Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/152

 Agricultural instruction has been given at the university since 1876, but in 1885 the "short course" and the courses which are especially formed for those who did not have the time or educational qualifications to take the long courses, were instituted. These courses have been of enormous help to the entire state; they have been the chief source of the upbuilding of the great dairy industry of the state, now probably second to none in the country.

In 1890 the course especially adapted for creamery and cheese factory operators was started. Hundreds of young men actually engaged in agricultural pursuits attended these courses every year. In 1908 in addition to farmers' institutes, agricultural field work was started; demonstrations of all kinds were held throughout the state. Through this whole agricultural extension movement, probably a closer relation between the farmers and the agricultural department has been instituted in Wisconsin than in any other state and this is just the beginning. The county agricultural schools have aided this work greatly in recent years and are being rapidly established. The following quotation from a recent report shows how rapidly and how efficiently this work is progressing:—

"Besides supplying the real needs of agricultural instruction in their counties, these schools serve a class of people the county and high schools fail to reach; they carry on their own lines of