Interview with Faye R. Atherton, December 5, 1984

Interview Summary

Faye R. Atherton, a former UK extension agent, was born in McLean County near Livermore, Kentucky in 1925. He recalls attending a one-room country school called Buck Creek. After high school, he entered the service for two years, and then attended the University of Kentucky for two semesters. Atherton had to drop out to help his father on the farm, but he finished his B.S. degree at Western Kentucky University in 1949.

Between 1950 and 1954, Atherton taught war veterans farming techniques and developed an appreciation for farm records. During the mid-1950s, he worked as an assistant county agent in Todd County, Kentucky, and then from 1956 until 1960, he was the county agent for Carlisle County, Kentucky. Atherton was appointed county agent in Barren County, Kentucky in February 1960. He describes the dynamics of the farm community and the income generated from the various agricultural practices in this county, particularly crops and dairy. He discusses how Cooperative Extension Services has become instrumental in improving standards of living and opportunities for education for farm families.

Atherton describes the Farm-City Expo, which grew out of the Farm-City and Rural Development Programs. He talks about the Barren County Extension Council and its role in the county. He describes the Area Extension Council, which covers ten counties around the Mammoth Cave area and discusses the role of the State Extension Council. Atherton points out various extension approaches utilized over time such as Farm-Home, Area, and County Programs. He states that farm organizations assist farmers by grouping together to be "heard" at the local, state, and national level and compliments the teamwork of the farm community. Atherton also discusses the supporting role of the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture to the farm community.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Atherton, Faye R., 1925- Atherton, Faye R., 1925- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service

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Interview Usage

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