July 2009 Articles

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Thanks, To our Cooperative Extension Service Employees

Just Rambling: As a farmer, rancher, or just someone enjoying living the rural life, where do you go to gather information to meet your needs on the farm or for the rural life you are living? Many will say the internet or periodicals which they subscribe to. Others will say, especially farmers and ranchers, that they go to the sales representatives of the company’s from which they buy seed, chemicals, equipment, etc. The rural life people will probably tell you they go to their local farm supply, lumber supply, or hardware supply to get information on the various things associated with rural living. Many livestock associations (La. Cattlemen Association, Arkansas Cattlemen Association, etc.) and many crop associations also provide information to farmers and ranchers. All of these sources of information are great and provide a valuable service to farmers, ranchers, and rural people but there is one informational service that is often overlooked - that being the Cooperative Extension Service in each state. The Cooperative Extension Service provides a wealth of information to farmers, ranchers, rural and urban people alike. This service is there for all the people and the information they provide is endless. In years past they basically provided information and assistance to farmers, ranchers, and rural people but their mission today is continually expanding to include all aspects of life to all people. You will find that the majority of the men and women of the Cooperative Extension Service in Louisiana, Arkansas, or any other state are dedicated employees ready and willing to provide information, and assistance to improve the lives of the people of their state and our nation. The staff in each parish or county office are knowledgeable, professional people with access to specialists in practically all fields of endeavor. When we think of education and how important it is to the continued well-being of our local communities, our towns, our state, and our nation don’t over look the educational opportunities provided through each state’s Cooperative Extension Service. From our youth to our senior citizens there are educational opportunities for all. This broad spectrum of educational opportunities is, more often than not, free or at a minimal cost to the people. If you haven’t had or taken the opportunity to visit your parish or county Cooperative Extension Service please do so. I think you will be surprised at the information and educational opportunities they provide. When our local public officials and our state public officials begin to look at their budgets to find areas to trim, please request that they leave the funding for the Cooperative Extension Service intact. This is truly an educational agency we don’t need to lose. Thank You Cooperative Extension Service employees for the work you do and the positive impact you have on our parishes/counties, states, and our nation. Van Bennett