Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
OSU Extension and our partners continue our efforts to support the sustainability of Oklahoma agriculture by promoting economic viability, sound environmental and natural resource management, and quality of life for Oklahoma Farmers, ranchers, agricultural employees and their communities. This plan of work will continue to support and enhance ongoing efforts. The targeted goal of this effort is to integrate sustainable agriculture practices into identified agricultural systems of this region while protecting the quality of our natural resources. Objectives remain to train agricultural professionals (OCES, LUES, CMN, federal/state agencies, mentor farmers and NGOs) in the concepts and practices of sustainable agriculture as well as disseminating information regarding sustainable agriculture through various outlets. Focus areas will include sustainable crop production systems, small acreage and beginning farmers and ranchers, sustainable livestock production, farm business management, and disaster preparedness. These issues will be addressed through local, area, regional and national workshops, trainings, demonstrations, tours, research presentations, online and small group in-service trainings. Evaluation will be conducted on an on-going basis and feedback on the effectiveness of these various trainings and programs will be tracked and reported.
Project objectives from proposal:
These Outreach/Training objective topics have been selected through input from our advisory teams which assist OkSARE in developing strategies to encourage sustainable practices into Oklahoma agricultural operations.
Sustainable Crop Production Systems) One hundred Educators and other Agricultural Professionals will be trained in the latest best management cropping system practices as related to the efficient use of farm inputs such as water usage and quality, nutrient management, crop rotations, variety selection, and integrated pest management for plant insects/diseases.
Small Acreage and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers) One hundred individuals will receive guidance on improving the success of small and beginning farmers and ranchers. This training will include production and marketing strategies, equipment selection and utilization,
Sustainable Livestock Production) One hundred and twenty-five Educators and appropriate Agricultural Professionals will receive training in livestock management practices for small and large ruminate animals. Training will also be provided for small acreage livestock producers such as those engaged in Honeybee or small flock poultry production. Programs will include grazing land management, herd and flock nutrition/health and facility construction and maintenance.
Farm Business Management) One hundred Professionals will receive training and support to promote sustainable business practices with respect to record keeping, marketing, estate planning and financial planning. It is our belief that successful farms (both large and small-scale) will enhance the quality of life for rural dwellers and promote financial and emotional stability.
Disaster Preparedness) One hundred and twenty-five Educators will receive training on disaster preparedness to promote partnerships with local emergency management personnel, increase the resilience of our farms, ranches and rural communities to the numerous natural disasters we face annually in Oklahoma and strengthen resources for recovery.