Cooperative Extension Service Records

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.