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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS INCREASE KNOWLEDGE FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS AND AG EDUCATORS

Sustainable Agriculture

Gary Lesoing
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN EXTENSION
AUBURN

Abstract

A sustainable agriculture conference in eastern Nebraska has provided an opportunity for farmers, prospective entrepreneurs and ag educators to learn about various sustainable agriculture production systems, management strategies and new diversified agricultural enterprises. The conference also builds a network in sustainable agriculture for producers, consumers and supporting organizations. The conference is a collaborative effort of UNL Extension and the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. About 1000 participants, usually 100-150 annually, have attended this conference from 2003-2010. An evaluation following the 2009 conference indicated participants improved knowledge of 1) Ecological principles and practices; 2) Agriculture and natural resource based entrepreneurship and 3) Alternative agricultural production systems. Responses from a follow-up survey sent to 2008 and 2009 conference participants showed the conference(s) have assisted them in achieving changes in 1) Improved stewardship of natural resources; 2) Incorporation of the holistic management of natural resources and 3) Improved production practices. The success of this conference has lead to the initiation of a similar sustainable crop and livestock conference in western Nebraska. The past two years, 2 conferences were held, with approximately 60 participants each year. These conferences addressed issues in sustainable crop and livestock production systems. Over eighty producers and ag educators have attended four diversified agriculture tours held in southeast Nebraska to highlight sustainable farming and ag business enterprises. In 2008 and 2009 twenty-five ag educators participated in two sustainable agriculture tours throughout Nebraska learning about sustainable and diversified agriculture systems. Two Farm Beginnings® programs were also held emphasizing sustainable agriculture. Authors: Berger, A. L., Deboer, K. L., Wilson, J. A., Stauffer, M. A. , Zoubek, G. L., Jones, J.G., Lesoing, G.W., Sarno, L., Hammond, V.
  1. Berger, A. L. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 69145
  2. Deboer, K. L. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 69162
  3. Wilson, J. A. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68061
  4. Stauffer, M. A. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68046
  5. Zoubek, G. L. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68467
  6. Jones, J.G. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68450
  7. Lesoing, G.W. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68305
  8. Sarno, L. Organic Farming Systems Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68728
  9. Hammond, V. Extension Technologist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Nebraska, 68410