Which act focuses on vocational agricultural education?

The Smith Hughes Act is significant because it specifically aimed to promote vocational education in agriculture and industry in the United States. Enacted in 1917, the act provided federal funding to support vocational agricultural training programs in secondary schools. This was crucial during a time when there was a growing need for trained individuals to work in agricultural sectors amidst the rapidly changing practices and technology in farming.

The emphasis on vocational education in agriculture helped to enhance the skills of future farmers, providing them with practical training and knowledge essential for efficient farming. This act laid the groundwork for what would become the cooperative extension service and the establishment of FFA (Future Farmers of America), emphasizing the importance of hands-on education in the field of agriculture.

In contrast, the other options you might consider did not primarily focus on vocational education in agriculture. The Smith Lever Act facilitated agricultural extension services to disseminate research findings to farmers, while the Hatch Act primarily supported agricultural experiment stations for research. The Gas Tractor Act dealt with the regulation of tractors in agriculture but was not centered on educational initiatives. Thus, the Smith Hughes Act stands out as the cornerstone in the development of vocational agricultural education.