This work is structured in two parts. The first shows, briefly, the role of the Cooperative Extension Service in US agriculture. The second explains the main characteristics of the FINPACK software package and the potential to adapt it to European agriculture. Between these two parts is a short summary of the role of FINPACK, and, more generally, of financial management in Extension Service activities. Note: Appendix tables are not included in the machine readable file--contact the authors for copies.