Turfgrass Outreach Programming.

The Cooperative Extension Service is a public-funded, non-formal education system that links the educational and research resources of the United States Department of Agriculture, land-grant institutions, and county Extension offices. The mission of Extension, as set forth by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, was “…to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to agriculture…., and to encourage the application of the same…”  . The philosophy and mission created by the Smith-Lever Act is ongoing today in all fields of Extension including turfgrass Extension and outreach. Various programs are planned, lead, and coordinated by turfgrass Extension specialists. These programs include events for professionals such as field days, seminars and workshops, turf conferences, pesticide licensing programs, web conferencing, internet (blogs and other social media), and smartphone applications, correspondence courses, site visits, and international programs. The turfgrass extension specialists are also directly involved with homeowner training through Master Gardener programs, yard and neighborhood programs, television, radio, podcasts, internet (blogs and other social media), and smartphone applications. Turfgrass Extension specialists also assist homeowners through their relationship and training of county agriculture extension educators and their assistance with campus diagnostic laboratories. Although it is not clear what the future holds for Extension, undoubtedly certain activities will be done differently in the future as turfgrass Extension specialists adapt to industry needs and changes in technology. Turfgrass Extension specialists are uniquely positioned between the needs of traditional agriculture clientele and the increasing demands of urban clientele as urban agriculture becomes increasingly more important. This ever increasing demand should afford turfgrass Extension specialists the opportunity to serve clientele well into the future.