About Us

 WE ARE

the NDSU Extension Service. We extend education to North Dakota residents of all ages and walks of life. You’ll find us at work in your county, at Research Extension Centers and at the main campus of North Dakota State University. As North Dakotans work to improve their lives, we’re there to help. Our efforts have a special emphasis on strengthening agriculture and developing the potential of youth, adults and communities. Our efforts are funded by county, state and federal government.

We have a rich history of extending North Dakota’s land-grant university. Federal legislation established Extension in 1914, but years before that our predecessors were extending education through lectures, institutes, tours, fairs and demonstrations. 

OUR PURPOSE

is to create learning partnerships that help adults and youth enhance their lives and communities.

In pursuit of our purpose, we believe:

• in lifelong learning

• in maximizing resources through partnerships

• that all people have dignity and worth

• in informed decision making

• in promoting economic and environmental sustainability

• that learners are responsible for their decisions and actions

• in encouraging and supporting creativity and innovation

• in integrating research-based knowledge with knowledge that is generated through the experiences of our partners and clients

• in teamwork and shared leadership

• that our university base, along with our local, state and national network, enhances our educational capabilities

OUR VISION

is to be the premier lifelong education network that helps North Dakotans improve their quality of life. To achieve that vision, we will strive to be innovative, adaptable and willing to take risks to create new ways of thinking, learning and addressing issues.

OUR PROGRAM PRIORITIES

• Farm, Family and Community Economics
• 4-H Youth Development
• Human Development
• Nutrition, Food Safety and Health
• Profitable and Sustainable Animal Production
• Profitable and Sustainable Crop Production
• Urban and Natural Resources

WE ACHIEVE

our purpose and vision through diverse programs and partnerships that extend research, technology and knowledge to many audiences. A few examples:

• Cooperating with research and industry experts to train wheat producers to detect and manage significant pests

• Forming partnerships with schools to teach good nutrition to grade school children

• Teaching North Dakota youth self-confidence and decision-making skills through 4-H programs

• Cooperating with value-added industries to provide production and marketing expertise

• Preparing parents to meet the rigors of child-rearing

• Training pesticide applicators to do their work more effectively and safely

• Providing educational support for the state’s cattle-feeding industry

• Educating restaurant managers on innovative approaches to improving food safety

• Studying the availability of crop-processing byproducts and their use as animal feed

• Involving thousands of students in community service programs 

April 1997, Reviewed February 2006, Updated November 2010