WSU Cooperative Extension
WSU Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, delivering research-based education, agricultural extension, and 4-H youth programs to Washington State farmers, communities, and families through county offices and four Research and Extension Centers.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1890
- HeadquartersKelso, Washington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What WSU Cooperative Extension does
WSU Cooperative Extension (operating as WSU Extension) is the outreach arm of Washington State University, a public land-grant research university founded in 1890. It operates under the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), which accounts for approximately 37% of all WSU extramural spending — more than $114 million in fiscal year 2025. WSU Extension delivers research-based educational programs to Washington State farmers, K-12 youth, communities, and university students through a statewide network of county offices and four Research and Extension Centers (Prosser/IAREC, Wenatchee/TFREC, Mount Vernon/NWREC, and Puyallup).
The core product portfolio spans academic programs (22 majors, 19 minors, 27 graduate programs), applied agricultural research, and direct extension services including the 4-H youth development program, Master Gardener Program, and Juntos 4-H. Domain-specialized technology assets include the AgWeatherNet weather monitoring system (available as a mobile app), the Decision Aid System for fruit and potato growers, and proprietary plant genetics including the trademarked Cosmic Crisp® apple (originally WA 38, launched 2020, generating over $28 million in royalties) and the in-development Sunflare™ variety targeting a 2029 commercial launch.
Revenue mechanics are diversified across federal and state appropriations (USDA Smith-Lever Act funding, block grants), competitive extramural grants, private endowments (e.g., the $5 million Cashup Davis Family Endowment established in 2018), donations, and licensing royalties from commercialized research products. Most programs and publications are provided free of charge; the 300,000 annual volunteer hours reflect the program's reliance on community-based delivery. Strategic leadership rests with Dean Raj Khosla, the Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS.
WSU Cooperative Extension firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WSU Cooperative Extension
- Legal name
- Washington State University
- Website
- https://cahnrs.wsu.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1890
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- WSU Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, delivering research-based education, agricultural extension, and 4-H youth programs to Washington State farmers, communities, and families through county offices and four Research and Extension Centers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WSU Cooperative Extension industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Extension Services
- NAICS
- Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (6117)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with Major Extension & Outreach Missions (EDAHAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)
Keywords
Where WSU Cooperative Extension is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kelso, Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
WSU Cooperative Extension business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funding & Grants: As part of WSU's land-grant mission, CAHNRS receives substantial government funding and competitive extramural grants. The college accounts for close to 37% of all WSU extramural spending, with more than $114 million in fiscal year 2025.
- Endowments & Donations: Private endowments like the $5 million Cashup Davis Family Endowment support academic and research endeavors. The college also receives donations through its foundation.
- Licensing Royalties: Revenue from commercializing research products including the Cosmic Crisp® apple variety which has generated over $28 million in royalties.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free Extension Programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
WSU Cooperative Extension product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WSU Cooperative Extension delivers research-based educational outreach, applied agricultural research, and community development services to Washington State residents through county extension offices, four Research and Extension Centers, and digital platforms. The organization supports farmers, youth, families, and communities with programs in agriculture, natural resources, food safety, youth development (4-H), and horticulture, while also commercializing research products such as the Cosmic Crisp® apple variety and Cougar Gold cheese.
Product overview
WSU Cooperative Extension operates as part of Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), delivering educational programs, research, and outreach across Washington state. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio including academic programs (22 majors, 19 minors, 27 graduate programs), research operations (over $114M in extramural funding), and diverse extension services. Key products and programs include WSU Extension with educational outreach in agriculture and community development; the AgWeatherNet weather monitoring system and Decision Aid System for growers; 4-H youth development including Master Gardener and Juntos programs; research publications and guides; specialty products like the Cosmic Crisp apple and Cougar Gold cheese; and specialized centers addressing viticulture, stormwater management, plant health, and pollinator research. The portfolio is organized around land-grant mission activities supporting healthy communities, sustainable agriculture, and economic development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 4-H Youth Development Program: Youth development program focusing on leadership, citizenship, and life skills
- Master Gardener Program
- Juntos 4-H Program
- AgWeatherNet
Products and services
- WSU Extension Programs Educational outreach programs engaging communities across Washington State through research-based knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and community development.
- 4-H Youth Development Program Youth development program including Japanese exchange programs, firearm injury prevention, and community leadership activities for K-12 youth across Washington State.
- Master Gardener Program Volunteer program training community members in horticulture and gardening, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.
- AgWeatherNet Weather monitoring network providing free local weather data to the agricultural industry and general public, available as a mobile app.
- Decision Aid System (DAS) Decision support system helping fruit and potato growers plan for success with disease, insect, pollination, and crop management information.
- Cosmic Crisp® Apple WSU-bred signature apple variety (WA 38) launched commercially in 2020, generating over $28 million in royalties; successor variety Sunflare™ is in development expected to reach market in 2029.
- Cougar Gold Cheese Iconic WSU cheese product produced at the WSU Creamery, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023.
- WSU Wine Science Program Viticulture and enology program including the Wine Science Center, student-made Blended Learning wines, and a new master's degree at Tri-Cities campus.
- Clean Plant Center Northwest Center focused on keeping viruses out of crops and fighting plant diseases including Little Cherry Disease.
- Juntos 4-H Program Program helping Latinx youth and families plan for higher education and career success.
- Washington Stormwater Center Center helping businesses understand stormwater runoff regulations and protect water quality for salmon.
- WSU Creamery Products Dairy products including Cougar Gold cheese, ice cream, and beef sticks produced for educational and retail purposes.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $28 million in royalties from Cosmic Crisp® apple commercialization
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use WSU Cooperative Extension
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
WSU Cooperative Extension technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
WSU Cooperative Extension partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Partners for Rural WashingtoncoreWSU Extension's Community and Economic Development unit partners with this nonprofit on The Giving Grid project, bringing sustainable energy and long-term savings to rural Washington schools. The partnership was showcased at a national conference.
- Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)coreWSDA provides grants to support testing programs for Little Cherry Disease and specialty crop research at WSU's Clean Plant Center Northwest.
- Washington Tree Fruit Research CommissioncoreCollaborates with WSU on tree fruit research including fire blight management and WA 38 apple variety development and commercialization.
- USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)coreUSDA-ARS is constructing a new Plant Sciences Building on the WSU Pullman campus to address critical challenges facing national and global agriculture. Joint research programs in specialty crops.
- USDAcoreFederal partner supporting agricultural research and extension through block grants and collaborative research initiatives.
- States' 4-H International Exchange ProgramsminorInternational youth exchange program bringing Japanese students to Washington State through the 4-H program, including reunion events with host families.
- Labo International ExchangeminorInternational partner for 4-H youth exchange program with Japan.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
WSU Cooperative Extension competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cornell Cooperative Extension: Cornell Cooperative Extension is Cornell's statewide applied-research and outreach system for agriculture, nutrition, youth, and community development. Its university-to-community delivery model closely parallels WSU Extension.
- University of Minnesota Extension: University of Minnesota Extension disseminates applied research across agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and community vitality. Its statewide network and educational role align with WSU's extension activities.
- Penn State Extension: Penn State Extension is Pennsylvania's university-based outreach organization for agriculture, environment, community, and youth programs. Its applied research and practical education offering is closely comparable to WSU Extension.
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: UF/IFAS Extension is the University of Florida's statewide extension arm, translating agricultural and natural-resource research into education and technical support. Its public-service mission and county network are similar to WSU's.
- Purdue Extension: Purdue Extension is Purdue University's statewide land-grant outreach system serving agriculture, families, youth, and communities. It offers a similar public research-to-practitioner model and public-service mission.
- Michigan State University Extension: Michigan State University Extension provides research-based education in agriculture, natural resources, community development, and youth. It shares a land-grant extension mission, decentralized delivery, and public funding model.
Regional players
- Oregon State University Extension Service: Oregon State University Extension is a neighboring land-grant program serving Oregon through county-based agriculture, 4-H, natural-resource, and community education. Its Pacific Northwest footprint and research-translation role make it a strong regional comparable.
- University of Idaho Extension: University of Idaho Extension links university research to agricultural, youth, and community programs through a public land-grant model across Idaho. Its regional scale and county-based delivery are directly comparable to WSU Extension.
Broad incumbents
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is a large statewide public extension network delivering agriculture, natural-resource, youth, and community programs. Its scale is broader, but its university research and county-based delivery model are highly comparable.
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: UC ANR is California's public land-grant research and extension system, delivering applied agricultural research, education, and community programs statewide. Its broader statewide research and extension remit is a close functional analogue to WSU's CAHNRS and Extension platform.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
WSU Cooperative Extension social profiles
Digital presenceWSU Cooperative Extension financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WSU Cooperative Extension leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
WSU Cooperative Extension funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WSU Cooperative Extension M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WSU Cooperative Extension
What does WSU Cooperative Extension do?
WSU Cooperative Extension delivers research-based educational outreach, applied agricultural research, and community development services to Washington State residents through county extension offices, four Research and Extension Centers, and digital platforms. The organization supports farmers, youth, families, and communities with programs in agriculture, natural resources, food safety, youth development (4-H), and horticulture, while also commercializing research products such as the Cosmic Crisp® apple variety and Cougar Gold cheese.
Is WSU Cooperative Extension a public or private company?
WSU Cooperative Extension is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was WSU Cooperative Extension founded?
WSU Cooperative Extension was founded in 1890. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is WSU Cooperative Extension based?
WSU Cooperative Extension is headquartered in Kelso, Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does WSU Cooperative Extension make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Funding & Grants are the primary driver. The others are endowments & Donations and licensing Royalties.
Who are WSU Cooperative Extension's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cornell Cooperative Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, Penn State Extension, University of Florida IFAS Extension, Purdue Extension and Michigan State University Extension. Regional players are Oregon State University Extension Service and University of Idaho Extension. Broad incumbents are Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Does WSU Cooperative Extension have an API?
No public API is recorded for WSU Cooperative Extension.
What industry is WSU Cooperative Extension in?
WSU Cooperative Extension's product category is Agricultural Extension Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAG, Public Research Universities with Major Extension & Outreach Missions, with a secondary code of EDAAAEAA, University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs. Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8200.