Wyoming State PDP Funds

Final report for WSP20-009

Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2020: $45,886.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2023
Host Institution Award ID: G200-23-W7905
Grant Recipient: University of Wyoming
Region: Western
State: Wyoming
State Coordinator:
Bridger Feuz
Master Stockman Consulting
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Project Information

Abstract:

Our objective is to support the professional development and education of producers and agriculture professionals in Wyoming on a range of topics related to low input sustainable agriculture. We will accomplish this by supporting regional agriculture events and training scholarships for agriculture professionals, as well as purchasing teaching supplies.

Project Objectives:

Our objective is to support the professional development and education of producers and agriculture professionals in Wyoming on a range of topics related to low input sustainable agriculture.

                        

This will be done by:

  1. increasing the capacity of UW Extension educators and Conservation District staff to help producers implement sustainable practices;
  2. increasing the likelihood of success for farmers and ranchers implementing sustainable practices.

Advisors

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  • Dr. Kelly crane (Researcher)
  • Bridger Fuez (Educator)

Education

Educational approach:

We used these funds to support statewide educational programs, purchase SARE book for Extension Educators and Conservation District Staff, pay for additional training in sustainable agriculture for Extension Educators, and provide professional development scholarships for farmers and ranchers.

Education & Outreach Initiatives

Farmer and Rancher Scholarships
Objective:

Support agricultural producers by reducing the cost of attending continuing education events.

Description:

A cohort of 6 producers and 3 agriculture professionals from Wyoming attended the Billings Soil Health Symposium in February, 2022. This was a very impactful event, and the WSARE PDP funds were used to increase attendance, and bring folks together for some networking and mutual support.

Outcomes and impacts:

As a result of education stipends, a cohort of Wyoming producers attended the Montana Soil Health Symposium. Several of these producers have reported big changes in the their management practices. One of these producers submitted a WSARE Farmer + Rancher Grant. In addition, a small group of ranchers worked with me to host a regenerative grazing workshop with WSARE PDP funds building on the excitement generated by the MT soil health event.

Statewide Educatinal Programs
Objective:

Increase the reach and scope of University of Wyoming Extension programming around sustainable agriculture topics.

Description:

WSARE PDP funds were used to help pay for speakers, facility rental, and advertising for 4 regional educational events in Wyoming in 2022, 2 in the spring of 2023 and 1 in the summer of 2023.

WESTI Ag Days 2022

Harvest Wyoming 2023

Farm and Ranch Days 2023

Wyoming Ranch Camp 2023

Outcomes and impacts:

Total attendance at these events was over 800 people. Topics included soil health, grazing management, business management, animal health, and weed management.

Educational & Outreach Activities

12 Travel Scholarships
24 Webinars / talks / presentations
8 Workshop field days

Participation Summary:

15 Extension
8 NRCS
8 Researchers
22 Nonprofit
4 Agency
30 Ag service providers (other or unspecified)
620 Farmers/ranchers

Learning Outcomes

400 Participants gained or increased knowledge, skills and/or attitudes about sustainable agriculture topics, practices, strategies, approaches

Project Outcomes

2 Grants received that built upon this project
4 New working collaborations
12 Agricultural service provider participants who used knowledge and skills learned through this project (or incorporated project materials) in their educational activities, services, information products and/or tools for farmers
Additional Outcomes:

As a result of education stipends, a cohort of Wyoming producers attended the Montana Soil Health Symposium. Several of these producers have reported big changes in the their management practices. One of these producers submitted a WSARE Farmer + Rancher Grant. In addition, a small group of ranchers worked with me to host a regenerative grazing workshop with WSARE PDP funds building on the excitement generated by the MT soil health event.

Face of SARE

Face of SARE:

I see a lot of value in promoting the SARE educational materials, especially the cover crops and soil books. I purchase these books by the case and distribute to producers and ag professionals. I also heavily promote the WSARE grants.

 

200 Farmers received information about SARE grant programs and information resources
100 Ag professionals received information about SARE grant programs and information resources
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.