[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AND 4-H

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, periodically, it is my pleasure to 
address the Senate on the effective work of the Cooperative Extension 
Service and 4-H programs.
  The Cooperative Extension Service [CES] is at the heart of many 
American communities. Established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act, the 
CES has been serving the needs of millions of Americans for more than 
80 years. The CES provides education and one-on-one assistance on a 
wide variety of issues, from agribusiness skills and safe chemical 
handling to senior nutrition and child care. The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture works closely with each State's land-grant university to 
provide information on these and other programs to participating 
communities. The hands-on approach increases productivity and keeps 
thousands of farms and families running smoothly.
  Local agents tailor CES programs to meet special area needs. In 
southeast South Dakota, for example, more than 1,200 producers affected 
by flooding received information on cropping alternatives and financial 
management. In Day and Marshall Counties, CES agents organized more 
than 450 South Dakota families and businesses in a recycling effort. 
Another example is the successful Extension Service Indian reservation 
programs. On the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, 87 farmers and 
ranchers completed training for their private pesticide applicators 
license.
  One unique program run by the CES in every South Dakota county is 
helping to put welfare recipients back to work. Every recipient of Aid 
to Families With Dependent Children [AFDC] must attend resourceful 
living classes offered by county extension agents. In these classes, 
welfare recipients learn basic skills such as household budgeting, and 
interviewing skills. No other State in the country has such a program 
to establish self-sufficiency.
  According to the CES, for every dollar invested in CES livestock 
programming, $4.60 to $5.80 is realized in the increased value of 
livestock sold. For every dollar invested in crop programming, the 
value of crops sold is increased by $5.90 to $8.62. Thousands and 
thousands of dollars in health care costs are saved through the 
nutrition and child care education offered by CES. Clearly, this is an 
example of a Federal program with an excellent return on the taxpayers' 
dollar. Why? Because it relies on the common sense participation of 
local folks who know the unique needs in their own communities.
  Another program with a history of common sense result is 4-H. The 
mission of 4-H is to help young people become self-directed, 
productive, and contributing members of society. 4-H members have the 
opportunity to explore many areas of interest. Their projects can 
include raising cattle, hogs, and sheep. Other 4-H projects involve 
growing farm or garden crops, forestry and entomology collections, 
baking, sewing, handicrafts, art, electronics, horse showing, 
photography, public speaking, and much more.
  Nationally about 5.5 million young people are involved in 4-H 
annually. I always enjoy meeting 4-H'ers in my Washington office or at 
our State fair. They always give me helpful advice. 4-H has helped
 them to become well-informed and articulate leaders.

  While growing up on a small family farm in my home State of South 
Dakota, I was active in a local 4-H club, the Humboldt Hustlers. The 9 
years I was active in 4-H helped me develop my personality and better 
focus myself. That helped me to confidently formulate and pursue my 
goals. Each 4-H participant learns the value of teamwork, and gains 
knowledge of the community, State, Nation, and world in which he or she 
lives. I was fortunate to have attended twice the 4-H Club Congress in 
Chicago and the 1961 World Agricultural Fair in Cairo, Egypt. 
Participation in such programs by young people is even more vital today 
with the growing importance of the global community to the United 
States.
  The success of South Dakota 4-H is due to a team of very competent, 
well-informed adult professionals and volunteers who help educate 4-H 
members. I remember in particular two professionals who helped me and 
other South Dakota youth. They were Glenn Schrader, who was the 
Minnehaha County agent for more than 30 years, and John Younger, who 
was the South Dakota 4-H leader for nearly 25 years. Both were 
instrumental in the development of 4-H within South Dakota, as well as 
nationally. All 4-H participants also appreciate their local 4-H 
leaders for the time, effort, and commitment they volunteer. During the 
time I was involved in 4-H, I had two leaders: Elmer Anderson and Harry 
Stofferahn. They shared the values and spirit of 4-H to me 
and my fellow members, for which I am grateful to this day.
  With the reported decline in rural communities, my colleagues may 
wonder how these programs continue to serve a useful purpose. The 
Extension Service and 4-H programs are no longer just for rural areas. 
They have expanded from addressing traditional farm and home economic 
problems to current issues such as teen pregnancy and violence. In 
fact, nearly one-third of 4-H students now reside in urban areas. They 
have grown so fast because the lessons and values that are the essence 
of 4-H--head, heart, hands, and health--transcend geography and 
demography. More important, at a time when thousands of young people in 
urban areas face so many challenges, the lessons and values of 4-H are 
needed more than ever before.
  As Federal budgetary pressures grow, it will be tempting for Congress 
to cut funding for programs such as the CES and 4-H. I hope my 
colleagues will resist this pressure and continue supporting these 
effective programs. The CES and 4-H programs should be permitted to 
continue providing support for communities across the United States for 
many years to come.


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