Mission & History
For more than 100 years, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has improved Texans’ lives with innovative, science-based solutions and education in communities across the state.
Helping Texans Thrive
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides innovative solutions at the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, youth and health, thereby improving the well-being of individuals, families, businesses and communities through education and service.
A century-old purpose
The Texas Agricultural Extension Service was established in 1915 soon after President Woodrow Wilson signed federal legislation into law specifically to provide funds to land-grant universities to establish extension services and make access to these resources more equal.
More than a century later, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services continues to provide a network of agents and specialists that deliver educational programs and services across the state.
Our Mission
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service works daily to make Texas better by providing innovative solutions at the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, youth and health, thereby improving the well-being of individuals, families, businesses and communities through education and service.
Our Vision
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be the leader in providing science-based information and solutions in agriculture and health to Texans when and where they need us.
Our Values
We value People, Programs and Partnerships.
Our History At-a-Glance
- Congress passed the Hatch Experiment Station Act of 1887 which led to the founding of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas.
- To help the land-grant universities extend their findings to the farmers and ranchers that relied on their advancements, Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service was established on January 29, 1915.
- In 1948, the Extension agency was incorporated with six other agencies into the newly established Texas A&M University System.
- Texas Agricultural Extension Service changed its name in 2001 to Texas Cooperative Extension and again in 2008 to Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Finally, on September 1, 2012, the agency incorporated “A&M” into its name becoming Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Preserve the future of Texas Agriculture
By supporting our mission to improve agriculture, natural resources, youth and health across the state, your gift can make a positive impact on Texans for generations.