Porter Farms
Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Birthplace of agricultural (cooperative) extension, under lead of Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, U.S. Department of Agriculture. On Feb. 26, 1903, from places offered, a special committee of citizens selected farm of Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Porter for first "farm demonstration". The project was highly successful in demonstrating methods of farming. Extension is now part of each state land-grant university and adapted in many foreign nations. Porter sons still operate this pioneer farm, "Where science and farmers first joined hands".
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On February 26, 1903, a citizens' committee chose the farm of Walter C. and Mrs. Porter for the first 'farm demonstration' led by Dr. Seaman A. Knapp of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The wildly successful project proved that scientific methods could transform ordinary farming and gave birth to what became the nationwide agricultural cooperative extension. Today extension work is part of every land-grant university and has been adapted around the world.
Why it matters
This Kaufman County field is the birthplace of cooperative agricultural extension, where science and farmers 'first joined hands' to modernize American agriculture.
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Related people
- · Seaman A. Knapp
- · Walter C. Porter
Themes & tags
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