The Way We Worked: USDA’s Outreach Efforts

Portrait of Ella Agnew

In the early 20th century, the Department of Agriculture began using home extension agents to provide outreach on developments in agriculture, home economics, public policy, leadership, economic development and other subjects. In 1910, Ella Agnew became the first female home extension agent. 

Agnew, a pioneer in rural education, undertook activities such as organizing tomato growing and canning clubs in Virginia. In 1914, Agnew was named an agent for Virginia Polytechnic Institute, the primary USDA land-grant institution in Virginia. 

Today, all of USDA’s extension activities are run through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Did You Know?

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture administers federal funding to address food and agricultural issues. Learn more at https://nifa.usda.gov/

About the Society for History in the Federal Government

Photo from the Records of the Extension Service, National Archives, courtesy of the National Archives History Office, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org.

The Way We Worked celebrates the past 100 years of public service through archival images.