UPPER MIDWEST GRAZING EDUCATORS NETWORK: A COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

Transcription

1 UPPER MIDWEST GRAZING EDUCATORS NETWORK: A COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH Presented by Warren King April, 2015

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3 THE PASTURE PROJECT Our Goal Increase acreage in the Upper Mississippi River Basin that is sustainably managed by expanding the region s production of grass-fed livestock Approaches Broadly share with farmers and landowners the economic and environmental benefits associated with grass-fed livestock production Help trusted individuals & institutions provide technical assistance to farmers related to land management and accessing the grass-fed beef market Support shifts in political, financial, land access and other systems that limit entry into grass-fed markets Trout Unlimited Mississippi Valley Conservancy Trout Unlimited Practical Farmers of Iowa Southwest Badger RC&D Southwest Farming Badger RC&D Sustainable Association The Nature Conservancy Valley Stewardship Network USDA NRCS & AMS Land Stewardship Project 3

4 GEOGRAPHY Initiated in 2011 by Walton Family Foundation as a market-based response to runoff from Upper Mississippi farming contributing to the Gulf s dead zone We work at three levels: In-field work in the Driftless Area, which is highly vulnerable to runoff and has had major pasture conversion Increasing partnerships throughout the Upper Mississippi Nationally-relevant research, tools, collaborations and approaches 4

5 PARADIGM SHIFT: GRAZING AS RESTORATIVE AGRICULTURE Cattle, by nature, can shift landscapes. Once believed inevitably destructive, grazing is increasingly understood as highly variable in impact. Good cattle management does not just reduce damage but re-builds soil, improves waterways, and develops habitat Set stock grazing Results: Uncontrolled grazing of cattle Tasty plants get eaten; weeds gain advantage More vulnerable lands may be over- or under- grazed Over time, reduces quality and abundance of forage When weight gain slows, must introduce hay High stock density grazing Results: Grazing of cattle controlled; cattle density and time in a paddock define impact and are shaped by the conditions Density reduces selectivity allowing more desirable plant species to compete Trampling, manure, and long rest between grazing increase forage abundance 5

6 OUR CHALLENGE: INCREASE SPEED OF ADOPTION We re here The Chasm 6

7 WHY FOCUS ON GRAZING EDUCATORS? The Upper Midwest is a unique geography More young farmers are interested in livestock production More landowners and conservationist are interested in livestock benefits More consumers want pasture raised meat and dairy products Less public funding for grazing networks and education Fewer professional development opportunities for educators Changes in grazing techniques and terminology No single source for education materials 7

8 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO BUILDING A NETWORK OF GRAZING EDUCATORS? Time Funding Other Priorities Lack of Common Objectives-Goals Audience Focus Organizing Force WIIFM?? 8

9 HOW CAN THE CHALLENGES BE OVERCOME? Develop Consensus on Objectives-Goals Create Opportunities to Share, Learn and Network Start with a Low Level of Commitment Keep the Cost Down Invite Those Already Involved Work with existing agencies and programs Allow for Feedback & Discussion Use Technology to Enhance the Experience 9

10 SO WHAT S OUR APPROACH TO BUILDING A NETWORK? Use a professional development model Offer a series of high value topics via webinar Presented by trusted experts Use technology to promote discussion, feedback, learning and sharing Offer ongoing communication opportunities Invite those interested to join in network development Engage with grazing programs and specialists 10

11 GRAZING EDUCATOR NETWORK OBJECTIVES Connect Upper Midwest Educators through discussion and sharing Assess education materialstool; determine what s missing and fill the gaps Create a platform to house and access materials and tools Share what works and why Cross-pollination of staff, students, apprentices and programs Involve established grazing education programs Access materials-tools no longer in circulation Build collaboration that is more grass-roots than topdown Include educators of various types; farmers, academics, agency and consultants Establish basic principles of managed grazing that are taught by all 11

12 WHAT ARE THE HIGH VALUE TOPICS? Integrating Livestock Adaptive High Stock into Crop Systems Managed Grazing 101 Available Resources Roundtable Grass-based Farm Financials Density Grazing Grazing for Conservation and Soil Health Benefits Ownership Models for Management of Land & Livestock Grazing Cover Crops 12

13 WHO ARE THE IDENTIFIED PRESENTERS? Presenter Topic Dick Cates Keith Ekstrom Models of Ownership-Mgmnt Grazing 101-Farmer Sara Flack Grazing 101-Fencing Jay Fuhrer Rhonda Gildersleeve Anders Gunder Grazing for Benefits to Soil & Conservation Grazing 101-Farmer Adaptive Grazing Patrick Gunn Models of Ownership-Mgmnt Olaf Haugen Grazing Cover Crops Steve John Models of Ownership-Mgmnt Jack Lavalla Grass-based Farm Financials Todd McPeak Howard Moechnig Grazing for Benefits to Soil & Conservation Grazing 101-Farmer Rod Ofte Grass-based Farm Financials Laura Paine Jim Paulson Brian Peterson Gene Schriefer Grazing for Benefits to Soil & Conservation Grazing 101 Available Resources Available Resources Lee Schultz Joe Sellers Kent Solberg Models of Ownership-Mgmnt Grazing 101 Grazing Cover Crops Larry Tranel Grass-based Farm Financials Dave Vetrano Allen Williams John Zinn Grazing for Benefits to Soil & Conservation Adaptive Grazing Grazing

14 WHO ARE THE IDENTIFIED ORGANIZATIONS? 14

15 WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS? 15

16 WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? Recruit volunteers to organize the webinar series and accomplish the following: : determine the order of topic presentations : recruit presenters and determine if a stipend is required for their involvement : develop an outreach & communication plan : begin initial work on platform to house & retrieve grazing materials-tools : assess interest in building the network & make recommendations for its development 16

17 QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS? 17

18 DIVERSITY

19 Neil Dennis Farm Photo courtesy of Allen Williams Ultra High Stock Density Grazing One million pounds per acre