UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Bedford County Commissioners at their Feb. 27 meeting passed a proclamation recognizing Penn State Cooperative Extension for its historical contributions to the county's vitality.

After the proclamation, Daney Jackson, statewide director of Penn State Cooperative Extension, presented the commissioners with a plaque commemorating the appointment of A.B. Ross as the nation's first county extension agent, in Bedford County almost a century ago.

"Bedford County has a proud tradition of extension education," the proclamation states. "Beginning with the first agent in 1910, A. B. Ross, agents have continued to provide new knowledge and expertise in the areas vital to the development of the county, such as nutrition, family life, animal health, pest control, farm management and land utilization, as well as organizing and maintaining volunteer leadership to serve youth involved in the 4-H program.

"In recognition of the service to the citizens of Bedford County," the proclamation continues, "the Bedford County commissioners do hereby recognize A.B. Ross and Penn State Cooperative Extension for improving the lives of individuals and families in Bedford County."

Ross's appointment by the USDA's Office of Farm Management was a watermark in Pennsylvania's agricultural history. His headquarters was in Schellsburg.

According to "The College of Agriculture at Penn State: A Tradition of Excellence," by historian Michael Bezilla, published by Penn State Press in 1987, Ross had been practicing law in Cleveland, Ohio, until ill health had forced his return to his native Bedford County in 1907.

"Looking for a way to occupy himself during his recuperation, Ross became interested in scientific agriculture and was appalled to learn how little local farmers knew about the subject," Bezilla writes. "He began traveling the countryside on horseback, making friends with agriculturists and distributing copies of USDA bulletins. He was soon proficient enough to make inoculation tests for legumes, advise farmers on corn varieties best suited for Bedford County, and suggest better farm-management techniques."

The success of Ross's activities came to the attention of authorities in Washington, D.C., and he was eventually making his rounds throughout Bedford and five adjacent counties in a USDA-supplied automobile rather than in the saddle.

"Extension educators have made huge contributions to Pennsylvania communities for nearly 100 years," Jackson says. "Through the years, many labored in relative obscurity, but they laid the foundation for extension's still-vital role. The partnership between cooperative extension and counties such as Bedford remains strong.

"The future of extension is bright," Jackson adds. "The organization will continue to evolve to provide the educational programs and support the state needs."

Penn State Cooperative Extension is a nonformal, community-based educational resource, funded cooperatively by state and county governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each year, more than 2 million people participate in Penn State Cooperative Extension programs in agriculture; natural resources and environmental management; 4-H/youth development; community resources and economic development; family development and resource management; leadership and volunteer development; and nutrition, diet and health.

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(EDITORS: To obtain high-quality photos to accompany this story, e-mail a request to jjm29@psu.edu.)

EDITORS: Contact Daney Jackson at (814) 865-5410 or by e-mail at dgj3@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem 814-863-2719 jjm29@psu.edu