BEHAVE Facilitator's Network

Project Overview

EW04-016
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2004: $99,702.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2008
Matching Federal Funds: $22,000.00
Region: Western
State: Colorado
Principal Investigator:
Kathy Voth
Email
Utah State University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animals: bovine, goats, sheep
  • Animal Products: dairy

Practices

  • Animal Production: free-range, feed rations, range improvement
  • Education and Training: decision support system, demonstration, networking
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, habitat enhancement, wildlife
  • Pest Management: biological control
  • Production Systems: holistic management

    Proposal abstract:

    Proposal Summary

    This proposal is designed to continuously expand the network of trained, agriculture professionals to facilitate understanding and application of behavioral principles to increase environmental integrity, quality of life for people and animals, and economic viability of agricultural enterprises. Extension collaborators in ten western states have agreed be trained in behavioral principles and serve as State Coordinators. In addition, several producers have agreed to work with the training network to provide sites where behavioral techniques have been employed to solve management issues. Each State Coordinator will train at least 10 facilitators in their home states who will then train others.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    This network of extension, agency staff and producer “facilitators” will: 1) assist in the training of other facilitators and 2) work with producers and agency staff, sharing information, materials, and practical strategies to successfully implement new livestock management methods. BEHAVE consortium leaders at Utah State University will organize, maintain, and facilitate the growth of the network by developing a) materials, including handbooks, videos, and CDs; b) training strategies suitable for adult learners including workshops and problem-solving field tours; and c) support mechanisms including a website where facilitators, producers, and agency staff can share problems, successes, and failures. Our primary focus is on the western region to take advantage of existing partnerships, and thus enhance opportunities for success. Nevertheless, the program is designed with an eventual national expansion in mind.

    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.