This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act which formalized the Cooperative Extension Service. The Extension Service is a state-by-state national network of educators who extend university-based knowledge to the people.  This transformed the face of agriculture from 19th century modes to more modern and scientific 20th century modes of farming.  The act provides federal funds for cooperative extension activities and requires that states provide a 100% match from non-federal resources.  In 1940 one farmer could feed nineteen people, and by 2011 one farmer could feed 155 people.
As we celebrate 100 years of extending knowledge and changing lives, we also want to celebrate South Carolina’s role as an early leader in the extension movement. The “Clemson Model” of extension became the basis for the Smith-Lever Act, authored by Georgia senator Michael Hoke Smith and South Carolina Representative A. Frank Lever. A Clemson life trustee, Lever, was devoted to the needs of agriculture and farming interests across South Carolina and the United States. He chaired the House Agriculture Committee from 1910-1919, served as a member of the Federal Farm Board (1919-1922), organized the First Carolina Joint Stock Land Bank (1922-1929) and was strongly affiliated with the Farm Credit Administration (1933-1940).
For 100 years, the Smith-Lever Act has stimulated innovative research and vital educational programs for youth and adults through progressive information delivery systems that improved lives and shaped a nation. Today, the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is proud to deliver research-based information in agriculture, natural resources, food safety and nutrition, economic and community development, and 4-H youth development.  Clemson Extension Agents are located in all 46 counties of South Carolina.
We would like to hear how Clemson University Cooperative Extension has been an important part of your life, family, or community. Tell us your story. Share your stories, and help us document the 100-year legacy Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service has left on the people and communities it serves.  Your story or pictures can be submitted to your county office, 200 South 5th Avenue, Unit B, Dillon, SC 29536 or email to gsampso@clemson.edu.   
For any additional information, please contact Jessica Pittman at jlpittm@clemson.edu or call 843-744-8218 ext. 0.