Scaling up Extension Services to Small Acreage Landowners and Managers in Colorado Through CSU-NRCS Partnership
Extension Education
Bonface Manono
Extension Professor
Colorado State University
Canon City
Abstract
Small acreage landowners and managers in Colorado are involved in a broad range of production systems that include land stewardship, traditional agronomic crops, horse ownership and alternative livestock. They also produce vegetables, nursery crops, flowers, specialty crops and homesteading. In recent years, the number of small acreage landowners has been increasing with many coming from a non-agricultural background. These, coupled with Colorado's unique climate, land and natural resource regulations and limitations, calls for a specialized outreach program for the management of these operations. Because of this situation, Colorado State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service came up with the small acreage management program to assist small acreage landowners and managers to make science-based resource (land, vegetation, water, wildlife, soil and recreation) management decisions. Through this partnership, two Regional Specialists provide direct assistance to small acreage landowners through site visits, preparing, conducting, interpreting and reporting applied research. They also prepare and assemble training educational materials with the aim of helping landowners to: (i) identify and implement “best practices” in resource conservation management, (ii) develop sustainable and profitable enterprises, (iii) access best small acreage management practices and resources and (iv) access NRCS EQIP and other conservation practices. The achievements of the program include: (i) non-credit educational programs, (ii) educational events and individual meetings, (iii) site visits, email and phone assistance, (iv) development of conservation, business, drought and other farm management plans, (v) education materials, (vi) workshops and demonstrations, (vii) enhanced relationships with agricultural businesses, USDA agency personnel, CDA, community and other local organizations (viii) webinars, web postings and media outreach and (ix) feedback for continued improvement. Our poster reports on the approach and success of this program.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Bonface Manono, Karla Melgar Velis, Kurt Jones
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Manono, B. Extension Professor, Colorado State University, Colorado, 81212
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Melgar Velis, K. Extension Regional Specialist, Colorado State University, Colorado, 80501
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Jones, K. Extension Regional Director, Colorado State University, Colorado, 81211