What act was responsible for establishing vocational agriculture?

The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 played a pivotal role in the establishment of vocational agriculture in the United States. This act was significant because it set aside federal funds to promote vocational education in agriculture, home economics, and trade and industrial courses in public schools. By doing so, it recognized the importance of practical skills and training in these fields, laying the foundation for agricultural education as we know it today.

The act aimed to develop a skilled workforce capable of advancing agricultural practices and supporting the nation's economy through enhanced education opportunities for students interested in farming and agricultural careers. It helped formalize the structure of agricultural education programs, enabling students to gain valuable hands-on experience and knowledge necessary for success in the agricultural sector.

In contrast, while the Land Grant Act established colleges that focused on agricultural and mechanical arts, it did not specifically focus on vocational training. The National School Act and the Agrarian Act do not have the same recognition or direct relation to the promotion of vocational education in agriculture as the Smith-Hughes Act does. Thus, the establishment of vocational agriculture is most accurately attributed to the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917.