Welcome to Mercer County!

Did you know that the Mercer County Extension office is a "branch office" of The Ohio State University? Ohio State University Extension is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Ohio State University, and Mercer County Commissioners. Our Mercer County Office is your front door to the Ohio State University.

We are the world's largest nonformal educational system. Our practical educational programs combine the needs of local citizens and communities with new research and technical information. A few areas of focus are agriculture, 4-H youth development, environment and leadership. These programs are continuously being evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs and issues facing our community. 

Overall, Extension's mission is to help improve and strengthen the lives of Ohioans and we want to start right here in Mercer County. We have answers for communities and individuals. Our clients are Ohioans - rural, urban, all ages, sizes and races. Our clients are YOU.

OSU Extension's Mission:

Engaging people to strengthen their lives and communities through research-based educational programming.

OSU Extension's Vision:

OSU Extension is a dynamic educational entity that partners with individuals, families, communities, business and industry, and organizations to strenghten the lives of Ohioans.  As Extension educators we:

• Focus on critical economic, environmental, leadership, and youth and family issues.
• Engage people in lifelong learning.
• Apply knowledge and practical research to the diverse needs and interests of Ohioans in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
• Extend the resources of The Ohio State University.
• Recruit and develop volunteers to multiply Extension's efforts while developing their leadership potential.
• Enhance teamwork through networking and connectedness.
• Link youth, family, and community needs to scholars in Ohio and nationwide.
• Teach with cutting-edge strategies using new technologies and approaches.