In 1902, Holden joined the Iowa State University, first as vice dean of agriculture and then, as of 1906, as head of the ISU Extension Service.

After his defeat, Holden moved to Michigan again where he became director of International Harvester's Agricultural Extension department.

He was especially interested in the boll weevil infestation in the South and in encouraging farmers to diversify to try to prevent such disasters.

He retired in 1932 and helped his wife with her egg business on their Michigan farm.

Personal and business papers were donated to the Michigan State College Library and are held in the Michigan State University's Archives and Historical Collections Department.