What does the extension office do? It mainly supports the agricultural sector through soil testing, nematode detection, plant disease and insect pest diagnosis, producing manuals and guides and agricultural business planning.
The cooperative extension system touches the lives of millions of Americans. It’s particularly useful for the agricultural sector because it enables farmers to access current and reliable information to make their farms more productive and profitable. It encompasses the nation’s 112 land grant universities and colleges and offers a range of services and research-based information for gardeners and farmers. Extension specialists, usually university-affiliated, generate research-based information and solutions in the areas of agriculture, food and nutrition, environmental sciences, natural resources, and youth development. County-based extension agents work directly with local communities to disseminate this information and help solve specific problems.
The idea for the cooperative extension system came about in the early 20th century and was initiated by Seaman Knapp, who was then working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He established the concept of teaching farmers through the demonstration of new ideas and practices. Several years after his death, Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which created the cooperative extension system at land grant colleges and universities.
Today, every state has a cooperative extension office. To find your state’s cooperative extension, use the Extension Foundation website (www.Extension.org).
What Does the Extension Office Do?
Some services provided by the cooperative extension system may be unique to only a few states, or there might be a certain emphasis in some states. That said, the following are services and information you can expect to find in just about all the offices.
Soil Testing
Many extension services offer soil test kits for home gardeners and farmers; if they don’t, they’ll provide support on where to find tests. These tests will tell you which nutrients are lacking in your soil and which fertilizers or amendments you may need to add for successful plant growth. Generally, various types of tests are available, and extension websites provide clear information on types of testing available and the costs for each type of test.
Diagnostic Services
Many state extension services offer diagnostic services, which are generally fee-based.
- Plant disease diagnosis. Especially useful for farmers, greenhouse producers, nurseries, and other agricultural businesses. A report will usually include diagnosis and research-based management strategies.
- Insect pest diagnosis. Diagnosis, identification, and management strategies for home, garden, or farm. This may include in-person, over email (sending a detailed photo), or by mail.
Weed identification. Local weed identification and strategies to manage weeds in lawns, gardens, and crops. - Nematode detection. Nematodes are tiny roundworms that live in water and soil. Parasitic nematodes feed on plant roots, disrupting the absorption of water and nutrients. They can negatively impact both the quality and quantity of crop yields.
Production Manuals and Publications
These regional guides provide current research-based information and recommendations for growers. A number of manuals and guides are available free online, from a “Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide for Commercial Growers” to a “South Carolina Pest Management Handbook.”
Cooperative extension also offers a huge amount of information for specific crops and agriculture-related topics in the form of pamphlets, bulletins, videos, and more. Many of these are available online without charge. Their topics range from micro-sprinkler irrigation for orchards (Colorado) to fertilizer and cultural recommendations for pecan trees (Arkansas) to cold-climate viticulture (Vermont). Though there isn’t a master index of all cooperative extension publications, the Extension Foundation does offer access to a custom search engine that includes many of the publications put out by the cooperative extension system.
An easy way to find locally relevant information is to search your state extension website. Don’t forget to also check websites of neighboring states with similar growing conditions.
Agricultural Business Planning
Farming is a business, and cooperative extension certainly has you covered in this area. The amount of free and low-cost business services is staggering and includes fact sheets, courses, videos, guides, and plans.
- Business plans. A farm business plan is your roadmap to profitability and growth, allowing you to effectively plan for a successful season and an overall sound foundation for your farm. In addition to the usual printed literature, some offices also offer mentorships and consultations with established farmers.
- State and regional resources. Your local extension office will be able to guide you to local, state, and regional resources that can help you with your farm business.
Overall, the time you spend becoming familiar with the offerings and information available from the cooperative extension system will enable you to farm more profitably, save time and energy, and keep abreast of current practices and strategies.
Originally published in the October/November 2026 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS and regularly vetted for accuracy.
