The board shall have power to carry on, through the faculty and officers of the college, such college extension work, such experimental work, both at the college and elsewhere throughout the state, including the publication of bulletins, and extend such educational assistance to the farmers and artisans of the state, as, in its judgment, may be for the best interests of the people at large. The board may, in its discretion, gather and publish information in regard to the resources of the state, the character of the soil in various parts, the character and quantity of crops raised, the domestic animals, the manufactures and any other statistical matter relating to Michigan.