SARE 1997 Highlights

Producer Input Strengthens Agency Education

Alternative livestock systems, such as grazing sheep year-round, are just one issue explored by Extension staff in the Dakotas. Photo by T.L. Gettins/Rodale Images

Understanding of sustainable farming in the Dakotas has risen substantially, thanks to a SARE-funded professional development project now in its third year. More than 250 agricultural agency field staff have attended collaborative, two day training sessions held at 10 sites throughout North and South Dakota. Each session addressed regionally relevant sustainable agriculture issues and opportunities, such as no-till cropping, alternative livestock methods, intensive grazing, value-added marketing and co-op development, holistic and organic systems and pest management. Each workshop also featured a farm tour, panel of local producers and question and discussion time. Minigrants for agency staff and a series of farmer-led workshops and field days this year will address more training needs and could encourage additional systems-oriented, on-farm research. Educational resources developed and distributed through this project include a sustainable agriculture handbook, training curricula and a 53-minute video profiling the farming systems of six successful producers. Nearly all project participants say the workshops provided helpful tools they will use in their professional activities, and about half the Cooperative Extension work plans in the Dakotas now feature sustainable farming components. (North Central Region project ENC94-02.)

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