Interview with Hugh Thomas Hurst, September 17, 1984

Interview Summary

Hugh Thomas Hurst was born in Talladega County, Alabama in 1912. He attended Berea College between 1935 and 1939, and earned his B. S. degree in Agriculture. He also completed several agricultural courses at the University of Kentucky and Colorado State University. Hurst recalls he was active in 4-H Clubs while growing up, and explains that his father was an Extension Leader. Hurst served as an extension agent in Whitley, Johnson, McCreary, and Letcher Counties in Kentucky before coming to Pulaski County, where he worked for 38 years. He recalls Pulaski County was considered a "burying ground" for County Agents, due poor funding, bad office conditions, and a resistant attitude from people towards the Extension Service. Hurst talks about UK's policy regarding supplying help to the counties through Extension Services, and his work with Pulaski County leadership to obtain the improvements in personnel and facilities. He recalls his first Assistant County Agent, J. W. Kidwell.

Hurst remembers the local newspaper was not initially friendly towards Extension Services, but stresses the importance of the news media for spreading information about extension. He lists this as one of the many broad changes which have directly or indirectly affected Extension Services. He talks at length about the slow but successful efforts made to improve farming practices and conditions in Pulaski County, including raising corn with the no-till methods and up-to-date machinery. He discusses chickens and notes that Pulaski County is considered the top poultry producing county in the state. Hurst talks about the Green Pasture Program, livestock and alfalfa production, and the building of silos. He discusses improvements in dairy production. He remembers the formation of the Kentucky Artificial Breeding Association and the difficulties with the Strawberry Growers Association.

Hurst recalls the importance of the news media for reaching people and emphasizes that Extension has become more than just farming; it is now a balance of farming, industry, and tourism. He mentions many people in Extension who helped him in his work. Hurst retired in 1977, and recalls his retirement celebrations. The interviewer reads a letter from Senator John Sherman Cooper, who was from Pulaski County. Hurst mentions his work with many professional organizations and pays tribute to J. M. Feltner.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

Hurst, Hugh Thomas, 1912- Hurst, Hugh Thomas, 1912- --Interviews Pulaski County (Ky.) University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.