Yellowstone County Logo     Welcome to Yellowstone County's Extension Office

What is Extension?

The Yellowstone County Extension Service is an off-campus arm of the Montana State University. Our purpose is to provide unbiased, research-based information, educational resources and outreach programs to youth and adults through the Land Grant University System. 

Education is the basic job of County Extension Agents and Subject Matter Specialists. As educators, they represent Montana State University and the United States Department of Agriculture. Specialists are the link between the many sources of information (including new research), the County Agent and his/her clientele. They help plan educational programs and provide informational support on the subject of their specialty. County Agents present information and programming  within their local communities. Agents help community members interpret information and encourage them to make sound decisions that impact their lives and their communities.

History of the Cooperative Extension Service

The roots of Extension go deep in American history. The concept that all people can benefit from education is a great part of the tradition of free America. Founding fathers developed agricultural societies that provided educational opportunities for farmers and industrial workers and encouraged citizens to learn and apply their social, political and economical knowledge. These agricultural societies were influential in the passage of legislation permitting the establishment of Colleges of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in all states. In 1887, Agricultural Experiment Stations were authorized and the Cooperative Extension Service was established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act.

2023 Yellowstone County MSU Extension Program Highlights

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and Montana State University 
Extension prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, 
age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital/family status. Montana State 
University Extension encourages the participation of all individuals including those with 
disabilities. If you require special accommodations to participate in programming or activites or
have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Extension Office at 
406-256-2828 in advance of your participation.