DON'T FORGET YOUR EXTENSION AGENT!

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How is that piece of property zoned? What type of soil is on the place? Is water readily available there? What crops can be grown on the acreage? What is that land really worth? (Remember, if you're moving from a more urbanized or developed area, that what may seem to you to be a reasonable asking price for the property you have in mind may actually be far out of line with the going rates for land in the region you're moving to. And that can come back to haunt you, later, when you want to sell the place.)

It's far better to ask for guidance from your local Extension Service before you sign on the dotted line, than to seek answers to such questions after.

Which, of course, in no way means that you should ignore the ES once you've happily settled into your new home in the country. For it's then that you should tap the service for farming plans, building blueprints, livestock raising tips, and gardening ideas. The agency even offers classes in sewing, cooking, electrical repairs, and other valuable self sufficiency skills.

Bear in mind, however, that people will be people (with special individual skills and interests) and Extension Agents are no different from anyone else. Each has certain ideas, knowledge, and prejudices all his or her own and it is possible that you'll find the nearest EA to be a taciturn ale cuss who still can't figure out why DDT was banned!

If that happens, don't wear yourself out arguing with him. Just take your business to the more congenial agent who probably operates out of the next county, or write to the state university specialist in the field you want to know about. A question on milk cows, for instance, can be addressed to:

The Extension Dairy Specialist

College of Agriculture
Your State University

Although some of the bulletins offered by the Extension Service will cost you a small fee (to cover their printing), most of the advice, information, and printed matter available from the local office is free. Or-more properly-your county, state, and federal taxes have already paid for the ES outlet in your area, its staff, and everything else it needs to be in business. So you're foolish if you don't use the service with impunity.

The next time you have a question about your homestead or some facet of its operation, then, call your friendly local Extension Service office. The folks there should be more than happy to serve you and they ma?, have exactly the answer you need.

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