Tate asked the following -
> I was taught in ag policy class that Farm Bureau was started by the
> extension service, and as they started taking political stands they
> became more independent. I would like some more info on what has been
> said here.
>
Since I posted this I will respond.
I will admit that their are differences in each state as most every
state has their own Farm Bureau organized in their own ways that are
all affiliated with the American Farm Bureau. Tate - If you look
into it you will find that in many states just the flip-flop is true.
In Kansas you could not have a county extension program until such
time as you had an active Farm Bureau with a certain number ( believe
it was 75 farmers) or percentage of the county farmers as members.
Then the Land Grant Institution would accept an application from a
county to form an Extension Office. Let's also keep in mind that the
Farm Bureau and the Extension Service of those days was vastly
different than what we see today and let me also add that the
Extension Service (and if you check my signature block you'll see
that I work for the extension service) AND the Farm Bureau still have
quite a ways to go on this whole Sustainable Ag thing but both are
trying. Anyway in the early 1950's there were changes in the
Smith-Levar act (authorizing Extension Service among other things)
and most states started divorcing their Extension Systems from the
Farm Bureau. Prior to that time the Extension AGents here in Kansas
worked for the County Farm Bureau Board and you paid your farm Bureau
dues at the Extension Office.
For those interested there are some good sources of Farm Bureau
historical information out there and I wish some Farm Bureau County
Board Member our state office employee would come forward with these
sources of information so I don't have to look them up.
Let's also keep in mind that when it comes to this whole agriculture
versus environmentalists issue people too often try to make it black
and white when it is a lot more gray!
Chuck
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Chuck Otte Internet: cotte@oznet.ksu.edu
Geary County Extension Office, PO BOX 28 913-238-4161
Junction City, KS 66441-0028 FAX 913-238-7166
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