February 15 & 16, 2001

Laramie

There is one goal outlined in the strategic plan for this initiative: to promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural systems through education. The committee discussed the prioritization of the four objectives subsidiary to that goal: 1) Develop educational programming on sustainable forage-based livestock systems. 2) Offer educational programs on alternative crop and livestock systems and crop and livestock integration. 3) Educate rural and suburban landowners who operate on relatively few acres about best management practices. 4) Provide education to communities, homeowners, and youth in sustainable and environmentally sound horticultural practices.

It was agreed that the "few acres" issue is spotty, but growing in importance and becoming an issue to all. Sub-issues range from septic tank installation to golf course management to horse pasture management. It was pointed out that we will probably be forced to move educational efforts from one-on-one public contacts to training retailers and dealers, certified crop advisors, etc. to efficiently use available resources.

The above objectives are still too broad and this team needs to determine two or three specific thrusts that can be developed into state-wide programs which will show forth excellence, provide exposure, and address current issues with impact. This does not mean that agents ignore day-to-day questions, but will focus their educational efforts behind a few crucial educational programs. Such a system assumes the need to better involve and collaborate with other agencies and entities in addressing such needs. It was mentioned that we need to gather better baseline data on many agricultural products, processes, and conditions across the state in order to know when we have made a difference with our programs.

The team held a general brainstorming of local needs apparent to agents and specialists and listed such needs as: matching resources to livestock; water issues; few acres; irrigated pasture; public land issues; grazing alternatives; marketing; manure management; record keeping; alternative crops, livestock and systems; total quality assurance; niche markets; drought; energy efficient irrigation; horticulture; seed production and research; variety research; coal bed methane (CBM) issues; easements and liability. The breadth and depth of impacts state wide brought CBM to the forefront of the discussion and the group contemplated approaching the Natural Resource and Wyoming Communities teams about establishing a cross-discipline issue team. Although this course may be pursued in the future, after further discussion the group determined that forage livestock systems needed to be the first priority and focus for this team. Forage livestock systems is the foundation and mainstay of Wyoming agriculture and remains the key to profitable and sustainable agriculture in the state.

Subsequently, the team examined the LOGIC Model presented by Randy Weigel, determining how it could be used to develop an educational plan for the identified priority. Consequently, the long-term impact for the model was identified as: Sustainable agricultural systems that are environmentally sound. Behaviors or practices that must change to support the long-term goal were identified as: 1) Better understanding of marketing alternatives and benefits and costs associated with each. 2) Adoption of grazing monitoring practices. 3) Better understanding of grazing systems and alternatives (i.e. native range, animals, crops, etc.) and benefits and costs associated. Work will continue on fleshing out the model and determining what program investments are necessary and what activities and programs must be developed to bring about the desired level of education and change.

Bill Taylor, Weston County Extension Educator was elected by the team to serve as chair until October 1, 2003.