Larry Pressler: “periodically, it is my pleasure to address the Senate on the effective work of the Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H…”

“periodically, it is my pleasure to address the Senate on the effective work of the Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H programs. The Cooperative Extension Service [CES] is at the heart of many American communities. Established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act, the CES has been serving the needs of millions of Americans for more than 80 years. The CES provides education and one-on-one assistance on a wide variety of issues, from agribusiness skills and safe chemical handling to senior nutrition and child care. The U.S. Department of Agriculture works closely with each State's land-grant university to provide information on these and other programs to participating communities. The hands-on approach increases productivity and keeps thousands of farms and families running smoothly. Local agents tailor CES programs to meet special area needs. In southeast South Dakota, for example, more than 1,200 producers affected by flooding received information on cropping alternatives and financial management. In Day and Marshall Counties, CES agents organized more than 450 South Dakota families and businesses in a recycling effort. Another example is the successful Extension Service Indian reservation programs. On the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, 87 farmers and ranchers completed training for their private pesticide applicators license. One unique program run by the CES in every South Dakota county is helping to put welfare recipients back to work.”