Which act was established in 1914 to promote agricultural education and extension?

The Smith-Lever Act, established in 1914, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at promoting agricultural education and extension services across the United States. This act provided for cooperative extension services to be run by state agricultural colleges, ensuring that research conducted at these institutions could be directly translated into practical guidance for farmers and rural communities. The intent was to enhance the knowledge and skills of agricultural producers, ultimately improving productivity and sustainability in farming practices.

The act marked a vital step in formalizing the role of extension services, which serve as a bridge between academic research and the practical needs of the agricultural sector. Through workshops, demonstrations, and publications, extension agents facilitate the dissemination of information on best practices in farming, pest management, crop selection, and more, tailored to the regional context.

In contrast, the other options listed, while related to agriculture, have different focuses. The Smith-Hughes Act primarily aimed at vocational education in secondary schools, the Hatch Experimentation Act established agricultural experiment stations for research purposes, and the Gas Tractor Act dealt with mechanization in agriculture without a particular emphasis on education or extension.