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“COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AND 4-H” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S6000 on May 2, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AND 4-H
Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, periodically, it is my pleasure to address the Senate on the effective work of the Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H programs.
The Cooperative Extension Service [CES] is at the heart of many American communities. Established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act, the CES has been serving the needs of millions of Americans for more than 80 years. The CES provides education and one-on-one assistance on a wide variety of issues, from agribusiness skills and safe chemical handling to senior nutrition and child care. The U.S. Department of Agriculture works closely with each State's land-grant university to provide information on these and other programs to participating communities. The hands-on approach increases productivity and keeps thousands of farms and families running smoothly.
Local agents tailor CES programs to meet special area needs. In southeast South Dakota, for example, more than 1,200 producers affected by flooding received information on cropping alternatives and financial management. In Day and Marshall Counties, CES agents organized more than 450 South Dakota families and businesses in a recycling effort. Another example is the successful Extension Service Indian reservation programs. On the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, 87 farmers and ranchers completed training for their private pesticide applicators license.
One unique program run by the CES in every South Dakota county is helping to put welfare recipients back to work. Every recipient of Aid to Families With Dependent Children [AFDC] must attend resourceful living classes offered by county extension agents. In these classes, welfare recipients learn basic skills such as household budgeting, and interviewing skills. No other State in the country has such a program to establish self-sufficiency.
According to the CES, for every dollar invested in CES livestock programming, $4.60 to $5.80 is realized in the increased value of livestock sold. For every dollar invested in crop programming, the value of crops sold is increased by $5.90 to $8.62. Thousands and thousands of dollars in health care costs are saved through the nutrition and child care education offered by CES. Clearly, this is an example of a Federal program with an excellent return on the taxpayers' dollar. Why? Because it relies on the common sense participation of local folks who know the unique needs in their own communities.
Another program with a history of common sense result is 4-H. The mission of 4-H is to help young people become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of society. 4-H members have the opportunity to explore many areas of interest. Their projects can include raising cattle, hogs, and sheep. Other 4-H projects involve growing farm or garden crops, forestry and entomology collections, baking, sewing, handicrafts, art, electronics, horse showing, photography, public speaking, and much more.
Nationally about 5.5 million young people are involved in 4-H annually. I always enjoy meeting 4-H'ers in my Washington office or at our State fair. They always give me helpful advice. 4-H has helped
them to become well-informed and articulate leaders.
While growing up on a small family farm in my home State of South Dakota, I was active in a local 4-H club, the Humboldt Hustlers. The 9 years I was active in 4-H helped me develop my personality and better focus myself. That helped me to confidently formulate and pursue my goals. Each 4-H participant learns the value of teamwork, and gains knowledge of the community, State, Nation, and world in which he or she lives. I was fortunate to have attended twice the 4-H Club Congress in Chicago and the 1961 World Agricultural Fair in Cairo, Egypt. Participation in such programs by young people is even more vital today with the growing importance of the global community to the United States.
The success of South Dakota 4-H is due to a team of very competent, well-informed adult professionals and volunteers who help educate 4-H members. I remember in particular two professionals who helped me and other South Dakota youth. They were Glenn Schrader, who was the Minnehaha County agent for more than 30 years, and John Younger, who was the South Dakota 4-H leader for nearly 25 years. Both were instrumental in the development of 4-H within South Dakota, as well as nationally. All 4-H participants also appreciate their local 4-H leaders for the time, effort, and commitment they volunteer. During the time I was involved in 4-H, I had two leaders: Elmer Anderson and Harry Stofferahn. They shared the values and spirit of 4-H to me and my fellow members, for which I am grateful to this day.
With the reported decline in rural communities, my colleagues may wonder how these programs continue to serve a useful purpose. The Extension Service and 4-H programs are no longer just for rural areas. They have expanded from addressing traditional farm and home economic problems to current issues such as teen pregnancy and violence. In fact, nearly one-third of 4-H students now reside in urban areas. They have grown so fast because the lessons and values that are the essence of 4-H--head, heart, hands, and health--transcend geography and demography. More important, at a time when thousands of young people in urban areas face so many challenges, the lessons and values of 4-H are needed more than ever before.
As Federal budgetary pressures grow, it will be tempting for Congress to cut funding for programs such as the CES and 4-H. I hope my colleagues will resist this pressure and continue supporting these effective programs. The CES and 4-H programs should be permitted to continue providing support for communities across the United States for many years to come.
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