Interview with Ernest L. Harris, June 28, 1985

Interview Summary

Ernest Leo Harris was born in Madison County, Kentucky. He graduated from high school in Richmond, Kentucky, attended Eastern Kentucky University for two years and completed his B. S. degree at the University of Kentucky in 1941. He recalls J. Lester Miller, Madison County Extension Agent. He remembers his early experiences with UK's Cooperative Extension, especially 4-H Club activities. Harris credits UK's College of Agriculture for showing people how and where to get the information they needed. He worked for Swift and Company in Chicago, Illinois after serving in the Army.

Harris returned to Oldham County, Kentucky in 1946 to help run a general farm operation with his father-in-law, and used horses to plow before purchasing tractor and other farm machinery. He credits UK's Extension Services for assistance with improvements in crop production, as well as feeding, breeding, and management of his livestock. He emphasizes that computers are a good working tool for his business, but no substitute for his education in math. Harris remembers his work with the Governor's Blueprint Committee, and mentions his awards and his memberships in various organizations and associations. Harris notes the decline in the number of small farmers but does not believe that big cooperative farms are more efficient. He talks about the Kentucky Farm Bureau and various conservation practices for farming.

Harris discusses some of the changes and problems occurring in the county while he served as Vice-President of the Oldham County Planning and Zoning Committee. He remembers County Agents whom he has worked with over the years and the importance of these contacts. He emphasizes the importance of Extension's role in showing farmers the "how" as well as the "why" in solving their problems. Harris discusses State and County fairs and his work with judging teams at the state, county, and university level. He recalls satisfying and dissatisfying experiences. Harris talks about his wife, Dorothy Agnes Fuller, as well as his family. Harris was the recipient of UK's Thomas Poe Cooper Award in 1965 and Distinguished Alumni Award in 1983.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Harris, Ernest L. Harris, Ernest L.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service

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