What We Do
K-State Research and Extension improves Kansans' lives, livelihoods and communities through education, research, engagement and leadership.
The Post Rock Extension District is committed to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. We strive to expand human capacity by delivering educational programs and technical information that result in improved knowledge and behaviors, as well as enhance the systems and environments supporting our communities.
Who We Are
The Post Rock Extension District comprises Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith Counties in north-central Kansas. A staff of six extension agents and eleven support staff serve this district’s combined population of over 18,500 people.
We are a vibrant district with vigorous in-person and digital educational outreach. We have a history of community partnerships and an exciting future with opportunities to collaborate to meet community needs.
We Understand Key Issues
K-State Research and Extension is focused on solving grand challenges in the state around water, health, global food systems, vitalizing communities, and developing tomorrow's leaders. We are a network of dedicated extension specialists, agents, researchers, and volunteers who partner with Kansans to help solve problems.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Within the Post Rock Extension District, our team understands key issues facing Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith Counties because we are close to them.
K-State Research and Extension is a partnership between Kansas State University and the federal, state, and county governments. Research completed is used by our extension agents and others to help solve community issues. This integrated system connects K-State to every county through locally based educators who serve as sources of objective information.
Post Rock Extension District History
K-State Research and Extension has been improving the quality of life and standard of living for Kansans for over a century.
In 1991, the Kansas Legislature passed an act permitting two or more county extension councils to form a district to deliver the extension program. The first extension district in Kansas was formed in 1994.
On July 1, 1994, Post Rock District #1 was formed by merging the Lincoln County Extension Council and the Mitchell County Extension Council. On July 1, 2005, Jewell and Osborne Counties joined the District. On July 1, 2012 Smith County joined the Post Rock District, expanding the service area to five counties in North Central Kansas. The K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District offices are located in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne, and Smith Center.
Post Rock District has a twenty-member governing board, represented by four board members from each county in the District. Board members are elected in an election conducted by the County Clerk in each county. The District Governing Board, in partnership with the K-State Research and Extension Regional Director, is responsible for leading the local educational program and developing the budget in the District.