Small Acreage Success: Connecting Natural Resource Professionals with a Non-Traditional Audience

2011 Annual Report for LNC10-326

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2010: $95,319.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2013
Region: North Central
State: South Dakota
Project Coordinator:
Mindy Hubert
South Dakota State University
Co-Coordinators:
Dr. Roger Gates
SDSU Extension

Small Acreage Success: Connecting Natural Resource Professionals with a Non-Traditional Audience

Summary

Three Host Acreages were accepted in 2011 for a 3-year project. Initial and follow-up site visits performed by project participants occurred in the summer and fall of 2011. Student employees provided fencing labor to meet acreage goals of improved grazing distribution. Students also conducted an assessment of native vs. introduced species at one acreage, and set up a long-term monitoring program with permanent plots. Workshops were held at each Host Acreage in September and October of 2011. 44 participants learned about SDSU Extension and other Natural Resource professionals (County Weed & Pest, NRCS, etc.). They also learned about various techniques, goals and issues at each site, including: horse pasture management; noxious weed ID and control; native vs. introduced grasses; meat goat production; multi-species grazing; horse hay quality; native food garden and tree plantings; lawn establishment comparing fertilizer types; USDA cost-share opportunities; manure mangement/composting; and chicken production. Learning community development was encouraged at each workshop by project participants and Host Acreage owners. Program promotion included trade-show booths; newspaper and magazine advertisements; mass e-mailings and word-of-mouth by Hose Acreage owners. One Host Acreage made a farm sign crediting NCR SARE and SDSU Extension, and another acreage sign is in planning stages. A Facebook page was developed and currently consists of 110 fans. Project news and pictures are reported on Facebook and the SDSU Small Acreage website. Website contains links to SARE Host Acreages and natural resource professionals. Quarterly e-Newsletter reached 250+ respondents. Surveys conducted after workshops determined that flyer mailings, emails and word-of-mouth were the most popular methods of advertising; site visits and peer discussions were the most popular way acreage owners prefer to learn; horse pasture management, weed control, horticulture and manure management rated the highest for topics of future workshops.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Short-term outcomes of this project will be 1) improved management and sustainability of 3 small acreages, 2) increased knowledge and skills of 150 small acreage owners regarding weed identification and control, appropriate stocking rates, manure management, soil/water quality and finances; and 3) 150 small acreage owners will have increased awareness of the technical assistance available to them for sustainable natural resource management information. A one-day workshop will be held on each Host Acreage in each of the three years of this project. In Year 1, participants (we anticipate approximately 20 at each site in Year 1) will be introduced to the Host Acreage where their workshop is being held, including the issues, goals, and management strategies identified by the owners with the help of the SAT. Kit Distribution: Kits contain plant ID and pasture management and monitoring tools, as well as technical resource information Newsletters: We will send electronic newsletters to the Electronic Contact List featuring such topics as “small acreage of the month”, “have you seen this weed?” and “new fencing strategies”, every 3 months. Teach/Coach/Mentor: We will utilize the Teach/Coach/Mentor education philosophy adapted by Patterson et. al (2003). In this method, sustainable natural resource principles and skills will be taught by the SAT to the Host Acreage owners and workshop participants in Year 1; advertising in country print media, direct phone calls and emails, flyers, and radio advertising were the most effective methods, and that Saturdays are the best available day of the week for reaching the small acreage audience.Progress of Host Acreages in meeting their objectives will be evaluated through several different land monitoring techniques (e.g. photo-monitoring, forage availability measurements, species frequency, etc.) through the 3 years of participation in the program

Accomplishments/Milestones

Received 21 applications (including 4 applications from Reservation) for 3 Host Acreages. A diverse, unbiased panel rated applications based on criteria of representing other similar acreage in SD, and their willingness to share their experiences. Three Host Acreages were chosen: Butte Vista Farm (Northern Black Hills), Harmony Hollow Acreage (Southern BH), and Bad Warrior Acreage (Reservation site). 2)Site visits were held with project participants and Host Acreages to become acquainted with each site, discuss goals of 3 year project, and plan annual workshops. Additional visits, including summer labor for fencing and vegetation assessment and monitoring, were provided to help meet acreage and project goals. Water quality testing was conducted on 1 host acreage, alerting owner to a needed management change. 3)Annual Workshops were held at each Host Acreage in the fall of 2011. A total of 44 people attended three workshops (15/workshop average). 4)80 kits were distributed at workshops and to all Host Acreage applicants, as well as new contacts from post-workshop communication. 4)Continued learning and communication among Host Acreage owners and their peers is ongoing. New contacts made on weekly/monthly basis. Quarterly e-Newsletter reaching 250 acreage owners statewide; newsletters are archived on SDSU Small Acreage website; webpage serves as archive for workshop presentations, Host Acreage website links and contact info for natural resource professionals; workshop progress, pictures, techniques and other ideas are posted weekly on Facebook. Facebook has 110 fans receiving weekly info. Program promotion also includes professional acreage signs (1 completed, 1 in progress) advertising NCR SARE and SDSU Extension; Program promotion included: Feb 2011: Booth at BHSS-hundreds of passersby, handouts about SD Small Acreage program including SARE workshops, magazine and newspaper advertisement.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Management changes on Host Acreages in year 1 included: new permanent and temporary fencing for improved animal distribution and range resources; noxious weed ID and control; improved land management to enhance water quality; native food plantings for future food source. Numerous follow-up visits with workshop participants and Host Acreage owners have resulted in management changes on surrounding acreages, including the introduction of meat goats; and land erosion management. Additionally, the services of SDSU Extension was heavily promoted by Host Acreages. Four SARE Farmer and Rancher grant applications were submitted in 2011 as a result. Survey results of workshop attendees: 70% of respondents use Facebook. 110 Facebook Fans on SD Small Acreages. Increased awareness of SARE opportunities by 44 workshop attendees and 110 Facebook fans and 250+ List Serve members. 64% of workshop survey respondents in 2011 rarely or never used Extension before attending workshop. 89% of survey respondents feel comfortable contacting Host Acreage owners in the future for advice. 100% of SARE Host Acreage owners signed up and are currently participating in a new SDSU Extension program "Growing AgCEO’s".

Collaborators:

adele harty

adele.harty@sdstate.edu
Livestock Educator
Haakon County Extension Office Box 519
Philip, SD 57567
Office Phone: 6058592840
Dr. Rebecca Bott

rebecca.bott@sdstate.edu
Extension Equine Spec
SDSU
Box 2170 SDSU ARS
Brookings, SD 57007
Office Phone: 6056885412
Dr. Roger Gates

roger.gates@sdstate.edu
Extension Range Spec
SDSU
1905 Plaza Dr
Rapid CIty, SD 57702
Office Phone: 6053942236