Final report for WSP20-009
Project Information
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.
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:
- increasing the capacity of UW Extension educators and Conservation District staff to help producers implement sustainable practices;
- increasing the likelihood of success for farmers and ranchers implementing sustainable practices.
Advisors
- (Researcher)
- (Educator)
Education
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
Support agricultural producers by reducing the cost of attending continuing education events.
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.
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.
Increase the reach and scope of University of Wyoming Extension programming around sustainable agriculture topics.
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.
Wyoming Ranch Camp 2023
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
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project 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
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.