118 THE COUNTY AGENT'S SERVICES 



CONTACT IN THE FARM VISIT 



There is probably no more effective or satisfactory con- 

 tact made by a county agent than that made with the 

 farmer on his own farm when the visit is made for a defi- 

 nite purpose and at the farmer 's request. Here the farmer 

 and the agent meet where the problem exists. Advice and 

 suggestion given under such circumstances should be valu- 

 able if ever. The county agent can see the situation inti- 

 mately and should be able to fit his advice to conditions. 



Especially, when such a visit is made in response to a 

 request for information and help on a problem, is it useful 

 because it indicates a desire for help and initiative on the 

 inquirer's part. He is likely to be in a receptive frame of 

 mind. The chances of a right kind of reaction to do things 

 are best under such circumstances. The need for great care 

 in giving advice has already been pointed out. It is 

 doubly important here. Usually it is best simply to give 

 the facts and to call attention to needs and probable 

 good ways of meeting them, leaving the farmer to make his 

 own decision. Too often farmers insist upon definite advice 

 or recommendation and are not content with facts or prin- 

 ciples. 



A county agent must not be afraid to say that he does 

 not know. It is better both for the inquirer and the in- 

 former frankly to admit lack of knowledge or information 

 when it exists, than to appear to be wiser than one really 

 is, or to give an incorrect or an evasive answer. This re- 

 quires knowledge of one's limitations, good judgment and 

 courage. Men will usually respect the county agent more 

 if he does not pretend to know what he does not know. But 

 no one is in a better position to secure needed information, 

 and the county agent should always be ready to do this. 



The appearance, conduct and attitude of the county 



