Polk County Extension
About Us

The Cooperative Extension Service in Polk County dates back to 1917 when it was formed by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.  The U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 which set up the Cooperative Extension Service as a joint program among federal, state, and county governments.  Although the act has been amended many times over the years, the purpose - to make research information from the Land Grant Universities available to local people and to encourage them to use the information - has never changed.

The first Agriculture Agent, Mr Bill Gomme, was appointed in 1917. He was followed in the early 1920's by Frank Holland.  Paul Hayman, a native of Bartow, became the Agriculture Agent in 1933 and served until 1963.  Mr. Hayman was instrumental in forming a number of organizations including: Ridge Beekeepers’ Assoc., Polk County Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, Polk Soil Conservation District, and the Polk County Youth Fair.  Mr. Jack McKown followed Mr. Hayman as Extension Director.

Up until the early 1960's the Agricultural program and the Home Demonstration program (now the Family and Consumer Sciences program) were administered as two separate programs.  The Home Demonstration program was administered by Florida State University in Tallahassee and the Agriculture program by the University of Florida.  The two programs were combined and are now administered through the University of Florida in Gainesville.  The first Home Demonstration Agent was Lois Godby.  Mrs. Ruth Elkins also served as Home Demonstration Agent for many years.

Originally the Home Demonstration Agent’s office was located in the old courthouse in downtown Bartow.  The Agricultural Agent’s office was across Main Street, above a store front.  Beginning in 1948 the Polk County Crop and Livestock Pavilion (Agricultural Center) was built.  It was dedicated in 1951 and the Extension Offices were moved to the Agricultural Center where they remain today.