An extension agent meets with a group of rural Nebraskans, discussing how an ignition engine works, in this undated photo from the University Archives and Special Collections.

Founded in 1914, Nebraska Extension grew out of the concept that a land-grant institution could provide training and expertise that would benefit the state’s residents. Early in the history of the university, “farmer’s institutes” were held to disseminate information about the most recent research and concepts related to farming.

Extension helped farmers and ranchers ramp up food production to aid the war effort during World War I and was on the front lines assisting rural Nebraskans in managing the effects of the Great Depression and droughts of the 1930s.

The extension agents — like today’s extension educators — led programs related to animal care; crop production; child, youth and families; entrepreneurship; food nutrition and health; and water and the environment. Nebraska Extension also supports 4-H, which involved more than 144,000 state youth.

Today, Nebraska Extension serves all 93 counties in the Cornhusker State through 83 county offices and four research centers, which are located in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Norfolk and Mead. Extension services are administered through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Editor’s Note – Information for this story was provided by “Dear Old Nebraska U” by Kim Hachiya and Craig Chandler.