Interview with Robert M. Jones, April 23, 1985

Interview Summary

Robert Jones, former county agent with University of Kentucky extension service, was born in Harrison County in 1929. He received his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture in 1951 and his Master's degree from Michigan State University in 1963. Jones states that he became interested in agriculture in his work with 4-H as a child, and recalls that his county agent, Bob Wiggington, marveled him.

In September of 1955, Jones became an Assistant County Agent in Floyd County, Kentucky. He recalls that Floyd County was a coal mining area and many of the farmers were part-time farmers who used their crops to stretch their income. He describes a sheep program and a strawberry project in Floyd County. In 1965, Jones transferred to Grant County, which had a large number of full-time farmers. Jones talks about tobacco, the acreage/poundage program, forage programs, and the loss of alfalfa. He describes changes in fertility programs and feeder calf production, and mentions his work with the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA).

Between 1966 and 1970, Jones was an Extension Resource Development Specialist, and he states that he worked with existing organizations to find opportunities for improvement. He explains that he missed being a part of the community as a county agent, and in 1970 became a county agent in Pendleton County, Kentucky. Jones describes the standard of living in Pendleton County, and explains that black shank, a destructive tobacco disease, hit Pendleton County hard. He also mentions the dairy industry, beef cattle and improvements in the fair grounds in Pendleton County.

Jones recalls major accomplishments of UK's extension service and the contributions of the College of Agriculture. He mentions specialists with the College of Agriculture who assisted him such as Monty Chappell and Russell Hunt, and talks about a local veterinarian with whom he worked. He discusses his work with the Kentucky County Agent Association and the National County Agent Association. Jones describes his participation in 4-H camping programs and the involvement of Dr. Davenport in these camps to help young people learn about forestry. Along with working as an extension agent, Jones was involved in the Artificial Breeding Association.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Jones, Robert M., 1929- Jones, Robert M., 1929- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service

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Interview Usage

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