Extension centennial documentary to premiere on OETA

Thursday, April 24, 2014

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) is marking its 100th anniversary with a special hour-long documentary premiering at 7 p.m., May 8 on OETA-TV.

“One Hundred Years of Oklahoma Extension” will chronicle OCES’s remarkable century of service to the state and explore the organization’s present and future directions.

“The documentary will certainly offer insight into Extension’s proud roots, as well as showcase all the ways modern Extension continues to fulfill its original mission of helping all Oklahomans live the best lives possible, even if they never step one foot inside a county office,” said James Trapp, associate director of OCES.

The film blends the voices of OCES clients with those of county, state and district agents and specialists as well as dignitaries such as Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis, and National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Sonny Ramaswamy to reflect on Extension’s history and ongoing impact on the lives of the people of Oklahoma.

Though Extension is probably most well known throughout Oklahoma for its agriculture research and expertise, the organization has a much broader reach.

“Whether you’re an agricultural producer trying to keep up with the latest technology and the markets, or a resident who needs help identifying a plant in your yard, setting up a household budget or eating a healthier diet, Extension can assist with all that and much, much more, and you’ll see that through the documentary,” Trapp said. “Even if you’re familiar with Extension, tune in. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you learn.”

The documentary will re-air on OETA-TV at 6 a.m., May 10 and on OETA-OKLA at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., May 14.

The Smith-Lever Act formally established the national Cooperative Extension Service May 8, 1914. The legislation created a unique partnership between county, state and federal governments, and provides funding through land-grant schools to expand vocational, agricultural, and home and family programs beyond the university.

OSU and Langston University engage in Extension outreach activities in Oklahoma.

The documentary is part of a series of local and statewide events celebrating OCES’s centennial anniversary. Check with your county Extension office for a schedule of local events.