About the Office
For more than 125 years, we have helped solve problems and improve the lives of all Kansans. Finding the right answers is hard, and the consequences are real. It doesn't matter if you are young, old, or in between, or if you're a farmer, a gardener, or a stay-at-home mom, or a family, a single person or if you're in business or serving a community - we're here for you!
If you're concerned about health and wellness, the environment, food safety, agricultural production, ag marketing, community development, financial management, conservation or profits and competition....Give us a call! Our mission continues to be helping you by providing practical, research-based information through quality educational programs.
We're a statewide resource in all 105 Kansas counties, offering access to a world of information and programs to meet local needs. Established in 1863, K-State was the first land-grant university in the nation and from the beginning has been involved in research and extending research-based information to the people to help them improve their lives.
Our Mission . . .
"We are dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families and youth through integrated research, analysis and education."
Today, Extension plays an important role in American life in rural, urban, and suburban settings. Extension Agents help farmers grow crops, help families plan safe and nutritious meals, manage their home and finances and help children acquire the necessary skills to become tomorrow's leaders.
Our four core mission areas are:
- Food, Nutrition, Health and Safety
- Agricultural Industry Competitiveness
- Youth, Family and Community Development
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Our Vision . . .
K-State Research and Extension is committed to expanding human capacity by delivering educational programs and technical information that result in improved leadership skills in the areas of communication, group dynamics, conflict resolution, issue analysis, and strategic planning that can enhance the economic viability and quality of life in communities.
Our History . . .
1862 The Morrill Act was passed paving the way for a land-grant university in every state.
1863 Bluemont College was renamed the Kansas State Agricultural College.
1887 The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station was created at Kansas State Agricultural College under the provision of the Hatch Act.
1914 The Smith–Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service.
1959 The official university name was changed to Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.
1996 The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Kansas Cooperative Extension Service merged to form the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service (K-State Research and Extension).
