Extension Service

An Invaluable Resource for Today’s Rancher

Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service

 A Learning Network
     In 1994, when congress merged two existing USDA agencies into one, little did it know then that it was creating an invaluable resource and powerful ally for today’s rancher.

       What began as a means to bring two agencies together under one roof has since grown into an interconnected network of working partnerships with many institutions and individuals. CSREES now encompasses an extensive network of state, regional, and county extension offices in every U.S. state and territory. According to the Web site, the primary goal is “to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations.”

     CSREES doesn't perform actual research, education, and extension but instead helps fund it at the state and local level.

     Primarily fueled by the institutions of higher learning making up the Land-Grant University System, CSREES also partners with other federal agencies, within and beyond the USDA; non-profit associations; professional societies; commodity groups and grower associations; multistate research committees; private industry; citizen groups; foundations; regional centers; the military; task forces; and other groups.

     CSREES' mission of "advancing knowledge" is primarily accomplished two ways:
             • National program leadership. Helping states identify and meet research, extension, and education priorities in areas of public concern that affect agricultural producers, small business owners, youth and families, and others.
          • Federal assistance. Providing annual formula funding to land-grant universities and competitively granted funds to researchers in land-grant and other universities.

A Wealth of Online Information
     The Web site, www.csrees.usda.gov, provides a huge amount of information, not only on the organization itself, but on ranching-related topics, such as:
          • Animal Breeding, Genetics & Genomics
          • Animal Health
          • Animal Nutrition & Growth
          • Animal Products
          • Animal Reproduction
          • Animal Well-being

     Even a quick Google search for ranching-related topics will yield a host of documents, papers, studies and information conducted, gathered and disseminated by CSREES partners.

Benefits to the Rancher
     Ranchers are connected to this system through the nearest extension office, which provides answers to commonly encountered problems through educational materials, Web-based information, the telephone, and other means.

     For the ranching community, CSREE has been instrumental in furthering advancements in cattle health and nutrition, productivity and methodology, industry knowledge and awareness, as well as youth programs for the future cattle ranchers of America. In fact, 4-H, the USDA's 102-year-old youth development program administered through CSREES, engages more than 6.5 million young people teaching life skills through hands-on learning and leadership activities.

     CSREES provides national leadership and funding for research, education, and extension activities to improve animal health and safety; to understand related issues of livestock production, products and processing, and wildlife management. They also have been instrumental in examining the impact of the human/animal interaction on environmental and economic sustainability and the well-being of animals and humans alike.

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