Did You Know? Your Local Cooperative Extension Office Does More Than You Think!
Have you ever wondered what your local Cooperative Extension Office does? You may know it for soil testing and plant identification, but did you know it offers so much more?
What Is a Cooperative Extension Office?
Cooperative Extension is a community-based education program that provides practical, research-backed information to help individuals, families, and businesses thrive. Each county typically has an office, operated through land-grant universities, to support local needs. Cooperative Extension began with the Morill Act of 1862 which created the system of land-grant universities, followed by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 establishing the Cooperative Extension System. Cooperative Extension is based in the college of Agriculture and Science at North Carolina State University and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T University. Extension is one of the three pillars that make up the Land Grant Universities. The Other Two pillars are Research and Education.
What Services Does Your Extension Office Offer?
While agriculture is a big part of what they do, your Extension Office also provides resources on:
🌱 Agriculture & Gardening – Soil testing, pest management, crop production, and sustainable farming techniques.
🍎 Nutrition & Health – Meal planning, food safety, diabetes education, and wellness programs.
💰 Financial Literacy – Budgeting, saving, and making informed consumer choices.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) – Parenting support, home management, and family well-being.
🧵 Textiles & Fashion – Sewing, clothing care, and home textiles.
🏡 Housing & Energy Conservation – Home safety, sustainable living, and homeownership guidance.
🚜 Agribusiness & Economic Development – Farm business planning, marketing strategies, and leadership development.
🎯 Youth Development (4-H Program) – Hands-on learning in STEM, agriculture, leadership, and life skills for young people.
Natural Resources – Conservation education, water quality, wildlife technical assistance.
How Can You Get Involved?
Your Extension Office likely offers workshops, training sessions, online resources, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you're a gardener, a parent, a farmer, a teacher, or a business owner, there's something for you!
Find Your Local Office
Visit nifa.usda.gov/extension to locate your county’s Cooperative Extension Office and explore programs that can benefit you!
