In a recent presentation to county commissioners, I included a slide that asked a simple but important question: “Why do we need K-State Extension when we have Google?”
It’s a fair question. Today, anyone can search for information in seconds. Answers are immediate. Advice is everywhere. Videos, blogs, podcasts, social media posts; the volume of information available is overwhelming. So where does K-State Extension fit?
The answer is this: Google gives you information. K-State Extension gives you application, context, and trust.
Search engines can provide thousands of answers. But they can’t tell you which recommendation fits western Kansas soil conditions. They can’t evaluate your pasture, your business plan, your parenting challenge, or your local regulation. They don’t know your community, your climate, or your constraints. K-State Extension does.
As part of Kansas State University, K-State Extension translates university research into practical, local solutions. Our agents live and work in the communities they serve. We understand the realities of agriculture, small business development, youth programming, and family life in central and western Kansas.
When a producer has a forage question, we don’t offer a generic answer; we interpret research in the context of local rainfall patterns, soil types, and market conditions. When a parent needs guidance, we rely on evidence-based programs, not internet opinion. When an entrepreneur wants to start a food business, we connect them with research-backed resources, regulatory guidance, and experienced professionals. K-State Extension is not just about answers. It’s about trusted relationships.
Our staff build long-term partnerships with schools, producers, community leaders, and families. We serve on advisory councils, collaborate with local organizations, and respond when emerging issues affect our counties. That level of engagement cannot be replicated by an algorithm.
Another key difference is accountability. The information we provide is grounded in university research. It is reviewed, evidence-based, and designed to improve outcomes; whether in agriculture, health, youth development, or community vitality. In an age of misinformation, that matters.
Google may provide speed. K-State Extension provides confidence.
Google may give you options. K-State Extension helps you make decisions.
Google can search the world. K-State Extension serves your county.
As District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District, I am proud of the work our agents, program assistants, community health worker and office professionals do every day to bring reliable, research-based education directly to the people of our communities. Our goal is not to compete with search engines; it is to ensure that when our residents need answers that truly fit their situation, they have a trusted local resource.
That is the value of K-State Extension.
And that is why we are here.