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Cooperative Extension timeline 2:19 p.m., July 27, 2005--For 90 years, Delaware Cooperative Extension at the University of Delaware has led the way in the First State’s agricultural progress. 1915-19: Soon after its creation, Delaware Cooperative Extension was heavily involved with helping farmers increase production to meet the demands of World War I. 1920s: Extension worked with dairy farmers, the Supplee Wills Jones and then the Sealtest milk companies and the Pennsylvania Railroad to develop a special milk train to deliver milk from more than 30 producers in eastern Sussex County to Philadelphia. 1930s: Extension helped vegetable producers establish the Laurel Auction Market, which is now a nationally known institution and has pumped nearly $100 million of produce sales into the economy of western Sussex County, with an additional $150 million of related sales not directly through the Market, but a result of its focus. 1940s: Delaware Extension coordinated Delaware’s agricultural war effort, supervising prisoner of war labor camps and assigning that labor to farms and canning plants across the state. 1950s: Delaware Extension taught farmers how to use the new technologies of hybrid corn, new varieties in many crops and pest control, which increased profits and improved the quality of life for many farmers and general citizens. 1960s: Delaware Extension provided coordination and leadership in poultry science and industry issues that resulted in the successful integration and expansion of the poultry industry. 1970s: With the expansion of irrigated acreage, Delaware Cooperative Extension provided the research-based information related to crop production, economics and engineering that facilitated critically important development for Delaware’s crop profitability. 1980s & ‘90s: Delaware Cooperative Extension played a leadership role as the agricultural community coped with environmental issues associated with crop and livestock production. 2000 and beyond: Delaware Cooperative Extension was instrumental in attracting two new vegetable processing companies to Delaware, which provides new opportunities for farmers to diversify their operations. “The dedicated professionals of Delaware Cooperative Extension have provided millions of day-to-day recommendations that have made a difference. The difference can be measured in dollars saved from a fertilizer recommendation, the rescue of a crop with an insecticide recommendation, the introduction of a new technology or a positive change in a farm family’s business plan from a kitchen-table conversation with a county agent,” according to Ed Kee, director of agriculture for Delaware Cooperative Extension. “Ultimately, the difference made has improved the quality of life for thousands of Delawareans. This is Delaware Extension--helping people learn and implement new technologies.” To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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