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03-28-2003 | University Relations

University Extension celebrates 100th anniversary

A University Extension conservation class discusses the geologic principles of the Loess hills soils

It started with a challenge in the small town of Hull in 1903, and a century later has grown into an organization that, in one way or another, touches the life of nearly every Iowan.

University Extension is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Appropriately enough, the year-long celebration will kick off in Hull on April 7 with a reception and dinner. President Gregory Geoffroy, College of Agriculture Dean Catherine Woteki and Vice Provost for Extension Stan Johnson will be among those attending.

University Extension traces its roots back to Perry Holden, a man who was passionate about corn. Holden, manager of Funk Brothers Seed Co., came to Iowa State in 1902 to give a short course on his favorite subject. Organizers worried that farmers would not be interested in studying a subject that dry.

They needn't have worried. The charismatic Holden captivated his audience and word spread. He had to add special sessions, starting at 5 a.m., to accommodate the crowds who flocked to the university.

Impressed with farmers' response to Holden, Iowa State's President William Beardshear asked Holden to organize the university's new department of agronomy. Though he took a hefty pay cut from his position at Funk Brothers, Holden agreed.

Holden once wrote in a letter, "I believe that success in life is measured by the greatest good that can be accomplished for the greatest number." At Iowa State, he put his belief into practice.

In 1903, a farmer from Hull asked Holden whether the university's research was applicable in northwest Iowa. Holden challenged the farmer to find out. Soon Holden and the Sioux County Farmers Institute had established the nation's first county cooperative experimental farm.

The experimental farm involved farmers in comparative field testing, under the direction of the university. The model was adopted nation-wide in 1914 with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, which brought together federal, state and county governments to form Cooperative Extension.

By 1918, every county in Iowa had its own Extension agent. While Extension's agricultural roots remain, its mission has grown to serve communities, families, business and industry.

During the 1930s Depression, Extension staff played a vital role to Iowans as interpreters of the reams of federal "help" programs. Their educational and organization leadership in World War II helped Iowa excel in wartime food production.

Last year (2002), more than 665,000 people had individual contact with ISU Extension programs. Through workshops, conferences or home study, they learned how to strengthen their families, improve their health, handle finances, help save the environment, become community leaders and improve their businesses.

And Extension has never forgotten its roots, and the farmers who helped it begin. For example, Extension staff developed the 2002 Farm Bill education program to help farmers understand the new bill.

Holden once said, "I follow the principle that all people in the state are in reality students of the college; therefore, we must go to them and help them where they are, under their own conditions, with their own problems."