Extension Centennial video which can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cUNW-JCiDM&feature=youtu.be
It is always fun to see dignitaries all across our Nation who were influenced or helped by Cooperative Extension and our 4-H Program. One such person is Jimmy Carter. The 89 year old former President of the United States is a 4-H'er, peanut farmer, public servant and statesman. You can watch a two-minute video message from President Carter that was presented at the centennial convocation at: http://youtu.be/rfBkuMFaZ3o . The President comments on the importance of Cooperative Extension in his and his family's life as well as the important role extension will play in future of feeding the world.
I think of the roll that UNL Extension has had all across Nebraska, and witnessed the effects of Extension growing up in Franklin County as a farm kid and 10 year 4-H member. In fact I was encouraged to go to UNL Ag College by my local County Agent. I further saw the impact as a teacher and resident of Webster County which has a rich history with Extension and the 4-H program. 4-H clubs have always been strong in this county and continue their mark of excellence each year.
The agricultural Agent at that time, Henry Fausch, and the Webster County Farm Bureau started the 4-H during 1919. Other residents involved in the beginning were A.D. Ranney, H.G Keeney, Frank Bean, C.B. Steward, and J.W. Auld. Webster County’s first Baby Beef Club (First 4-H Club) was organized in Bladen that same year and included Floyd McMahon, Eldon Lewis and Desco Lovejoy plus 29 other members who were either involved in livestock or homemaking projects. It has been said that it was one of the first clubs in the nation to be formed. In addition, Extension Clubs were organized in the early 1940’s to educate farm women and enhance rural living. The offshoot of these clubs was involvement in the home economics side of the county fair, and is still an important part of the fair today. Static exhibits like clothing, foods, garden produce, crafts and arts are still judged and viewed by the citizens during the fair even though the Home Extension Clubs have gone by the wayside. the 4-H programs however are still going strong.
There are today thirteen 4-H clubs, two shooting sports clubs and three FFA chapters that total over 200 youth in the county that are all part of the Webster County UNL Extension and active at our county fair. It may interest you that the Webster County Fair celebrated its own Centennial at Bladen, Nebraska in 2006, celebrating the start of the Webster County Fair in 1906. Just 8 years later the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service became an integral part of the County and of course the County Fair. UNL Extension has continued its influence and service to the county ever since.
The University of Nebraska Extension continues to be a vital part of the fabric of the county and lives up to the challenge that started 100 years ago. I am privileged to be a part of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension and if I were to provide a one sentence description I would use the following: “UNL Extension provides educational programs in Nebraska to empower youth (4-H), strengthen families, advance agriculture, & manage natural resources.” That really sums it up as I see it. I am proud to be part of the UNL Extension system and family, and am pleased to have the opportunity to salute and help celebrate the Centennial of the inception of the Smith Lever Act and the continued growth of Cooperative Extension. You can find more information on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/Extension100Years Happy 100th Birthday UNL Extension!!
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
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