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Cooperative Extension Service
Communications and
Technology |
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail:
slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site
www.uwyo.edu/agadmin/news/news.htm
Date: April 10, 2006
Workshop offers resources to small-acreage owners
Small-acreage owners curious about issues unique to their lifestyle can hear from natural resource experts at a small-acreage, hands-on workshop in Casper.
The workshop is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Agricultural Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, in Casper.
“Surveys of small-acreage owners have overwhelmingly indicated that pasture management, weeds, horses and wildlife are very important to them in their quest to manage their properties,” said Tom Heald, a University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES) educator in Natrona County, and a member of a team sponsoring the workshops.
“We have tailored these classes to meet those needs. Whenever possible, the instructors will give hands-on tips and techniques that attendees can start utilizing following the workshop,” he said.
The workshop is sponsored by the UW CES, the Historic Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, Wyoming State Forestry Division, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Land parcels up to 49 acres are the fastest growing farm size in Wyoming, according to the 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census. Holdings with at least $1,000 in annual agricultural production are considered a farm by the USDA.
“Many small-acre residents are new to the land, and their land-management experiences are often limited,” said Heald. “They are seeking out the assistance of the CES, the NRCS, and weed and pest professionals for solid advice on land stewardship.”
Sessions include grass and grazing in Wyoming, spring weed control in range and pasture, wildlife and small acreages, using herbicides effectively, power fencing, landscape plants for rural properties, horse care and forest health.
There is also a session on septic system planning. “Almost every rural landowner has a septic system,” said Heald. “This program deals with troubleshooting septic problems, when to replace a system and how to deal with soil problems if drainage is an issue.”
The gardening class looks at issues uniquely faced in the country, he said, such as deer- and rabbit-resistant plants, wind and drought tolerance and poor soils.
“Each class is designed to be pertinent to citizens from across the state and not just the Casper area,” Heald noted.
There will also be a kids’ activity center for children over 2 and over throughout the day with natural resource-based games and activities relevant to the theme of the workshop.
To register or for more information, call Jennifer Albin with the NRCS at (307) 233-6755 or Heald at (307) 235-9400. The agenda and other information is available at www.backyardsandbarnyards.com.
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