TWENTIETH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART V 463 



this thought I have been asked to say something about the "Aims of Exten- 

 sion Work." 



Extension work will develop along the lines described by the large 

 body of clear-thinking farmers. It will be what they want it to be, and 

 this in turn will depend upon their ideal for agriculture. 



In Iowa our ideal can be briefly and and definitely stated. We would 

 have Iowa maintain her leadership in food production and excel in all 

 phases of rural life and work. Providence has been good to us and we 

 should respond generously. We would have farming in this state on the 

 most eficient basis possible, including the production and disposal of farm 

 products. We would have the smallest per cent of tuberculosis, cholera, 

 smuts, rust and blackleg, and other such serious drawbacks and leaks. 

 We would have the best animals and plants; we would have the largest 

 production per man with the reasonable profit for his work, and with 

 proper regard for the maintenance of our soil fertility. We would have 

 comfortable homes thruout the country, good roads, good schools, good 

 churches, and in a high level of community endeavor. We would have 

 efficient research into new agricultural problems and thoro instruction in 

 all phases of agriculture. 



Such are our ideals! How should extension work be directed to help 

 realize these ideals? 



Extension work simply means the extending of the college to the people 

 of the state. But in this extended form it is still an agency for education. 

 Its service to the farm bureau is, in the nature of the case, along the line 

 of their educational endeavors. At this point it is not out of place, I think, 

 to say that I believe these educational efforts are destined to be the real 

 foundation of the permanent success of the farm bureau movement. 

 The fact that your state federation has seen fit to establish a standing 

 committee on education as one of your four main lines of work shows 

 clearly the importance which you attach to this matter. Educational 

 endeavor should be given a prominent place in the program of every 

 county farm bureau. 



I look forward to see the farm bureaus wield a great influence in this 

 state. But they will not do this primarily by force or because of great 

 numbers or financial resources. Rather I expect them to become a great 

 power because in their township and county groups and in their less 

 frequent state-wide meetings they determine by discussion and careful 

 investigation a thoro understanding of the facts and forces which concern 

 the business of farming. Only upon such a basis can they adopt wise and 

 sound policies. 



I feel that we all agree that whatever is accomplished toward meeting 

 the ideals referred to it will be done chiefly thru education. 



For the purpose of this brief paper, extension work may be divided 

 into three parts: 



Service which leads to better farming and thus enables 

 farmers to best perform their function of feeding the world. 



Service which will secure for the farmer such assistance 

 from other persons or institutions as he is entitled to receive. 



Service to our country. 



