Progress 07/01/13 to 06/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Fort Belknap Reservation members, focusing on ranchers/farmers, youth, young families, and aging population to improve health and economic stability. Changes/Problems:FRTEP funding has decreasedtherefor our Administrative Assistant position has been funded under the FRTEP carryover. Funding for a full time Administrative Assistant is necessary for the advancement of the Noxious Weed Management Program and 4H program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV • MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT • Central Region Agent Update, Great Falls, MT • PAT ,Lewistown, MT •USDA Tribal Forum Conference, Bozeman, MT • Strengthening the Circle, Bozeman MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Maintain community gardens Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies for 4 gardens Increase number of FBLMC members Increase the number to 45 through membership drives and incentives Increase agriculture education opportunities Provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops Establish 4H horse group and archery group Establish Weed Management Program Apply for funds to support administration and noxious weed control staff
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): • The FBLMC Board has been established and holdsmeetings when needed. With the improved facility, the FBLMC have been able to hold monthly horse sales, continue the bull testing clinic, and provide better serrvice to local producers. The next goals is to provide monthly training for local producers. Youth Development: • 4-H In School: Regular weekly 4H agricultural/gardening/nutrition classes were conducted throughout out the 2016-2017year at Mission Grade School, Lodge Pole Elementary with 94 participants. • 4-H After School: Weekly afterschool 4H sewing class in Lodge Pole on Wednesdays. Participants sewed ribbons skirts andribbon shirts• Weekly gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes throughout the 2017summer at Hays and Lodge Pole averaging 5-12 youth • Collaborated with tribal programs for the Youth Rodeo Camp in Lodge Pole totaling 62 local youth participants. Sustainable Natural Foods: • • During 2017, participants in Fort Belknap Sustainabilty Food Projectindicated they'd like to learn more about how to extend the growing season to produce more fruits and vegetables. MSU Extension staff wrote for and succeeded in earning a First Nations Food Sovereignty Grant of $10,000 to provide additional classes and support in building and utilizing high tunnels and root cellars. The funds addressed the specific needs identified from families within the program; additinional raised beds, chicken coops, solar food dehydrator, high tunnels, and community garden support. •The Extension Experimental Orchard,in collaboration with Toby Day and Brent Sarchet, is growing and producing a great amout of apples, pears, and plums. The 2017 harvest should be a good one!!T Noxious Weeds: • Applied and Received the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant for a total of $7500. The funds were used for Private and Commercial applicator training opportunities, educational weed workshops, range days, and hired a Noxious WeedBio-Control Outreach specialist. The specialist, half time with INCA and MSU Extension, provided one on one producer bio-control of noxious weeds, released and recorded bio-control sites throughout the reservation. This individual also started up the Fort Belknap Conservation District which will continue the Fort Belknap noxious weed program development.
Publications
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Progress 07/01/17 to 06/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Fort Belknap Reservation members, focusing on ranchers/farmers, youth, young families, and aging population to improve health and economic stability. Changes/Problems:FRTEP funding has decreased therefor our Administrative Assistant position has been funded under the FRTEP carryover. Funding for a full time Administrative Assistant is necessary for the advancement of the Noxious Weed Management Program and 4H program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV National FRTEP Conference in Flathead, MT Commercial Applicator Training - Missoula, MT Local Pesticide Applicator Training - cancelled due to weather Mid Winter Fair Ranchers Roundup, Fort Belknap, MT Produce Food Saftey Training Lodge Pole, MT Planning for On Farm Success Training Hays, MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local KGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The three priorities for the Fort Belknap FRTEPprogram are Tribal Youth Development, Indian Rancher/Farmer Productivity and Management, and Indian Community Development-Economic Development and Food Systems. Although these are the agricultural agent's responsibilities and considered to be different categories, these categories and the Family and Consumer Science Agents' responsibilities are all interrelated and rely on each other's success to create self-sustaining communities on Fort Belknap Reservation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): • The FBLMC Board has been established and holds meetings quarterly or before an event at the scale. With the improved facility, the FBLMC have been able to hold monthly horse sales, continue the bull testing clinic, and provide better serrvice to local producers. Youth Development: • 4-H In School: Regular weekly 4H agricultural/gardening/nutrition classes were conducted throughout out the2017-2018 year at Mission Grade School, Lodge Pole Elementary with 94 participants. • 4-H After School: Weekly afterschool 4H sewing class in Lodge Pole on Wednesdays. Participants sewed ribbons skirts and ribbon shirts • Weekly 4-H archery, gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes throughout the 2018 summer at Hays and Lodge Pole averaging 20-40 youth • Collaborated with tribal programs for the Youth Rodeo Camp in Lodge Pole totaling 62 local youth participants. Sustainable Natural Foods: • During 2018, participants in Fort Belknap Sustainabilty Food Project indicated they'd like to learn more about how to extend the growing season to produce more fruits and vegetables. MSU Extension staff wrote for and succeeded in earning a First Nations Food Nutrition Grant of $14,500 to provide additional classes and support in creating and growing cultural medicinal gardens. The are currently being used to bring together local elders and youth to grow medicinal gardens in the resemblence of a medicine wheel. •The Extension Experimental Orchard,in collaboration with Toby Day and Brent Sarchet, is growing and producing a great amout of apples, pears, and plums. The 2018 harvest should be a good one!! Noxious Weeds: • Applied and Received the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant for a total of $7500. The funds were used for Private and Commercial applicator training opportunities, educational weed workshops, range days, and hired a Noxious Weed Bio-Control Outreach specialist. The specialist, half time with INCA and MSU Extension, provided one on one producer bio-control of noxious weeds, released and recorded bio-control sites throughout the reservation. This individual also started up the Fort Belknap Conservation District which will continue the Fort Belknap noxious weed program development.
Publications
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Progress 07/01/16 to 06/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Fort Belknap Reservation members, focusing on ranchers/farmers, youth, young families, and aging population to improve health and economic stability. Changes/Problems:FRTEP funding has decreased therefor our Administrative Assistant position has been funded under the FRTEP carryover. Funding for a full time Administrative Assistant is necessary for the advancement of the Noxious Weed Management Program and 4H program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV • MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT • Central Region Agent Update, Great Falls, MT • PAT ,Lewistown, MT •USDA Tribal Forum Conference, Bozeman, MT • Strengthening the Circle, Bozeman MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain community gardens 2. Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies for 4 gardens 3. Increase number of FBLMC members Increase the number to 45 through membership drives and incentives 4. Increase agriculture education opportunities Provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops 5. Establish 4H horse group and archery group 6. Establish Weed Management Program 7. Apply for funds to support administration and noxious weed control staff
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): • The FBLMC Board has been established and holds meetings when needed. With the improved facility, the FBLMC have been able to hold monthly horse sales, continue the bull testing clinic, and provide better serrvice to local producers. The next goals is to provide monthly training for local producers. Youth Development: • 4-H In School: Regular weekly 4H agricultural/gardening/nutrition classes were conducted throughout out the 2016- 2017 year at Mission Grade School, Lodge Pole Elementary with 94 participants. • 4-H After School: Weekly afterschool 4H sewing class in Lodge Pole on Wednesdays. Participants sewed ribbons skirts and ribbon shirts • Weekly gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes throughout the 2017 summer at Hays and Lodge Pole averaging 5-12 youth • Collaborated with tribal programs for the Youth Rodeo Camp in Lodge Pole totaling 62 local youth participants. Sustainable Natural Foods:• During 2017, participants in Fort Belknap Sustainabilty Food Project indicated they'd like to learn more about how to extend the growing season to produce more fruits and vegetables. MSU Extension staff wrote for and succeeded in earning a First Nations Food Sovereignty Grant of $10,000 to provide additional classes and support in building and utilizing high tunnels and root cellars. The funds addressed the specific needs identified from families within the program; additinional raised beds, chicken coops, solar food dehydrator, high tunnels, and community garden support. •The Extension Experimental Orchard,in collaboration with Toby Day and Brent Sarchet, is growing and producing a great amout of apples, pears, and plums. The 2017 harvest should be a good one!! Noxious Weeds: • Applied and Received the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant for a total of $7500. The funds were used for Private and Commercial applicator training opportunities, educational weed workshops, range days, and hired a Noxious Weed Bio-Control Outreach specialist. The specialist, half time with INCA and MSU Extension, provided one on one producer bio-control of noxious weeds, released and recorded bio-control sites throughout the reservation. This individual also started up the Fort Belknap Conservation District which will continue the Fort Belknap noxious weed program development.
Publications
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Progress 07/01/15 to 06/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Fort Belknap Reservation members, focusing on ranchers/farmers, youth, young families, and aging population to improve health and economic stability. Changes/Problems:he Fort Belknap MSU Extension service hired 6 new employees in the Agricultural Agent, Family and Consumer Science Agent, Administrative Assistant, Nutrition Educator (FDPNE grant), Garden Educator (FDPNE grant), and SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator in the 2015-2016 reporting year. The FRTEP Ag Agent and FCS Agent spent a large amount of time administrating the recruiting, hiring, and training of personnel. This took time away from extension programming. The program's strengths were the growth and education of community and family horticulture, and In School 4H and After- School 4H, and ranching education opportunities while the Noxious Weed Program did not progress at the rate needed. Lastly, FRTEP funding has decreases therefor our Administrative Assistant position has been funded under the FDPNE and Noxious Weed Program for the previous 3 years. Funding for a full time Administrative Assistant is necessary for the advancement of the Noxious Weed Management Program and 4H program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT Central Region Agent Update, Great Falls, MT Beginning Rancher and Farmer Training, Chico, MT USDA Tribal Forum Conference, Bozeman, MT Strengthening the Circle, Bozeman MT Shelterbelt Clinic, Have MT Walk with Ease Training, Great Falls, MT (FSA Agent) SNAP Ed annual conferences Bozeman, MT (FSA Agent) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Tribal Monthly Accountability reports MSU Extension Engagement Plan report MSU Extension Yearly Report BIA FCS report Class/workshop fliers Local RGVA radio announcements Local newspaper articles Facebook announcements Phone calls Informational letters What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Anticipated Outcome Actual Measured Outcome Increase amount of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed on Fort Belknap Increase the personal/family gardens Increase number of Fort Belknap residents preserving food Increase the number of participants attending and trained at the food preservation classes Maintain community gardens Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies for 4 gardens Increase number of FBLMC members Increase the number to 45 through membership drives and incentives Increase agriculture education opportunities Provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops Increase 4H youth and leader members Establish 4H horse group, leaders, and school programs Train leaders Create 4H club Establish Weed Management Program Approval of Programmatic Environmental Assessment Apply for funds to support administration and noxious weed control staff Explore options for Noxious Weed Management Program home with different Tribal Programs
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): Re-establish the now skeletal Board of Directors to re-elect new officers and begin strategic planning & membership drive. The FBLMC Board has been established and holds monthly meetings every 2nd Thursday of each month. Meeting have been to organize and approve the addition to the Hays Livestock Scale. Membership drives were occurred during the Rancher's Roundup and Bull Testing Clinic The FBLMC is an active 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. Scale recertification is up to date. Regular monthly meetings have been conducted.The meetings have been work meetings to improve the Hays Scale Facilities. Board approved 2 Rural Ag Loans and 3 Junior Ag Loans bringing in 5 new young ranchers with a total of $120,500 in new cattle on Fort Belknap FBLMC received the Indian Country Economic Development (ICED) funding grant in July 2015 to upgrade and expand the Hays Livestock Scale.The $60,000 grant allowed FBLMC to enlarge and increase holding corrals and allies, replace 2 loading chutes on either end of the corals to allow more producers to work livestock at same time, replaced fencing around premises, improved gravel road into the establishment, and replaced water well (in process).These improvements allowed local producers to ship their livestock closer to home which decreases the cost of trucking and calf weight loss averaging a $5 dollar gain for each calf.There was a total of 2200 calves weighed at the scale in the fall of 2015 therefor keeping $11,000 Youth Development Work with school administrations to conduct STEM and related agricultural activities at least once per month in each of the elementary schools during the academic schoolyear. 4-H In School: Regular weekly 4H agricultural/gardening/nutrition classes were conducted throughout out the 2015-2016 year at Mission Grade School Dodson Junior High School and High School Science classes with 30 participants. 4-H After School: Weekly afterschool 4H cooking classes for Hays/Lodge Pole Junior High and High School on Wednesdays Bi-Weekly Horse Play Days were conducted in collaboration with Blue Heaven Harnessing Hope, Tribal Health during the month of June-August 2015 averaging 12 youth each week and June-August 2016 currently averaging 30 youth and family members. Horse Play Days gives the in-experienced and experienced riders to enhance their horsemanship skills on and off the horse. Weekly gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes throughout the2015 summer at Hays and Lodge Pole Boys and Girls Clubs averaging 5-12 youth Collaborated with tribal programs for the Youth Rodeo Camp in Lodge Pole totaling 44 local youth participants Weekly Wednesday 4-H 2016 summer activities are conducted at Hay Kills at Night Center in collaboration with Tribal Health Department and Boys and Girls Club Sustainable Natural Foods: The Fort Belknap MSU Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent conducted the following classes and community garden development: Weekly Horticulture/Gardening Mentoring for personal and Lodge Pole Community garden.Agents mentored 28 individuals throughout the 2015 garden season.Currently, over 40 family gardens and raised beds have been established throughout the reservation for the 2016 gardening season. The FCS agent aided in the applying and maintaining of the Harvesting Healthy Communities Grant for a total of $2500.A high tunnel and fencing was purchased for the RPCCG.The hoop house extended the growing season for the garden providing more tomatoes and extended the season for lettuce, spinach, radishes, and beets.They reapplied for the grant and received an increase to $5000 to establish chicken flocks at the RPCCG and with community members during the 2016 spring and summer season. The FCS agent brought key community members together to establish a Hays Community Garden.The committee has received the permission to use a local area for the garden and are currently applying for a $2500 grant from Harvesting Healthy Communities.This grant will provide fencing for the Hays Community Garden. Agency -Aaniiih Nakoda College Garden is a well-established experimental garden ran by the Tribal College Extension Service.A paid ANC Extension employee plans and maintains the garden with paid interns throughout the summer.In the fall. The garden supplies fresh vegetables to local Senior Centers, Head Start Centers, local school tours, and adult tours.The MSU Extension Service (FRTEP office) collaborates with the garden tours, garden classes, and garden planning. Hays Community Garden has been established in collaboration with community members, Tribal health programs, and Little Rockies Boys and Girls Club. An area in central Hays is leased from a private owner for 20 years. The lease has an established pond for water, shade and well established apple trees. FB Extension (funded through FDPNE grant) provides guidance, garden supplies, plants, and trees. The ground has been tilled and planted with potatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, flowers, watermelon, pumpkins, cucumbers, apple trees, raspberry bushes, and june berry bushes. The community hopes to create a self-sustained garden with areas for recreation on the property. Lodge Pole RPC Community Garden - This is the third year the Lodge Pole/ Red Paint Creek Community Garden has been going strong.FB Extension (funded through FDPNE grant) provides guidance, garden supplies, plants, and trees. In May of 2016, FB Extension and RPCC planted 15 more apple trees to the Extension Experimental Orchard in collaboration with Toby Day and Brent Sarchet, MSU Extension arborist program.The RPC garden produced over 1000 pounds of vegetables which was distributed to community elders, families, and tribal programs.Currently, the RPCC and Island Mountain Development is building a Trading Post with an anticipated opening date in July.The Trading Post will sell and trade local produce from the community garden and local family gardens. Noxious Weeds: Collaborate with USDA APHIS, INCA. & Tribal EPA to conduct trainings, secure funding to educate communities and youth on the different types of noxious weeds, their impact on the environment, and best practices in eradicating or controlling noxious weeds through integrated pest management. Noxious Weed Meeting withweed committee of Tribal personnel, BIA employees and individuals in October Applied and Received the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant for a total of $7500 Held education event for children, especially regarding leafy spurge and spotted knapweed: Back to School Weed Pull Currently, working with BIA on the Noxious Weed Management Programmatic Environmental Assessment.On March 10, 2016 tribal members, ranchers, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Belknap Environmental Protection Agency, NRCS, and Extension held a meeting to discuss the steps for the PEA.Bi-monthly follow up conference calls have been led by the Trihydro Corporation to update the progress of the assessment.The NWMPEA plans to be completed in the August 2016. In process of hiring a weed manager to conduct reservation wide noxious weed management.
Publications
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Progress 07/01/14 to 06/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Fort Belknap Reservation members, focusing on ranchers/farmers, youth, young families, and aging population to improve health and economic stability Changes/Problems:The Fort Belknap FRTEP Agent (Gail Whiteman) resigned from the position in November of 2014.The new agent (Liz Werk) was hired in May 2015.The new agent was previously the Family and Consumer Science Agent at Fort Belknap.Therefore, the reporting is mainly from the FCS and SNAP Ed agents programming.The Agricultural topics reports are limited due to the position being vacant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT SNAP Ed annual and quarterly conferences Bozeman, MT FCS annual update Bozeman, MT Ag Agent annual update Bozeman, MT Nutrition and Agriculture Conference, Bozeman, MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? SNAP monthly, quarterly, annual reports Tribal Monthly Accountability reports MSU Extension Engagement Plan report Class/workshop fliers Local RGVA radio announcements Local newspaper articles Facebook announcements Emails Phone calls What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Anticipated Outcome Actual Measured Outcome Improve health of Fort Belknap Residents Lower number of residents with pre-diabetes, diabetes, heart issues, and obesity Increase amount of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed on Fort Belknap Increase the personal/family gardens Increase number of Fort Belknap residents preserving food Increase the number of participants attending and trained at the food preservation classes Increase number of community gardens increase number of community gardens from 1 to 2 on Fort Belknap Increase number of farmer market vendors Increase the number of farmers' markets from 4 to 6 with 4 vendors each Increase number of FBLMC members Increase the number to 45 Increase agriculture education opportunities Provide quarterly producers workshops Increase 4H youth and leader members Establish 4H horse group, leaders, and school programs
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): Ranchers Grazing Association • Organizes and set goals • Established a Board of Directors • Developed articles/bylaws • Designated goals including working with BIA and Tribal Administration to upgrade compliance issues in leasing, grazing, range technicians, feral horses, fencing, and livestock water in grazing units, etc. Ereaux Water Users Association • Established monthly meetings • Partnered with Milk River Watershed Alliance at apply for State funding to repair the irrigation canal • Established a fee scale that the users will participate in, so there is a show of cooperation in the handling necessary expenses as an association Agriculture Loan Assistance • Help producers and junior ag applicants complete Montana State Ag Loans • Provide technical assistance Sustainable Natural Foods: Fort Belknap Food Sustainability Program Food Preservation: Introduction to canning supplies, canning food safety, and canning safety is presented then hands on canning processing occurs.Participants bring fruit and vegetables while the extension agent provides the canning supplies and jars .August 27 and September 10, 2104: Pickling Cucumbers and peaches took place at the Agency Diabetes Class and ONAP Building with 5 participants. September 22 and 23, 2014: Pickled beets, apple filling, apple, and plum jam at Lodge Pole Chief Nosey and Senior Center with 9 total participants.September 8 and12, 2014:Pickled Beets and Choke Cherry Syrup at Mission Rec Center and Kills at Night Center, Hays with 19 participants Horticulture/Gardening: 3 tillers were loaned out in Hays, Agency, and Lodge Pole areas to assist families in planting their gardens.Weekly visits to 2-3 individuals in each community were conducted by Hillary and myself to answer gardening questions. The major gardening mentoring occurred with the Lodge Pole Community Garden.The Diabetes Prevention, community outreach coordinator, and community volunteer's seed started vegetable plants, tilled and prepared a 200ft x 300ft organic garden, and pumped water from Red Creek to produce an extremely productive garden.The volunteers harvested, preserved, processed, distributed, and saved seeds from the produce and are planning for next year's garden already.This garden is a great example of a community wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. M Lodge Pole Trading Post:The Lodge Pole Red River Community Council requested Extension to be part of the educational components (gardening, food safety, food preservation, meat processing, etc) in the planning aspect of the Lodge Pole Trading Post.4 different meeting were conducted regarding grant applications for the building and planning activities.Also, First Nations conducted a Food Sovereignty Assessment Workshop on June 19 & 20. My assigned project from the workshop was to have Farmers' Markets in August and September in Hays and Lodge Pole.These are planned For August 9 & 23 and September 13 & 27.Island Mountain Development Cooperation wrote for a $400,000 USDA grant for the Red River Council and was approved to build the trading post.The formation of the trading post will be a perfect avenue to teach self-sufficiency skills. Farmer's Markets: Hays, Kills at Night Center on August 9 and Sept. 13- Vegetables and rummage were available to buy, sell, or trade. 88 people participated at the markets with 6 total vendors.Lodge Pole, Chief Nosey on August 23 and September 27 - Vegetables, rummage, and baked goods were available to buy, sell, or trade.3 vendors and 8 people participated in the market. Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative: SNAP Nutrition Educator - conducted 6 weekly nutrition classes in 3 local 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade classes totaling 45 students in each grade level conducted 7 nutrition adult classes in all four local communities.Classes met once a week for 8 weeks. 40 adults participated with 80% graduating/completing the class Collaborated with local tribal programs, community members, and schools on impactful policy change and systematic modification for the Policy, System, and Environment SNAP program Started school and community gardens and aided with school environmental team expansion Arthritis Exercise: 3 8 week arthritis classes were conducted in Lodge Pole, Hays, and Agency communities by a trained Arthritis Exercise Program director This aided in the health and mobility of Fort Belknap residents Sponsored by Arthritis Association grant Noxious Weeds Weed Management Program Created weed committee of Tribal personnel, BIA employees and individuals Developed a Strategic Management Plan Held education events for children, especially regarding leafy spurge and spotted knapweed: Earth Day and Back to School Weed Pulling BBQ Presented weed education for monthly producer meetings and an informational presentation to the Tribal Council Began bio control program Seeking funding to continue with spray program and move forward with the strategic management plan, with the priority of developing a CWMP for Leafy Spurge Youth Development: Conducted 4H survey of interest at Back to School Nights Conducted nutrition and food preparation at local tribal youth and family camps Weekly gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes throughout the summer at Hay and Lodge Pole Boys and Girls Clubs Collaborated with tribal programs for the Youth Rodeo Camp in Lodge Pole
Publications
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Progress 07/01/13 to 06/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for the FRTEP Agent on the Fort Belknap Reservation includes the general population of the reservation. TheFort Belknap Indian Reservation is homeland to the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) and the Assiniboine (Nakoda) Tribes. Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is located forty miles south of the Canadian border and twenty miles north of the Missouri River. Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is the fourth largest Indian reservation in Montana. The Reservation encompasses an area consisting of 675,147 acres, which extends approximately 28 miles east and west and 35 miles north and south. The land is mostly rolling plains. The main industry is agriculture, consisting of small cattle ranches, raising alfalfahay for feed and larger dry land farms. The Little Rocky Mountains, located at the southern end of the reservation, has two small communities. Hays, located at the southwest portion of the reservation, has both a public school (7-12), and a Catholic School, Saint Paul's Mission, grades K-6. Lodge Pole, located at the southeast portion of the reservation has a public school, grades K-6. Fort Belknap has a tribal membership of 7,000 enrolled members. FRTEP and FCS Agents, along with the Snap Ed Educator target any and all of the members in capacity building, health and wellness for individuals, communities, and the environment, youth development, and strengthening agricultural practices which is the backbone of sustainable lifestyles in this very rural area. Changes/Problems: The noxious weed problem has been identified by stakeholders as a big problem, and some of the FRTEP agent's time and attention have taken a sharp upward trend by about 30% over the first reports. Previously planned youth activities such as summer camps and equine camps did not happen due to time and money constraints. They did, however, happen on a smaller scale and through Tribal Department networking and Extension support. Recruiting of livestock producers into the Livestock Marketing Cooperative has been a challenge as many producers can't perceive how they will benefit by being a part of it. This has created a shift from actual goals being marked off as "done" to a slower pace associated with capacity building of these rural communities. Slow workings are to get people to communicate, coordinate and begin to tear down barriers. The biggest challenge is having a very tight budget. However, it has led to creative networking and collaborations. I believe Extension Service on reservations has an obligation to act as "Bridges" across borders and boundaries to allow healing and vision to move forward. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): December, 2013 - The President and Vice President of the Coop attended the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Annual Meeting with the FRTEP Agent on scholarships provided by the IAC. The 2013 meeting focused on sustainable food systems, range management, and Native American Natural Beef Networking from producer to packaged products. Through the Coop, the FRTEP Agent applied for a mini grant offered by The Western Risk Management Center (WRMC) at Washington State University. The funds were approved to initiate a survey to be conducted over the summer of 2014 with the producers, that will provide knowledge in how to structure a request for proposals through WRMC, seeking funds to develop an educational program that will provide the area producers skills, knowledge, and abilities in how to balance risk through record-keeping and development of marketing strategies for their beef. A project being worked on by the FRTEP Agent and the Tribal College Extension Agent is the adaptation of the Business of Agriculture Curriculum provided by First Nations Development Institute: "First Nations Development Instituteannounced it has published a comprehensive curriculum for Native American farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that can be downloaded for free from the First Nations website. It is designed to be used by tribal college instructors, extension agents or workshop instructors. It is titled “The Business of Indian Agriculture” and includes both a 562-page Instructor Guide and a 323-page Participant Workbook. The curriculum is designed to help farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers succeed in managing their businesses. It covers useful topics like how to develop a business plan, how to set up bookkeeping systems, and marketing. It also covers important topics like risk management, personal financial management, and using credit wisely." How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Extension Service continues to share through newsletters, local radio stations, and monthly public meetings with FBLMC, EWUC, booths at cultural events, Women's Meetings held every Monday night, etc. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? 1. FBLMC: *Continue to seek input from producers via the survey over summer of 2014. *Seek funding from WSU WRMC for tailored educational strategies. *Provide ag loan borrowers (FSA and Montana Dept. of Ag Borrowers) with "The Business of Agriculture" workshops. * Provide Board Development Training for Boards that Lead. *Bring in relevant speakers to promote natural beef production and sustainable, environmentally friendly ranch management practices. *Continue with challenges for the Board of Directors to address as emerging community leaders in membership engagement and youth activities. 2. Youth Development: *Continue to work with Dodson School to provide agriculture/science special lessons each month of the school year. Solicit for the same with the Hays/Lodge Pole Elementary School to get on board. *Recruit Junior Ag Loan borrowers to the "Business of Agriculture" workshops and to enter fairs with the heifer calf program and share recordkeeping with peers. *Continue to support and enhance youth camps and activities, providing more educational opportunities. 3. Sustainable Natural Foods: *Support the community gardening and private gardening projects with nutritional education, soil and water quality workshops, and supporting celebrations such as farmes markets, Glorious Garden tours, and Garden Bounty Shows at local fairs. *Continue collaborations on the local Food Pantry initiative. 4. Noxious Weeds: Develop the Weed Committee with a purpose to provide guidance to the weed program and ensure the implementation of the weed plan and annual operating plan Step 1. List potential committee members: aim to create a committee with a diversity of views. Identify members that serve on other committees to help build inter-committee partnerships. At least 12 members need to be engaged in agriculture, natural resource management, etc. Step 2. Recruit committee members: ask them about their interest in joining the committee in person and then follow-up with a written invitation. Ask them about their experience and qualifications and the amount of time they might have each month to serve. Develop a sheet with contact information. Step 3. Develop a draft charter: · Purpose and goals and roles of weeds committee: see below · Focus on the Annual Operating Plan as the central planning document to target committee activities each year. List how members might work together on each activity · Partners: list agencies (and others?) involved with commitments to cooperate · Committee member roles and duties: see below · Composition of committee and terms of service · Means for appointing and confirming members, officers, and chair · Roles of chair and vice chair · Protocol for committee decision making · Meetings: schedule and purpose, for instance, meetings will be held monthly, open to the public, and organized and led by Extension · Resolution to authorize the development and operations of the weeds committee o Purpose of the weeds committee and roles of the committee members (for example) § Provide guidance to the weed program § Ensure the implementation of the weed plan and annual operating plan § Facilitate communication among committee members § Identify and collaboratively resolve weed issues § Help build inter-committee partnerships § Help integrate the weed program with other tribal natural resource and recreation programs, such as trails, wetlands, energy, etc. § Annually assess progress towards the implementation of the strategic plan § Produce an annual report on the performance and activities of the weed program § Create a new annual operating plan each year § Stay informed about what the other committees are doing to find out how we can partner on weed and natural resource projects and grant proposals § Create a communication plan to announce the committee and activities to community members, Council members, and other committees and to communicate regularly with them. The communication plan should provide information about upcoming programs and events, etc. and outline communication with other committees.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fort Belknap Livestock Marketing Cooperative (FBLMC): 1. Founding board members were replaced with a new five-member board All of the new members are actively ranching and interested in developing a strong network of area producers. 2. As of April, 2013, the Montana Corporation Annual Report had not been filed for FBLMC, so the Ag Agent sent it in, regaining good standing with the State of MT. 3. The business fee to get the livestock scale re-certified was paid and the scale was recertified in June, 2013. 4. Regular monthly board meetings have been conducted each month since September, 2013 when the new board was elected by local producers. Training components have included topics: · Natural Beef vs. Traditional Feedlot Beef – value added · Marketing Beef – Selling at distant auction markets vs. Working together to sell beef from a local vantage point (the FBLMC Scale and Facilities) · Video Sales vs. Visiting Cattle Buyers · Trichonomonosis and Pink Eye · Marketing Nationally through an Indian Beef Network · Raising Beef for a local Food Security System · Recognizing and Battling Two of Montana’s Noxious Weeds found on Fort Belknap Reservation – Leafy Spurge and Spotted Knapweed 4. The Board has voted to apply for funding from the “Growth Through Agriculture” grant funding through the MT Dept of Ag. The Board, as of the last meeting, voted to also ask the Intertribal Agriculture Council for assistance with funds. The President will talk to them in the next few weeks and report back at the June meeting. Youth Development: 1. In the 2013-14 school year, classes were conducted at the Dodson Elementary School with 3-4th and 5-6th graders, in which the FRTEP agent conducted special 2 hour interactive classes on the following topics: · “How Is Soil Made?” · “Our Food is Only as Good as Our Soil” · “Composting and Worm Farms” · “How our Planet was Formed” – 4.6 Billion Year Timeline Activity · “War On Weeds” activity 2. The FBLMC Board has agreed to help sponsor youth livestock activities starting in the fall of 2014. At the Mid Winter Fair in February, 2014, the Loan Supervisor for MT Dept of Ag conducted a club calf program and the Junior Ag Loan Program for area youth and their parents. 3. The Extension Service assisted with several youth camps throughout the summer of 2013, partnering with the Tribal Ministries Project, the Tribal Health Department, Youth Suicide Prevention Center, and the Diabetes Center to provide educational hands on events such as healthy nutrition, gardening, a weed whacker rodeo, equine care and management, beginning riding lessons, and little guy rodeos. Sustainable Natural Foods: 1. In the spring of 2013, a gardening/tree growing workshop was conducted in each of the four main communities. Community gardens were encouraged, free heritage seeds were handed out, bare root trees were distributed, and gardening-related door prizes were given away. The three rototillers owned by the Extension Service were loaned out to the outlying communities and the local agency. Seventeen gardens were tilled up with these machines. The community gardening projects went as follows: · Dodson Senior Citizens – garden was tilled up, planted, but was not a thriving garden. A meeting with participants about the weak results showed that due to the strong winds and extremely heavy mosquito population in that area (due to major flooding and long-standing pools of water through most of the summer), that the garden did not receive enough watering during the crucial early time. · Fort Belknap Agency – Simply put, the volunteers who were to help the lead person, did not show up at all throughout the summer and she wound up putting in a small garden that performed wonderfully. · Hays Community Center – Extension planted seed potatoes early in May, and these potatoes did well. However, lack of anticipated community support kept the garden from being put in. · Lodge Pole – The involved persons in this community opted for several individual gardens rather than a community garden, and these turned out to be productive. A “Glorious Garden Tour” was hosted by Extension in each community in early September, 2013, and awards were given out to individuals for their efforts. Extension hosted several preservation workshops that included canning and drying of garden produce and game meats. Natural Beef vs. Traditional Feedlot Beef Presentation by FRTEP Agent produced differing opinions on the likelihood of it working for ranchers in this area. Producers were skeptical of whether the higher prices for retained natural beef would be worth the extra expense and work. 2. The Extension has joined with the Diabetes Program, the Tribal Health Department, Island Mountain Development Group, the Head Start Program, and interested individuals and entities that are working on starting a community food pantry. The Bountiful Basket Program is promoted and Extension is working with this program to get deliveries to the outlying communities. 3. The FRTEP Agent, Family & Consumer Science Agent, and the Snap Ed Educator continue to promote health and well being on a daily basis that enhance family resiliency and health through nutrition, food preparation skills, positive child care, family communication, and health care strategies. Noxious Weeds: 1. A strategic 5 year plan has been developed by the Extension Service with the input from USDA programs, APHIS, INCA, BIA, and Tribal EPA. With the new guidelines from the US EPA for chemical certification on all federally recognized tribal communities, Extension is promoting the online trainings through the US EPA website, and in April, 2014, provided an open book Private Applicator test, proctored by the Blaine County Extension Agent. Six local operators took the test, with five passing and receiving a license to spray noxious weeds. More trainings will be held throughout the spring, 2014 and again in the fall, 2014. Hands on activities have been conducted with youth, such as on Earth Day in April, 2014. Students from 5th and 6th grades from all of the local schools participated in a game that introduced them to Leafy Spurge. A Weed Whacker Rodeo in August, 2013 introduced Hays and Lodge Pole area students to the tenacious Spotted Knapweed. They know to pull it and report it. Funding has been secured through the Montana Department of Noxious Weeds to continue to educate and reduce the populations of Leafy Spurge and Spotted Knapweed. During the summer, 2013, Extension Service partnered with Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) to provide biological control agents in large infestation areas of leafy spurge. With the Leafy Spurge being the top weed problem for Fort Belknap, the Ereaux Water User's Association (EWUA), requested a meeting with the FRTEP agent to learn about ways in which the canal that runs through the Northeast corner of the reservation could be repaired. Funding was applied for through the Department of Natural Resources and an Engineering Firm was hired. Following is an excerpt from their initial assessment report: The FRTEP Agent is active in assisting this process with monthly meetings, public awareness, networking with other agencies to reduce barriers in working together to establish greater environmental health and productivity.
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