Agricultural Extension agents and agricultural educators serve pivotal roles linking research, practice, and knowledge. However, increasing workloads, staffing shortages, and varying digital access make effective communication and teaching more challenging. As Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) becomes more accessible, it presents opportunities to support instructional and outreach efforts, yet questions and mixed perceptions surround its use.

This study explored awareness, experiences, and perceptions of GenAI among [State] Extension agents and agricultural educators. The research examined current use, openness to adoption, perceived benefits and barriers, and factors influencing use. Additionally, it identified ways GenAI could support professional responsibilities and explored training needs that might increase willingness and confidence. A Qualtrics survey included demographic items, closed-ended questions on awareness and perceptions, and open-ended questions capturing perspectives, concerns, and application ideas. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics and use patterns, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically to identify common themes related to benefits, barriers, and support needs.

Findings reveal participants are increasingly aware of GenAI and express strong curiosity about professional applications. A smaller subset reported current use and growing confidence; however, most described a cautious approach shaped by concerns about accuracy, ethics, data privacy, cost, relevance, and institutional expectations. Openness to adoption was tied to perceived usefulness and uncertainty about whether learning GenAI would yield meaningful professional benefit. Participants emphasized needs for clear guidance, ethical guardrails, and practical, discipline-specific professional development.

Results indicate conditional readiness to engage with GenAI, dependent upon trust, relevance, and demonstrable value in agricultural education and Extension contexts. This study contributes to growing conversation about emerging technologies' role in agricultural education. Findings can inform professional development efforts equipping Extension agents, agricultural educators, and students with knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations necessary to use GenAI effectively and responsibly.