Department of Information and Agricultural Journalism publications

The Department of Information and Agricultural Journalism was formed in the College of Agriculture to prepare students to work in the agri-business field. The department began with the founding of the college’s Publications Office in 1912 on the St. Paul campus. The first journalism course at the University was taught in 1915 on the St Paul Campus by William P. Kirkwood, publications director of the College of Agriculture. Coursework was taught thorough the College of Agriculture: a course sequence and degree program was launched in 1945. The program was supported financially by Agricultural Extension Services and the College of Agriculture.

In 1952, the name was changed to the Department of Information Service; in 1962 the name changed again to became the Department of Information Service and Agricultural Journalism. Students enrolled in courses through both the College of Agriculture and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications to complete the degree. In 1984, it was decided to abolish the program because of University budget cuts. The last students were admitted into the program in 1984, and the department closed in 1986.

The department was responsible for the publication of numerous printed publications, including all of the Extension Bulletinsand Experiment Station Bulletins, Technical Bulletins, 4H Club Bulletin, Minnesota Farm and Home Science, Minnesota Feed Science, Farm Business Notes, and news service press releases to local new publications, radio stations and trade papers.