Progress 04/15/06 to 04/14/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Attendees shown in () AGRICULTURE :Cotton Planting Advisories were sent out on a weekly basis to growers, pest control advisors and industry representatives, from March through May, to provide pertinent information on pre-planting field care and crop planting. Cotton Development Advisories and Cotton Heat Stress Advisories are distributed in order to provide University Research-based crop production information necessary to growers for making critical and timely management decisions throughout the growing season. Advisories are available through traditional mail (90 member mailing list), electronically (55 member email list) and on the web. AG PRODUCTION WORKSHOP: An average of 33 growers and industry representatives attend the biannual Ag Production Workshops presented by the agent in cooperation with 7 University of Arizona campus specialists. Topics included Pest Management, Nitrogen Needs of Wheat, Precision Farming, Irrigation Management, Weather updates, Alfalfa weed control, Planting Date Management Cotton, Crop Management for Maximum Crop Yields, and Insect Pest Control. The agent provided an overview of electronic retrieval methods for crop, weather and pest control data available through the new County and Tribal websites and preliminary outcomes of applied research work. ROUNDUP READY ALFAFLA RESEARCH STUDY: 21 field days conducting applied research collecting data on alfalfa tolerance data and yellow nutsedge control. IRRIGATION WATER EDUCATION SITE: An average of 57 growers and crop advisors attended the annual Irrigation Workshops. Alfalfa Management Workshop (22) HORTICULTURE: Master Gardener quarterly newsletters sent (83 addresses). Twelve week Master Gardener course (avg 12/yr). Monthly Garden Day meetings at the CRIT: Pruning (25 attendees), Vegetables, (12) Edible Desert Plants (6), Plant Preparation (6) and Summer Heat Effects on Plants (7), 2-day Pruning workshop (42), Citrus workshop (42). Field trips to growers and nurseries (38). An average of 718 face-to-face contacts and 810 telephone contacts were made. FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES: 3 Food Guide Workshops (151), 5-a-Day workshops(315), 11 Food Safety Workshops in (428), My Pyramid Workshops (523), 5 Life Balance and Healthy Lifestyles Workshops (137), Nutrition Essentials (12), Small Steps to Health & Wealth (25), Bone Builders (19), 'Healthy Meetings' presented at health conference (248), Brainergizers workshops (693) Sunwise Booth and presentations at the La Paz County Fair (296). 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Agent attended monthly meetings and worked with 4-H club and project leaders on Clover Kid fair projects and provided guidance for the older youth's 4-H Fair Projects. Monthly newsletters and additional letters to club leaders were mailed out with basic directions for projects required under new fair regulations. Annual Tsaile Natural Resources and Technology Camp (32). PARTICIPANTS: AGRICULTURE: The agent partnered with one University Campus Specialist and 3 graduate students to conduct applied research on Roundup Ready alfalfa. 6 Future Farmers of American (FFA) and 4H Youth participated as volunteers during field research days. An additional 7 University Specialists traveled to the CRIT reservation to provide the latest updates for crop management, pest management, climate information and water conservation. The agent continues to partner with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Reclamation and CRIT Water Resources on issues related to irrigation water measurement HORTICULTURE: La Paz County Master Gardener Volunteers contributed an estimated value of $32,120 to their communities in 2009 (using $20.25/hr.). This value average $14,728 over all years reported. The program also partners with the Arizona Western Community (AWC) College during the annual Master Gardener course. AWC provides classroom space, use of computers and other facilities in their buildings. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Library and the Parker Library also provided classroom space and facilities for workshops. FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES: Partners in this program include CRIT Recreation, CRIT Diabetes, CRIT Senior Center and Parker Schools who provided volunteers, materials, collaboration on program presentation and classroom facilities. TARGET AUDIENCES: AGRICULTURE: The target audience for the CRIT Agriculture program includes the CRIT Tribal council, CRIT Farms, native and non-native farm lessees (growers) and crop advisors. Goals are to provide technical assistance and University research-based information to this group so that they, collectively and individually, will be able to increase crop production, decrease operational costs, and operate in an environmentally sound manner. Ideally, the entire farming community will work together to manage irrigation water use, pesticide and herbicide applications, and other farming practices. HORTICULTUE: The target audience for Horticulture includes anyone interested in gardening in our low desert environment. We have been successful in recruiting students for the 12 week Master Gardener course who work for the CRIT Ahakhav Preserve, CRIT Environmental Protection Agency, and other departments who work directly on tree health, gardens and native plants on the reservation. Each year CRIT sends members from the various departments. FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES: Anyone interested in healthy lifestyles is welcome at our FCS workshops; however, we do focus on those who are dealing with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. This program provides a holistic approach to healthy lifestyles including safe food handling, healthy diets, and physical activity workshops. Through our partnership with CRIT recreation we work with Tribal youth to introduce healthy foods and encourage more physical activity. Healthy Lifestyle workshops at the CRIT Library targets adults, but some youth also attend. 4H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Numerous studies have shown that youth participation in the 4H Youth Development program helps youth prepare for a productive future by teaching leadership, conflict resolution, communication, self-confidence, the ability to make healthy choices, responsibility, and ethics. Our program targets all youth in the community with the goal to improve life on the Reservation by raising awareness of its youth. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: AGRICULTURE: In 2009, the focus of the program shifted from water management to crop production and weed control in order to complete an applied research project in partnership with university crop and weed specialists. According to surveys, there is a majority interest in continuing both programs in 2010. Information is collected at all workshops to determine future crop management needs. In addition to these surveys, an average of 8 pest control advisors participate in the annual Cotton Crop Losses Workshops to provide input to the agent and campus specialists through the use of discussion and written surveys that forms the basis for planning future workshops and research projects. Direct input from growers and advisors drives the direction of this program as well as campus research projects. 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: The agent received several comments from members of the Board of Supervisors and the Extension Advisory Board that 4-H Youth participated in the fair solely to raise and sell an animal. They did not see evidence that the youth were learning anything of value. In order to remedy this situation, the agent changed the requirements for all you raising animals so that they were required to complete an educational project describing what they had learned during the year. These projects were displayed along with other indoor projects such as photography, arts and crafts, and other 4-H indoor project. Very positive input was received from the Board of Supervisors and the Extension Advisory Board. They were impressed that we responded to a direct criticism and how quickly we remedied the situation. As a result of the new projects an entirely new section was added to the fair book.
Impacts
AGRICULTURE: Likert scale surveys were used to determine impact. 99% of Crop Management workshops attendees stated that information provided at the workshop will help them on their farm or at their job. 100% of those surveyed stated that they learned new information that will improve or change the way they do their job or run their farm. Water irrigation workshop surveys showed an overall 31% increase in knowledge. At the first workshop in 2006, no farmers were interested in water irrigation measurement. In contrast, after the 2008 & 2009 workshops, 38% plan to install some sort of measurement device. 1 early adopter has already installed water measuring equipment. HORTICULTURE: The number of Certified Master Gardeners increased by 63% and the associated number of volunteer hours more than doubled. According to Borich scale surveys, county clientele increased knowledge in the areas of: water conservation, integrated pest management, fruit and vegetable production, and vertebrate pests by at least 10% and up to 90% on specific topics. Post workshop surveys showed that existing Master Gardeners attending continuing education all agreed that the courses increased their knowledge and that the material presented will help them support our program as volunteers. Master Gardener volunteers contribute an estimated average value of $14,728 in volunteer time each year. FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES: Borich pre- and post-surveys showed that 63% of food handler students rated their increase in knowledge at 5 on a 1-5 scale (5 being the highest) and an additional 27% rated their change in knowledge at 4. More than half, (56%) of teachers said that they would definitely use the BrainErgizers materials (a program developed in this office) in their classrooms and that it met their classroom needs. Youth surveys showed a variety of responses to the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, but overall, the majority said they will eat tested foods again. On average, Sun Safety participants increased their knowledge by 78% and agreed that they would change their behavior when in the sun (this is very important in our hot desert environment). 100% of all Native Americans surveyed stated that they want more diabetes and Heart Disease information. 4H YOUTH DEVELOPMNENT: 75 Youth entered 99 projects in the 2009 La Paz County Fair. This is an increase of more that 100% in youth participants from the previous year. 100% of all people who viewed the 4-H Fair booth were very impressed with the number and quality of the entries. 100% of the club leaders approved of the new regulations (all youth bringing an animal to the fair must also complete an educational indoor project showing what they had learned) and the majority of youth participants were excited about their projects. Only one youth gave us negative comments.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 04/15/08 to 04/14/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Irrigation Water Education Site: Annual workshop-57 adult, Small Group meetings-16. GIS/GPS field trip-6 youth. Alfalfa Management Workshop 22 Adults. Tsaile Natural Resources and Technology Camp 15 youth. Afterschool GIS/GPS program 6 youth. County Fair-35 youth. Master Gardeners: Master Gardener course - 9. Lower Colorado Hort Conference 112 people, Citrus Workshop -78 people. Yuma Citrus Center - 15 and Australian Outback farm 9. A new Garden Days program was established at the CRIT library. Family Consumer Sciences: Sports Nutrition Camp-89 participants, 5-a-Day-315 participants, Food Safety-264 students, My Pyramid -523 participants, Sunwise Summer Programs -412 participants, BrainErgizers-693, 12 4-H newsletters contributions. 300 Diabetes and Heart Disease materials were distributed to Native Americans. PARTICIPANTS: Operation of the recently completed Irrigation Water Educational Site is operated in partnership with CRIT water resources, La Paz County Extension, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Natural Resources Conservation District, Future Farmers of America Youth Program, The Lower Colorado River Resource Conservation and Development board, and the Parker Resource Conservation District. Workshops are held throughout the year addressing best management practices for managing and conserving irrigation water applied through flood irrigation. Eric Norton, Area Ag Agent, presented IPM, Ag Economics, cotton, and alfalfa workshops with assistance from University of Arizona Specialists Bill McCloskey, PhD. Associate Weed Specialist; Jeff Silvertooth, PhD., Department Head Soil, Water & Environmental Science; Dr. Peder Cuneo, Extension Veterinarian; Trent Teegerstrom, PhD, Associate Specialist, Agriculture and Resource Economics; Russel Tronstad, Specialist Agriculture and Resource Economics; Peter C. Ellsworth, Specialist, Entomology; and Kurt Nolte, Area Associate Agent, Agriculture. These specialists provided classroom and on-the-ground training in crop and pest management, agriculture economics, environmentally sound weed control methods, and identification and management techniques of crop diseases. In an effort to directly reach Native American members of the tribe, more emphasis was placed on Family Consumer Sciences Programming. Robin Cooper, Instructional Specialist Senior was enlisted to work with CRIT recreation, CRIT diabetes programs, CRIT Tobacco programs, CRIT Senior Center and other groups to provide nutrition and physical activity programs. The Agent also worked with Robin to provide information on 'Native Foods to Combat Diabetes.' Both Robin and the Agent relied on assistance and input from Campus Specialists in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Department including Soyeon Shimn,PhD, Director and Lynne Borden, Associate Professor and Associate Specialist. Local classes included: 5-a-day nutrition workshops for both youth and adults, physical activity programs to encourage regular exercise, food safety and food handling classes, and several youth nutrition programs presented in lower, middle, and high school classes. The Master Gardener program is another focus area that reaches Tribal members. Lyle Browning, Instructional Specialist Senior, partners to teach the Master Gardener classes. He also calls on individuals and Tribal departments to assist with horticulture questions. A new monthly 'Garden Day' has been established at the library that encourages tribal members to bring in plant and insect samples for identification and management assistance. TARGET AUDIENCES: In recent years, the target audience included native and non-native farmers who lease land on the reservation. Educating them on better farming and land use practices ultimately helps the Tribe both in terms of economics and a healthy environment. In addition to IPM, Ag Economics, Cotton & Alfalfa workshops, a short-term goal was to create a water measurement educational site. This has been completed and regular workshops are held. Long Term Desired Goals: Education will lead to more efficient use of a limited water supply, reduce runoff-related pollution problems, and increase profits. Outcomes will be measured through workshop evaluations and by the number of farmers who install water measuring devices. Bureau of Reclamation engineers, CRIT Water Resources and NRCS assist the agent with workshops that provide hands-on training and take home educational materials. Cotton advisories and other crop advisories are also mailed to farmers monthly or quarterly during the growing season. A growing target group is Tribal youth of all ages, and all Native Americans with diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Goals: Provide a wide variety of nutrition and physical activity programs throughout the CRIT Reservation in order to provide educational material to clientele that will promote healthy weight and healthy lifestyles. Partner with La Paz County Health department to provide food safety and food handling classes. Objectives - Short term: Youth are introduced to fruits and vegetables and encouraged to try new things. Youth and adults will learn about healthy diets & lifestyles. clientele will learn proper food handling techniques. Mid Term: Publish new Brainergizers curricula. Clientele will establish regular personal exercise programs. Long Term: Youth and adults will change their eating and exercise habits to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Incidences of Obesity, Heart Disease and Diabetes will decrease in response to healthier lifestyles. CRIT also has several community members interested in horticulture. Short-term goals: Clientele will learn about research-based horticulture and pest management practices. Medium & Long-term goals: Tribal clientele will apply what the have learned to manage arid desert gardens and landscape projects. Clientele will employ environmentally sound methods for pest control. A 12 week class is held in addition to monthly garden days. 4-H Youth Development Technology and GIS/GPS programs are an especially important part of the CRIT youth program. Short Term goals: Youth will learn about cutting edge technology. An annual 4-H Natural Resources and Technology Camp will continue to build in cooperation with the Dine Tribal College & the Navajo Nation. Long Term: youth will develop marketable employment skills and find local high paying and satisfying jobs. In addition to the annual camp, after school classes and field trips are held to provide hands on training. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: In the past, the focus of the program was on farmers who lease land on the CRIT reservation. While this program is very important and benefits the tribe, many of the farmers are non-native. The program continues with assistance from partners identified above; however, in an effort to directly reach tribal youth and adults, more emphasis is now placed on Family Health through Nutrition and Physical Activity. If we can reach the youth before they are locked in to poor eating habits and lack of physical activity, the long term result should be to reduce the incidences of obesity and diabetes. The most recent direction of this program is to reintroduce native foods that are known to help combat diabetes. Another growing area is the monthly 'Garden Days' held in partnership with the CRIT library. This was new this last year and attendance is growing every month. Plans are to incorporate other extension programs on those days to build up to an 'Extension Days' format.
Impacts
Water Irrigation: Surveys show an overall 31% increase in knowledge. At the first workshop in 2006, 100% of farmers stated that they had no intention of installing measurement devices. In contrast, the 2008 workshop results show that the majority is, at worst, undecided and 38% plan to install some type of system. 100% of GPS/GIS youth rated 5 on a 1-5 scale that they learned information useful to their lifestyle and/or can see a way that they will use it in the future. 100% of camp attendees rated their change in knowledge at 5 on a 1-5 scale. All participants are interested in additional camps. Horticulture: County clientele increased knowledge in the areas of: water conservation, integrated pest management, fruit and vegetable production, and vertebrate pests. Extension Connection newspaper column provided timely knowledge, initiated new clientele contacts, and increased awareness of Cooperative Extension programs. La Paz County Master Gardeners contributed an estimated value of $15,120 to their communities in 2008 (using $18.18/hr.) Borich surveys showed that 63% of food handler students rated their increase in knowledge at 5 on a 1-5 scale (5 being the highest) and 27% rated their change in knowledge at 4. Youth surveys showed a variety of responses to the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, but overall, the majority will eat the tested foods again. On average - Sun Safety participants reported that they increased their knowledge by 78% and agreed that they would change their behavior when in the sun. 56% of teachers said that they would definitely use the BrainErgizers materials in their classrooms and 41% more said that they would probably use it and that it met their classroom needs. 100% of all Native Americans surveyed stated that they want more diabetes and Heart Disease information.
Publications
- Tuttle,S.L., Moore,G.R., Livingston, M.R., Masters, L.S., Long, J.W., Benally, J.Y., Adlof, M., Hiller, J.G., 2008. Distinctive characteristics of FRTEP extension programs on five Indian Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico. 2008. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference, Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education, Earth University, Costa Rica.
- Adolf, M., Tuttle, S. 2008. Research in Indian Country. University of Arizona-CALS AZ1460.
- Masters, L., Tuttle, S. 2008. Process of Conducting Research on the Colorado River Indian Tribes (C.R.I.T.) Reservation, Arizona. University of Arizona-CALS AZ1463.
- Masters, L., Tuttle, S., 2008. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (C.R.I.T.) Reservation and Extension Programs. University of Arizona-CALS AZ1461.
- Masters, L., Tuttle, S. 2008. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation (C.R.I.T.) Quick Facts. University of Arizona-CALS AZ1462.
- Masters, L., and D. Langston. 2008. They're Called "Africanized" Honey Bees. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Publication.
- Masters, L., and D. Langston. 2008. Africanized Honey Bees: How to Bee-Proof Your Home. University of Arizona Extension Publication.
- Masters, L. 2008. Venomous Snakes of La Paz County. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Publication.
|
Progress 04/15/07 to 04/14/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Arizona "Indian Country Extension Working Group" will present a peer reviewed paper entitled: "A Distinctive Characteristics of FRTEP Extension Programs on Five Indian Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico" at the Association for International Agricultural Extension Education Conference in Costa Rica in March 2008. This conference has an international audience of extension educators and administrators and is an excellent learning experiences and networking opportunity. Agriculture: 65 participants attended Field Crops Workshops and 71 participants attended Integrated Pest management Programs to receive University based information related to agricultural pests and diseases, weed management, alternative crops and crop variety options suitable for the arid desert of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. In addition to the FRTEP agent, Industry Experts and University Specialists from around the state provided educational programs for the workshops. Programs included:
Early Season Cotton Advisory; Farm Bill, Estate Planning and Risk Management; Late Season Cotton Workshop; Pink Bollworm Eradication Program; and Cotton Insect Losses Workshop. Natural Resource Management: reclamation plans continue at two locations. The agent attended 4 meetings and presented a summary report and PowerPoint presentation to the Tribal Council regarding options for reclaiming and proceeding with the closure plan for the tribal landfill. The agent is working with several CRIT tribal members and departments heads to coordinate a plan with EPA for this closure. The agent is also providing educational materials relating to biofuels and alternative energy sources in conjunction with options for changes in crops grown on the reservation that could be used in these emerging industries. 4H Youth Development: During the year, native youth and adults participated in a variety of programs including the 4H Challenge program (15 youth, 9 teacher trainees); 10 native youth brought
animals to the Colorado River Small Stock show, 22 youth attended the annual 4H Recognition Day where many played key roles by speaking and helping with the presentations; 35 youth entered indoor projects at the La Paz County Fair including photography, cooking, arts and crafts, rocketry, cake decorating and educational posters. Youth must make a public presentation at one of several venues on their projects. Family Consumer sciences: A total of 4,611 FCS contacts (over twice as many as 2006) were made in 2007. The major projects include: Nutrition Education Workshops (1574 participants) Food Handler Workshops (183 participants), Bone Builder Programs (124 participants) Physical Activity only programs (1314 participants), CRIT Diabetes special programs (559 participants), National Women's Conference (112 Participants), 236 native youth attended the Red Ribbon Fun Day, and 69 youth participated in the La Paz Prevention Fiesta. This program continues to grow and develop.
PARTICIPANTS: Agricultural programming is provided in partnership with Eric Norton, University of Arizona Area Ag Agent. Presenters include specialists from UA Campus in Tucson and Industry specialists from chemical companies. The agent works together with Elliott Booth, special advisory to the Tribal Chairman on developing and presenting educational materials regarding reclamation, alternative crops, alternative energy possibilities and biofuels. The Ad Hoc board set up to review the landfill closure includes representatives from Indian Health Services (IHS), CRIT Health Department, CRIT water resources, USDA Lower Colorado River RC & D, CRIT Tribal Council, an engineering consultant firm and CRIT solid waste Department. The 4H program is provided in partnership with Brent Strickland, UA 4H agent. Native American programs are not separated from those of other races; however, numbers presented above represent the Native American portion of the program. The nutrition program works
closely through Memorandums of Agreement with the La Paz County Health department on the Food Handler=s training. Instructional specialist, Robin Cooper, in the La Paz County Extension Office has taken over most of the training for the entire county including the reservation. She also works closely with CRIT Recreation, CRIT Library, CRIT Senior Center, CRIT Special Diabetes Department, CRIT Tobacco, the Head start School, and CRIT probation as well as County based entities including the school district (programs are provided for youth at elementary, junior and high school levels), the La Paz County Sheriff=s Department, the Parker and CRIT Senior Centers, the Parker 9th Street Youth Center, and the La Paz County and Parker Town Libraries.
TARGET AUDIENCES: In the past, the target audience has mostly been farmers who lease land on the reservation. Many of the lessees are non-native; however, educating them on best farming management practices ultimately benefits the tribe. Most specifically, safer use of pesticides and herbicides has been stressed. In an effort to work more directly with tribal members, a shift is being made to work more in the Family and Consumer Sciences fields. Obesity and Diabetes are major concerns on the CRIT reservation. While our FCS Workshops include many programs for adults, we are targeting youth of all ages to encourage changes in eating and physical activity habits with the goal to change behavior to more healthy lifestyles. Needs assessments show that there is more demand for programs in this area and that there are more tribal departments willing to become partners in education programs in these fields.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: FRTEP agents are expected to provide programming in all the major University Extension areas: Agriculture, Natural Resources, 4H Youth Development and Family Consumer Sciences. No major changes have been made that will affect reporting requirements. As mentioned above, there is a shift in emphasis from Agriculture to Family Consumer Sciences for the CRIT FRTEP Agent, however, the County Area Ag Agent will continue to provide agriculture educational materials and workshops to farmers on the reservation. Other changes include new methods for surveying workshop attendees and obtaining needs assessment information. It takes a much longer time to establish a relationship with a Tribal community. The agent is working with other FRTEP agents to define the differences between Indian Country Extension and Traditional Extension and to develop better teaching, program presentation and program evaluation techniques that are better suited to the Native American Culture.
Impacts
Agricultural programming and workshops continue to provide farmers with the latest information regarding water use, pesticide use safety, alternative crops, and best farming practices. 71% of workshop survey respondents indicated that they utilized the information provided in agricultural advisories. 78% rated the workshops as "extremely effective" and 10% rated the workshops as "very effective." 69% of attendees stated that they would make changes based on information received. 4H Youth programming encourages ethical behavior patterns, civic responsibility, and organized project completion. The opportunities for public speaking give youth a sense of poise and helps them along in their career or advanced education path. The biggest impacts continue to come in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Tribal Council and Tribal Department Heads are requesting even more assistance in this area. Following workshop children are asked age appropriate questions regarding
their educational experience. Most children have learned about new foods that are healthy for them to eat and nearly all kids recognized the importance of hand washing, better nutrition, and physical activity. 183 students were issued food handler certificates.
Publications
- Masters, L. S.,Tuttle, S.L. (2007). The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation Fact Sheet. Peer reviewed. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation fact sheet. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Tucson. 90%
- Masters, L. S.,Tuttle, S.L. (2007). Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation quick facts sheet. Peer reviewed. Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation quick facts sheet. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Tucson. 90%
- Masters, L. S.,Tuttle, S.L. (2007). Colorado River Indian Reservation research protocol guidelines. Peer reviewed. Colorado River Indian Reservation research protocol guidelines . University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Tucson. 90%
- Tuttle, S.L., Moore, G.R., Livingston, M.R., Masters, L.S., Long, J.W., Benally, J.Y., Adolf, M., Hiller, J.G. (2008). Distinctive characteristics of FRTEP extension programs of five Indian Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Peer reviewed. Distinctive characteristics of FRTEP extension programs on five Indian Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference, Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education, Earth University, Costa Rica. In Press Other Status.
|
Progress 04/15/06 to 04/14/07
Outputs
Agriculture: 64 participants attended Field Crops Workshops and 12 participants attended Integrated Pest Management Programs to receive University based information related to agricultural pests and diseases, weed management, alternative crops and crop variety choices suitable for the Colorado River Indian Reservation. University Specialists and Industry Experts provided programming for these workshops. Programs included: Early Season Cotton Advisory, Whitefly Management Training, Late Season Cotton Management Workshop, and two Alfalfa Management Workshops. After four years of planning and coordination among five different agencies, the Irrigation Technology Center was completed and a Grand Opening Workshop was held. 53 farmers and youth belonging to 4-H and FFA attended the Opening to learn about techniques for measuring irrigation water on their fields and how to use that information to more efficiently plan farming activities including the application of fertilizer
and pesticides. 8 people participated in the CRIT Organic Production Workshop to learn about the potential for shifting towards organic farming techniques. 6 meetings were held with CRIT leaders and representatives from the biofuels industry to investigate the possibility of constructing an ethanol plant or growing specific new crops to fuel nearby ethanol plants. Natural Resource Management: Natural Resource Rehabilitation projects continue at two locations on the reservation. 4H Youth Development: 24 Tribal youth participated in a 4H Challenge Intersession program to learn methods for working together to achieve common goals. 5 Youth participated in at total of 80 hours of instruction in GPS/GIS technology during 5 Field day trips and office instruction sessions. 37 Youth attended Presentation Day where many gave oral presentations regarding their 4-H Projects. 46 Youth participated in indoor projects at the County Fair that included cooking, arts and crafts, photography, rocketry,
cake decorating, and educational posters. Family and Consumer Sciences: This is a growing area for the CRIT programs with several requests received from various tribal offices for programming and participation. 68 tribal members participated in a CRIT Diabetes Special Program to learn lifestyle changes that will help cope with an ever increasing diabetes problem on the Reservation. 224 tribal men and 558 tribal women participated in a variety of additional Family programs including: Food Safety Workshops, Food Handler Workshops, Bone Builder Programs, Physical Activity Workshops, Healthy Choices Programs, and 5-a-Day Programs. These numbers represent a significant increase in participation in the area of Family Consumer Sciences.
Impacts
Agricultural programming provided tools to farmers to enable them to use water more efficiently, more effectively apply pesticides, choose appropriate crop varieties and consider alternative crops or agricultural industries. 4H Youth programming taught youth new technologies and continues to encourage public speaking, civic responsibility and organized project completion. The biggest impacts were in the area of Family Consumer Sciences where Extension provided new tools for making lifestyle changes that will lead to improvements in diabetes, obesity, and healthy lifestyles.
Publications
- Indian Country Extension: Projects with Impact. Peer-reviewed. Indiant Country Extension: Projects with Impact (2006). L. Masters, S. Tuttle, M. Livingston, G. Moore, J. Benally, J. Long, and J.Hiller.
|
|