Progress 09/15/03 to 04/14/06
Outputs
Executive Summary This USDA SBIR Phase II project successfully developed and beta tested a pocket Computerized Rangeland Information system (CRIS3). The project designed and completed a secure comprehensive Internet Database, meeting the needs for an ecologically sound, rangeland monitoring and information management system that is applicable at multiple rangeland/precipitation regions, for private and public land stewards. Conclusion of the General Approach This Phase II project continued research and development of a prototype hand held computer software application that was determined feasible in Phase I. Further research, software development, and field Beta testing, provided key feedback for improvements to the CRIS3 application. Significant areas of development included plant/vegetation range regions, Matrix variations relative to precipitation, Grazing Budget balance, and snap-shot data summaries. Web-based, data base storage and analysis was also successfully
developed for user feedback, reporting, and information archival. Additionally the database program was successfully designed to include both manual data entry and electronic uploading capabilities. This function will expand and lengthen market interest of the entire application and services. Several final project demonstrations were presented to the Phase II research consultants by the Principal Investigator, confirming that project objectives were successfully achieved; Key consultants Dr. Kris Havstad, Supervisory Scientist, USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range, NM Dr. Jeff Herrick, Range Specialist, USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range, NM Dr. Rod Heitschmidt, Lead Researcher, USDA ARS Fort Keogh, MT. Dr. Bok Sowell, Montana State University Range Professor. Mike Gustin, New Mexico Fish & Game Doug Warnock, Maurice Robinett, Solar Dollar resource consulting. The electronic system design and programming was successfully completed by Lupine Logic Inc., Joe Glassy, Director. Visual
Grease, Monique Perkins is the current database programmer, and has successfully achieved the web-based manual data entry. Phase II research, development, and final presentation was concluded within the extended no-cost deadline date. Marketing launch began in early-summer, 2006. Commercialization will be self-funded on a product need-basis. Land EKG Inc. has hired an Information Technology specialist for on-going maintenance and technical support. Through time, increasing sales of the entire electronic system (CRIS3) and web-based manual data analysis will generate growth in the business, and can improve the economic, social, and ecological sustainability for private and public land stewards. This project has successfully achieved the vision and goals proposed, as well as arrived at commercialization.
Impacts
The impact provides land stewards opportunities to develop sustainable agricultural production systems and abilities to protect natural resources and the environment. CRIS3 provides standardized ecological measurements, to direct management towards economic and landscape goals, raising productivity of rangeland resources and protects the environment. Riparian areas and water quality can be improved from monitoring info, and air quality by assessing carbon sequestration. Agencies support monitoring rangeland conditions for better management towards rangeland resources and natural assets. Impacts are: Ecological: improved water quality, quantity, and availability for all users of water resources by better management of ecological processes, primarily hydrologic cycling. Management actions based on monitoring increases soil stability, wildlife habitat, biological diversity, and production of plant/ animal communities. Economic: lowers the cost and time associated with
federal and nonfederal monitoring; Increases utility, desirability, and economic value of poorly managed rangeland resources lacking monitoring data; Creates resource development options, employs diversification, and economic opportunity for managers in rural areas; Trading carbon credits has potential. Social: provides; A standardized system for private and public managers collaborating policy for management practices; A compliance tool for managers required to monitor land; Increases communications with diverse groups toward mutual goals and; Minimizes legal disputes involving resource management issues.
Publications
- Orchard, C.E. 2006. GLCI National Conference, 12/10/2006, Technical Paper
- Watson,K. 2006. Drovers Journal, 02/01/2006, pg.20
- Gordon,K. 2004. Angus Journal,04/01/2004, p.162, wolume 25, number 9
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Hands-on prototype testing of the computerized data recorder by the designed test-groups proceeded as expected. The groups provided valuable feedback to the PI for continued efficiency of in-field data collection, and areas for programming revisions. Most challenges regard the hardware, such as battery failure which resulted in lost data and programming. Software application was updated throughout this period, resulting in a successful software application for the pocket computerized data recorder. During this time, the PI and IT team designed and built a robust web-data base server. This hardware and software assembly allows the pocket computer's data to be uploaded and complete the data anaysis, reporting, and archiving process through a secure website. Development and testing of the web-based reporting program steadily continues. The challenge of coordinating changes for the pocket computer with the web-based report programming and data storage is on-going. Photo
storage is not consistant and still needs revisions. Programming the web-based Data reporting pages is awork in progress, and is behind schedule due to the conflicts between internet browsers and amount of data entry. The prototype test groups patiently wait to test the web-base analysis and report applications. Manual data entry on the web-based pages continue development and alpha-testing, with difficulties, again, regarding inconsistancy between web-browsers. Despite the programming challenges, the CRIS (Computerized Rangeland Information System) is an impressive managment tool, that is meeting the expectations of the test-groups. As developement is refined, the electronic tool will remain to be unique, in offering a user-friendly system for private landowners that will meet agency standards. The budget has been expended at this point and all financial oligations will be managed and maintained by the awarded small business, Land EKG Inc.
Impacts
The prototype test groups have expressed interest in utilizing this electronic tool, depending on their departmental budgets and licensing arrangements. Production of the electronic tool will be on a need-basis only. This tool will increase in demand, as the market adapts to technology. Currently the average age in the agricultual industry is 60 years, therefore as the generations advance into management positions the acceptance of this technology will be higher. A Montana State University management class conducted a market research for the CRIS3 market entry, and reported initial impact will be most sucessful through the private/public landowners already familiar with the rangeland monitoring (paper) data collection process. MSU concluded that acceptance of the paper and electronic system will be on a State-by-State basis. It was also recommended to address private landowners needs for state and federal regulations, allowing agency's opportunity to participate and
support the valuable process of assessing and monitoring current rangeland conditions.
Publications
- Pasture Management tools, with the simple to elaborate. Drovers Journal, Mar/April 2006
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Project began upon award notification with software design and development as a priority. Equiptment was ordered and pocket computers were programmed for prototype test groups, spring of 2004. In-field training with the three test groups occurred in June and July, with follow-up calls in August. During the trainings, the Infromation Technology team finalized the design and development of the server and web-based data program for uploading testers data results and storage. Testers were notified and began uploading field data information in early August. A user-survey was completed by the tester-groups and software / program refinements are being addressed based on their experiences and suggestions. Web-based program improvements and pocket-computer refinements will continue through the fall and winter. At this time, the project is proceeding on schedule and as prosposed. Final program testing will occurr in Spring of 2005.
Impacts
The Land EKG monitoring system has been taught to over 800 private and public land managers in 13 western states, to date. The initial impact will be to these users - updating their skills from the paper format to electronic. Foresight Technology provided a market analysis and in the first year of sales, estimates an impact of 1% of the market which is approximately 500 users, and in five years it estimates 10% of sales to the market. Most impact will be with private landowners managing for production and utilizing leased lands. The National Agricultural Statistics Service reports more than 1.9 million US farms/ranches in 1997, totaling approximately 930 million acres of land. At this time, Government agency's are accepting Land EKG data information, along with their own methodology but not applying it. As the Land EKG system becomes a more standardized method, the impact and application acceptance will grow. For example, in the Fall of 2004 the Land EKG method was
applied on 11 USFS allotments, approx. 250,000 acres, through a USDA contract with the Malheur National Forest. Currently, USFS Region 2 and Colorado State BLM office will accept landowners Land EKG data information. Acceptance and impact will be state by state. This unique, user-friendly electronic system will become a standardized efficient, one-of-a-kind rangeland information tool for private and public land managers in the next 5 years.
Publications
- Gordon,K., 2004 April, "What can land monitoring do for you?" Angus Journal, volume 25, number 9, pg.162-163.
- Maday, J., 2005 April, "Grazing toward a goal" Drovers Journal, volume 133, number 4, pg. 20-22.
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