In1914, the federal government passed the Smith-Lever Act which established a nationwide agricultural extension service. What is that service? The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service mission is to educate, train, and support families while helping advance the state’s economy and agricultural industry. Each state has a ‘land grant college’ which posses the charge to conduct research in many different areas of industry pertinent to the state. Ours is the Oklahoma State University. Each county has an ‘Extension office’ whose charge is to Bring RESEARCH BASED information to its citizens. Or some would say, our extension office is the front door of the university to the county.
Boil it down. County extension offers research based information on almost any topic that has to do with family living, healthy nutritional choices, family well being, food production either on the single family or commercial scale. Agricultural production is an area of much interest in our state and community.
How much should I feed my cows this winter? What is the quality of the hay I am feeding? What type tomatoes should I plant? And how do I kill these grasshoppers?
While we live in an informational overload society, much of the online or social media is NOT from research based sources.Among the services the county office offers are water testing for either household or livestock use. Soil testing to see if fertility levels are adequate for whatever garden or hay forage you are producing. A forage test will tell if the hay you’re feeding has the protein level or energy required for your livestock.
One way that it can be viewed is by comparing to a bank account. One of the first considerations of making a draw on your account is to make sure funds are present to cover the draw. Yet, most often producers will graze a pasture or try to grow a garden assuming sufficient nutrient levels are present, when for about a $10 dollar test, they could know exactly how to fertilize so that nutrient levels will be there when a ‘draw’ is made on the soil account.
Additionally 4-H program offered through our extension office is a great opportunity for youth to engage in life skills participation. Whether its cooking, shooting sports, art, livestock or many other interest areas, we have a place for our county young people to plug in and enjoy with ‘learn by doing’ clubs.
Murray county is blessed with a long standing history of extension staff who wish to serve the community. We are blessed with strong county support from commissioners, as well as state and federal support which make up the ‘Cooperative’ team. Next time you are in a quandary, try giving the extension office a call for information or help. (580)622-3016 John Holman, Extension Educator Ag/4-H Youth Development “The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers it programs to all eligible persons regardless or race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, martial or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.”
