A strong land-grant tradition and early leadership in the extension movement provide a strong foundation for Iowa State University Extension & Outreach program, which serves Iowans through resources at Iowa State campus and 100 county extension offices.
While agriculture has changed significantly since the first county-wide farm demonstration was established in Sioux County in 1903, the original focus of Iowa State University Extension & Outreach — serving farmers and connecting them to the latest technology and management practices — continues to drive the organization.
“For more than a hundred years, ISU Extension & Outreach has been driving force for change and growth across Iowa,” said Dr. Jason Henderson, vice president for Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University. “I’m inspired by the organization’s unique ability to take cutting-edge science and technology and turn it into practical solutions that help people – whether that’s on the farm, in a business, or within a community. I wanted to be part of that action – helping Iowans tackle real-world challenges with the latest tools and knowledge.”
A native of northeast Iowa, Dr. Henderson earned a bachelor’s degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and master’s degree and PhD in agricultural economics at Purdue University. He is an agricultural economist, an academic leader, and a nationally recognized expert in agricultural and rural issues who served at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and Purdue University before returning to Iowa to lead the state’s extension and outreach programs in April 2023.
Powered by innovation
Agriculture is the heart of Extension’s mission and it will continue to be the core focus, said Dr. Henderson. Extension has a dual role of acting as an “advanced scout” to spot emerging trends and challenges and a catalyst for practical, science-based solutions.
“Because we live and work in communities across Iowa, we’re in a unique position to identify local needs early and bring that insight back to the university,” he said.
“At Iowa State, innovation isn’t just a buzzword – it is part of who we are. Across the university, makers and doers are constantly discovering new ideas, tackling tough challenges and opening doors to new opportunities,” said Dr. Henderson. “What makes ISU Extension & Outreach so special is that we take those discoveries and turn them into real, practical solutions for Iowans.”
He notes that while discovery is the first step, a new idea, product or technology isn’t really an innovation until someone actually uses it. The mission of Extension is to bridge that gap – helping people apply new knowledge in ways that make a difference in their lives and communities.
“We live and work alongside Iowans, so we understand the challenges they face and the goals they’re working toward,” he said. “The real strength of Extension lies in the relationships we build and the trust we’ve earned over time. Especially in rural Iowa, we’re seen as a reliable partner, someone who’s there to help, every step of the way.”
Power of partnerships
Partnerships have always been at the heart of Extension’s success, said Dr. Henderson. For example, the 4-H program is a collaboration powered by thousands of dedicated volunteers, all working together to build the next generation of leaders in agriculture and rural communities.
Extension also works closely with agricultural business to support programs and help bring science and technology directly to people through hands-on education and demonstrations. Collaboration with programs, faculty and students at Iowa State University are also key to identifying and providing solutions to today’s challenges.
“The Digital Ag Innovation Lab partners with ISU Extension to provide timely and relevant insights to farmers on the use and value of technology,” said Dr. Matthew Darr, director of Digital Ag Innovation Lab and BioCentury Research Farm, and professor in the Department of Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. “Our purpose is to empower farmers to adopt technology that is right for them and provides a direct and measurable on-farm value. ISU Extension is a natural partner with a long history of making a positive impact on farmers and ag industries throughout Iowa and the Midwest.”
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab specializes in developing technology and products to make agriculture more productive, efficient and profitable. Research at the lab provides early insight into the technologies that will soon be in farmers’ hands and enables team members to more quickly provide training to farmers on the value of new technology and help them understand where it might fit into their business.
Planter University is one of the premier events presented by Digital Ag Innovation Lab and ISU Extension field agronomist and ag engineers. Each year, the multi-event road show brings hands-on experience to farmers across the state.
“Planting is the most important part of a row crop production system and farmers do this for only a few days per year,” said Dr. Darr. “We’re dedicating our time to provide in-depth education ahead of the planting season to help farmers be ready to react to the weather and seasonal challenges they see each year. Farmers who attend the sessions consistently comment on the net value they receive and the economic impact it has on their farms.”
The Planter University concept success has sparked additional partnership with ISU Extension, including Drone University which covers uses and technology around scouting and spray drones. A Combine University will be piloted in fall 2026 and there are plans for an Applicator University program covering spraying and fertilizer technology in the future.
Powering community growth through education
“Growing up in rural Iowa, I always wondered why some communities thrive and others struggled to survive. Success comes from connecting people with programs that can improve their lives and this is Extension’s mission,” said Dr. Henderson.
New technologies are reshaping how Iowans live and work, which elevates the importance of local connections and developing programs to meet changing needs.
“While we can’t predict exactly what the future holds, we’re not shying away from it – we’re leaning in. The challenges and opportunities facing our communities are real, and they’re exactly the kinds of things Iowa State and Extension are built to address,” he said.
The Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program supports value-added agricultural enterprises, small farms, and regional food systems through research, education, and community engagement, giving entrepreneurs and farmers support to launch businesses and build markets. The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA) program is helping address housing challenges, one of the most critical issues facing rural communities. More than 60 communities have worked with the program to assess housing needs, engage their community and develop place-based strategies. To date, RHRA communities have sparked more than $132 million in housing-related investment, with another $104 million in planning stages.
Community leaders across the state are thinking about how to become places where more people want to live, work and raise families, with a focus on creating good jobs, growing the next generation of leaders and making education, health care, child care, recreation and natural resources more affordable and accessible.
“These are all big questions, and Extension is here to help answer them,” said Dr. Henderson. “We’re helping community and industry leaders think strategically about the future – how to plan for it, how to adapt, and how to position Iowa for long-term growth and success. It’s all about working together to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Published May 2025.