Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service Celebrates 100 Years

COURT HOUSE – A standing-room-only crowd gathered at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension May 29, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Extension Service. Attendees enjoyed cake and refreshments, as well as historical exhibits, including binders full of pictures and old newspaper clippings, documenting the impact the Cooperative Extension has had on Cape May County.
The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension Service, a state-by-state national network of educators who extend university-based knowledge to the people. The program is an educational partnership between the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the nation’s land-grant universities. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension spreads knowledge of agriculture, home economics, now called family and community health sciences, and 4-H youth programs.
Marilou Rochford, County Extension Department Head, opened the celebration. “What a milestone,” she said. “None of us will be here for the 200th anniversary, so we have to make this a great one.” Agricultural Agent Jenny Carleo and 4-H Program Associate Linda Horner gave a brief pictorial presentation on the history of the Cooperative Extension of Cape May County.
George Thrasher became the county’s first agricultural agent in 1915. His job was to share scientific knowledge and develop new techniques with farmers to produce higher yields. Prior to that time, farmers in the southern most part of the state relied on techniques and loss control information from private institutions such as the Baron DeHirsch Agricultural College in Woodbine, until it closed in 1917.
Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-1), Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi (R-1), and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-1) presented Rochford with citations from the state legislature commemorating the centennial. Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton said the extension has been “an integral part in building our great county, and tax dollars well spent.” Thornton went on to tell how the programs have touched his own life by recounting one of his favorite memories. “My grandson, who lives in Oklahoma, called to tell me his chicken won first prize at the 4-H Fair.”
The extension also honored the late John MacLeod, county agricultural agent from 1958 through 1985. MacLeod was credited for establishing the site of the agricultural experiment station on Court House-South Dennis Road, and overseeing every aspect of its design and construction. A number of Macleod’s coworkers, and farmers whom he had helped, told stories of his dedication and love for his job. Dozens of his friends and relatives were on hand for the celebration. A plaque dedicated to Macleod was presented to his son Bruce, and will hang in the entryway of the station.
To contact Don Tozer, email dtozer@cmcherald.com.