About the Office

Extending Knowledge for Life

All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation's more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities have a third critical mission—Extension. Extension "reaches out," extending resources and addressing public needs with university resources through non-formal, non-credit programs. Programs are largely administered through County Extension offices that bring land-grant university expertise to the local level.

Today, Extension plays an important role in American life in rural, urban, and suburban settings. Extension Agents help farmers grow crops, help families plan safe and nutritious meals, and help children acquire the necessary skills to become tomorrow's leaders.

Nearly a century ago, when Congress created the Extension system, more than 50 percent of the U.S. population lived in rural areas and 30 percent of the workforce was engaged in farming. Extension's engagement with rural America supported the agricultural revolution, which dramatically increased farm productivity. In time, less labor was needed to produce the same amount of food on less acreage.

In Kansas, Extension personnel work on the Kansas State University campus and in 105 county offices. Extension programs are designed to meet the needs of the local community. The Thomas County Extension Office promotes programs in these areas:

  • 4-H Youth Development
  • Health, Nutrition, & Safety
  • Lawn & Garden
  • Business & Economics
  • Crops & Livestock
  • Home & Family

In addition to County Agents, Thomas County Extension programs are supported by program coordinators and assistants, a dedicated staff of office professionals, and numerous program volunteers. Educational efforts are guided by volunteers that serve on one-of-four Program Development Committees (PDC). The PDC collectively constitutes the County Extension Council.

A brief history of Extension

1862 - The Morrill Act was passed paving the way for a land-grant university in every state.

1863 - Bluemont College was renamed the Kansas State Agricultural College.

1887 - The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station was created at Kansas State Agricultural College under the provision of the Hatch Act.

1914 - The Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service.

1915 - The Kansas Legislature passed the County Farm Bureau Law that provided funds to implement the county extension program.

1951 - Kansas Legislature revised the law making the county extension program the cooperative responsibility of the county extension council and Kansas State University.

1959 - The university's name was officially changed to Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.

1991 - Kansas Extension District Law passed by the state legislature which paved the way for two or more county Extension councils to form Extension districts.

1996 - The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Kansas Cooperative Extension Service merged to form the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, also known as K-State Research and Extension.

 

Access and Opportunity for All

Kansas State University is committed to serving the people of Kansas, the nation, and the world. We foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with colleagues, partners, and residents across the state and beyond.

At K-State Extension, we are firmly committed to creating a working environment where everyone can thrive and succeed both personally and professionally. We value what each individual brings to the table to grow our communities and help them flourish. Our many agents, specialists, and volunteers contribute a wide background of perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences, which makes our impact greater. Together, we can make Kansas an even better place to grow, work, and live.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

K-State Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status is prohibited. Program participants may request information in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may also be requested. Language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, reprisal, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online, at www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-programdiscrimination-complaint-form.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442;

email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

To learn about important religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of our extension programs and services, visit Notice to Beneficiaries and Prospective Beneficiaries.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

K-State Research and Extension and Thomas County Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.