By Leilana McKindra

STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) is kicking off its celebration of 100 years of extending knowledge and changing lives of Oklahomans.

OCES will mark its birthday with a variety of county and statewide events leading up to and through the spring anniversary date, including a feature-length documentary set to premiere May 8 on OETA-TV.

“Extension’s mission is to harness all the research and know-how of land-grant institutions like Oklahoma State University and use it to help Oklahomans live the best lives possible,” said James Trapp, associate director of OCES. “We’re proud of our history of putting that mission into action in Oklahoma.” OCES operates offices in all 77 Oklahoma counties and provides programming and information on a wide range of topics such as lawn and gardening, health and nutrition, home and family, crops, personal and family finances, community development, and animal science.

Extension also generates two weekly television shows – “SUNUP” (agriculture) and “Oklahoma Gardening” – shown statewide on OETA-TV.

Most OCES resources and activities, including a database of more than 5,000 downloadable, research-based fact sheets (www.osufacts.okstate.edu), are free or low-cost for participants.

“Whether you are an agricultural producer striving to keep up with new technology and the markets, or a citizen needing help identifying a plant in your yard, wanting to learn how to safely operate an ATV or needing guidance on setting up a household budget, these are just a few of the areas where Extension can serve as a resource for Oklahomans,” Trapp said.

The Smith-Lever Act formally established the national Cooperative Extension Service May 8, 1914. The legislation created a unique partnership between county, state and federal governments, and provides funding through land-grant schools to expand vocational, agricultural, and home and family programs beyond the university.

“For 100 years, Extension educators and specialists have worked one-on-one, side-by-side with Oklahomans to solve local issues and assist families with everyday challenges,” Trapp said. “For us, it’s personal. It always has been and it always will be.”

In Oklahoma, OSU and Langston University engage in Extension outreach activities.

For more information about OCES, contact your local county Extension office and visit www.oces.okstate.edu.