The cooperative extension service faces various changes in society that will affect its funding, programming methodology, and mission over the next five years. Most of the changes have begun to occur and to have an impact on extension and university outreach. This study utilizes a literature review, primary data analysis, and personal experience to describe a set of major trends and issues facing cooperative extension over the next five years. From this, recommendations are presented for the role that cooperative extension should play to continue to be a leading source of university outreach.