Q & A about extension services 

Q: What is an extension agent?

A:  An extension agent is a university employee who develops and delivers educational programs to assist people with activities including economic and community development, agriculture, forestry, and land management.   Extension agents provide programs like 4-H, a personal development program for youth.  Many extension agents work for cooperative extension service programs at land-grant universities.     They are sometimes referred to as county extension agents or educators.   Asel Kennedy, the extension agent our band sings about, was an extension agent in Monongalia County in West Virginia.   

Q:  What is cooperative extension service?  

A:  Also known as the "Extension Service of the USDA," this is an informal educational program that brings the latest research-based knowledge to the people of the United States who can use it to improve their lives.  Educational offerings range from agriculture and nutrition to environmental protection and community economic development.   It is provided through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (formerly CSREES), an agency in the US Department of Agriculture.   

Q: Who is my county extension agent?

A:  Check out this link from USDA to find your own agent!

Q: Is anyone in the band a real extension agent?

A:  No.   However, we are still grade A USDA-approved bluegrass, as evidenced by this picture with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack!