Long-term trends in resources for Cooperative Extension in the United States
Abstract
Abstract This paper extends existing national and regional estimates of Cooprative Extension staffing and funding levels through 2024 and describes changes in Extension program priorities. From a peak of 17,694 professional staff working in Extension nation-wide in 1979, we estimate this declined to 13,188 by 2024. Funding sources for Extension became more diversified over time, relying less on Federal (especially formula) funds and more on State and non-government sources. Program content shifted along with funding sources, with a declining share of Extension resources devoted to agriculture, although with significant differences across States and regions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Diverse Educational Innovations Studies
Community and Sustainable Development
Conservation
Ecology
Wildlife Education
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Agricultural and Resource Economics Review
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 205–222
- Publication date
- 7 May 2026
- Language
- EN