Progress 09/01/17 to 07/25/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audience are youth of Navajo Nation, the general public, farmers and ranchers and members of various cattle associations. The agent hopes to inspire Navajo youth to become interested in Natural Resources, Livestock and Equine activities and seriously consider a career in these fields. Youth activities focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, changing eating habits to consume healthier foods, gaining knowledge on the proper care of animals and leadership. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations focus on providing valuable information to farmers and ranchers to improve their quality of life by raising a better product and to be fairly compensated. Other audience includes Navajo Nation elected officials, farm board members, grazing officials and Soil and Water Conservation District members. Changes/Problems:We really had to improvise our activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of my work is working face to face with our clientele and has almost completely shut us down for the last two years. We are still doing some virtual learning and teaching and we will continue virtual and zoom meetings and teaching. We have had twenty two (22) as compared to one (1) the last reporting period. More in-person workshops are planned in the near future. This pandemic has hit us hard and has affected a lot of people, our tribe is pushing for every person to get their vaccinations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational events and workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn cutting edge information and technology, from the university to use at the local level. Material and information from this office is scaled down to the clientele education and knowledge level and are always presented in the Navajo language or is translated to the Navajo language. Power point and visual aides are used; demonstration and hands-on activities and stories are most effective.Beef Quality Assurance certification classes are given, the participants pass an exam and the certification is good for three years. Extension education needs to be delivered in a bi-lingual oral format. The written codification of the Navajo language began less than 100 years ago. Most fluent Navajo speakers do not read Navajo, although many do read English. It is critical to deliver the information in both languages:oral Navajo for the conceptual, philosophical, relational information and written English to reinforce the technical procedures. We have certified over 809 individuals in the Arizona Beef Quality Assurance Program since 2013 and over 75 families with 2800 head of cattle in the Navajo Beef Program. For the agent, the professional development opportunities have included annual trainings on the University of Arizona campus, specifically the Extension conference, 4-H Common Measures training and the Arizona Agriculture Livestock Incident Report Team (ALIRT). Off campus opportunities included attendance at the Southwest Indian Agriculture Association Annual Conferences (2017-2022), Southwest Indian Agriculture Association Livestock field days Conferences (2017-2022), Intertribal Agriculture Council Annual Conference (2017-2021), and the annual FRTEP Professional Development conferences (2017-2021). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days are held for producers, grazing officials and government officials to expand their knowledge and use this technology to improve their product and their quality of life. Conservation Awareness activities are held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. Workshops, trainings are down substantially due to the pandemic and we had to cancel several planned workshops. Beef Quality Assurance, Marketing, Record Keeping, and Range Management, establishing producer associations, Equine Management and breeding are some of the topics that are normally given. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, Newlands and other areas on the Navajo and Hopi Nation on Beef Quality Assurance and certification, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management. These educational activities provide information of cutting-edge industry tools to increase knowledge and improve product value and the quality of life. Other workshops conservation planning and funding, irrigation, garden/farm designs, soils, solar and wind technology, vet sciences and water resources management. All were well attended and received, the information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan is to continue the programs we offer and expand collaboration, networking and partnership with other agencies, addressing youth, farming and gardening activities.We have finally gone back to In-person meetings, which has caused an explosion of request for workshops as you can see in this report. We will continue to offer our services to the communities including more scientific topics like Pregnancy testing, Artificial Insemination on cattle and sheep. Due to the continuing pandemic, virtual meetings, activities and workshops have to be done. This office is working on developing a Facebook Page to advertise all activities. I plan to post and visit the University website often to provide better information to my clientele. My programs include the developing leadership and skill development through Youth Rodeo, Equine Expos, and Beef Quality Assurance, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management workshops. Continue youth events and activities reinforcing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Continue to provide extension education on the topics that address the needs of the people to improve the health and welfare of the community, and their Quality of Life.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth Horsemanship and Skill development is an important segment of this project. Youth attained knowledge on Equine Health, Nutrition, Care and Management and in the process increase their riding skills. Horse activities provide a unique experience for youth as they develop skills, character, and confidence. Caring for animals requires responsibility, compassion for animals and determination. We were able to finally hold our Song of the Horse Youth Camp again after two years of cancelling due to the pandemic. We had to cancel the Veterinary Camp, which draws a lot of interest from around the country. At the Horse camp parents and youth increase their knowledge on equine care and management and nutrition. All the campers of the horse camp improve their riding skills and gain confidence. Total 2017-2022 Youth Events: 32 Total Contacts: 2012 This office serves the Kayenta, Az. area two days per week, and the Monument Valley High School has allowed me to use their facility. The Song of the Horse Camp had a good turnout considering people are still hesitant of the virus, and an addition this year was a drone activity for the campers. Drones can be used in Agriculture in many ways like locating and counting your animals. We also presented the traditional horse stories and songs, learning to take vital sign on horses, learning to ride properly with a good seat and proper leg position. Learning on hoof care and proper shoeing, and locating hoof lameness. Virtual BQA sessions are good because it reaches more people across the state of Arizona, we did two sessions virtually. We did seven in-person Cattlemen's Seminars had 275 people in attendance. At the Cattlemen's Seminar we covered BQA, body condition scoring, vaccination protocols, Low Stress Handling, Record Keeping, and Culling during Drought, marketing and ageing cattle. The ranches in the Native American Beef Program benefit from our continuing cattle/BQA workshops, they have attained the quality required for the beef product and will realize the added value. Total 2017-2022 Services and Trainings: 107 Total Contacts: 4486 The Navajo Beef (Native American Beef) continues to grow, this project also involves certifying for the Arizona and New Mexico Beef Quality Assurance programs, Record keeping, Low Stress Handling workshops. Other workshops are on Sheep Quality Assurance and Management, Navajo Beef information, Range Management, Recordkeeping, and information on forming livestock Associations. Christian Veterinary Services provide a valuable and much needed service to this area; they provide low cost or no cost vet services which this area is deprived of. Spay and neuter clinics and vaccination programs curbs over population of cats and dogs in the community and decrease the incidence of diseases. Total 2017-2022 Other Trainings, Meetings, Conferences: 65 Total Contacts: 3018
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audience are youth of Navajo Nation, the general public, farmers and ranchers and members of various cattle associations. The agent hopes to inspire Navajo youth to become interested in Natural Resources, Livestock and Equine activities and seriously consider a career in these fields. Youth activities focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, changing eating habits to consume healthier foods, gaining knowledge on the proper care of animals and leadership. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations focus on providing valuable information to farmers and ranchers to improve their quality of life by raising a better product and to be fairly compensated. Other audience includes Navajo Nation elected officials, farm board members, grazing officials and Soil and Water Conservation District members. Changes/Problems:We really had to improvise our activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of my work is working face to face with our clientele and it has almost completely shut us down. We are doing some virtual learning and teaching and we will continue virtual and zoom meetings and teaching. We have had one in-person workshop and more are planned in the near future. This pandemic has hit us hard and has affected a lot of people; and our tribe is pushing for every person to get their vaccinations. Here are the numbers related to the pandemic: 29,937 people have recovered from Covid-19, 1,377 have died from Covid-19, there have been 292,155 Covid test administered, and the number of positive cases are at 31,449 thus far on the Navajo Nation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational events and workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn cutting edge information and technology, from the university to use at the local level. The materials and products delivered are scaled down to the clientele education and knowledge level, and are always presented in the Navajo language or is translated to the Navajo language. Power point and visual aides are used; demonstration and hands-on activities and stories are most effective.Beef Quality Assurance certification classes are given, the participants pass an exam and the certification is good for three years. Extension education needs to be delivered in a bi-lingual oral format. The written codification of the Navajo language began less than 100 years ago. Most fluent Navajo speakers do not read Navajo, although many do read English. It is critical to deliver the information in both languages:oral Navajo for the conceptual, philosophical, relational information and written English to reinforce the technical procedures. We have certified over 734 individuals in the Arizona Beef Quality Assurance Program since 2013 and over 75 families with 2800 head of cattle in the Navajo Beef Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days are held for producers, grazing officials and government officials to expand their knowledge and use this technology to improve their product and their quality of life. Conservation Awareness activities are held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. Workshops, trainings are down substantially due to the pandemic and we had to cancel several planned workshops. Beef Quality Assurance, Marketing, Record Keeping, and Range Management, establishing producer associations, Equine Management and breeding are some of the topics that are normally given. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, Newlands and other areas on the Navajo and Hopi Nation on Beef Quality Assurance and certification, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management. These educational activities provide information of cutting-edge industry tools to increase knowledge and improve product value and the quality of life. Other workshops conservation planning and funding, irrigation, garden/farm designs, soils, solar and wind technology, vet sciences and water resources management. All were well attended and received, the information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan is to continue the programs we offer and expand collaboration, networking and partnership with other agencies, addressing youth, farming and gardening activities.Due to the continuing pandemic, most meetings, activities and workshops have to be done virtually. This office is working on developing a Facebook Page to advertise all activities. I plan to post and visit the University website often to provide better information to my clientele. My programs include the developing leadership and skill development through Youth Rodeo, Equine Expos, and Beef Quality Assurance, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management workshops. Continue youth events and activities reinforcing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Continue to provide extension education on the topics that address the needs of the people to improve the health and welfare of the community, and their Quality of Life.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth Horsemanship and Skill development is an important segment of this project. Youth attain knowledge on Equine Health, Nutrition, Care and Management and in the process increase their riding skills. Horse activities provide a unique experience for youth as they develop skills, character, and confidence. Caring for animals requires responsibility, compassion for animals and determination. We had to cancel two very popular youth events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these events draw a lot of interest. They were Song of the Horse Youth Horse Camp and the Veterinary Science Camp. At the Horse camp parents and youth increase their knowledge on equine care and management and nutrition. All the campers of the horse camp improve their riding skills and gain confidence. It's sad to report that all youth activities were cancelled due to the pandemic, we were not allowed to have the Song of the Horse Camp, the Veterinary Horse Camp and the Youth Jr. Rodeos this past year. This office serves the Kayenta, Az. area two days per week, and the Monument Valley High School has allowed our program to use their facility. This FRTEP agent will be more involved with the FFA activities and the annual Veterinary Camp in 2021-2022 year. The Song of the Horse Camp has had great turnout in previous years and we plan to have it next June. It is an exciting event not only for the campers but parents and grandparents as well. The Tuba City community is planning to design and contract a new fair grounds which will include livestock show facilities, a learning center focused on agriculture for the youth and the community. Conservation Awareness activities are held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. All except for one workshop were done virtually; we did five Beef Quality Assurance workshops and certified 37 producers. Doing the BQA virtually was good because it reached more people across the state of Arizona. We did one in-person Cattlemen's Seminar in Leupp where we had 40 people in attendance. At the Cattlemen's Seminar we covered BQA, vaccination protocols, Low Stress Handling, Record Keeping, Culling during Drought and ageing cattle. Other topics that are normally presented include cattle marketing, irrigation, garden/farm designs, vet sciences and water resources management are well attended and received, information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. Several cattle associations have previously been organized and are planning to market their beef through the Native American Beef Project. These cattle are sold to Labatt Food Services and eventually are consumed at the Navajo casinos. This is the ultimate end-product that the producers have strived for and it has finally become reality. They will benefit from our continuing cattle/BQA workshops because they have attained the quality required for this product and will realize the added value. We currently have about 50 families participating in the project with about 1200 head of cattle. The number of cattle has decreased by 200 head due to the drought we experienced last year. We now have a branded Navajo Beef product that is distributed through parts of the Southwest in restaurants and grocery stores, and its distribution will continue to expand in the future. The Navajo Beef (Native American Beef) continues to grow, this project also involves the Beef Quality Assurance and Record keeping workshops. I also do workshops on Sheep Management, Navajo Beef information, Range Management, Recordkeeping, and information on forming livestock Associations in the communities. Each year the Christian Veterinary Mission from North Carolina State University comes to the Western Navajo and provide a valuable and much needed service to this area; they provide low cost or no cost vet services which this area is deprived of. Spay and neuter clinics and vaccination programs curbs over population of cats and dogs in the community and decrease the incidence of diseases. They also provide vet services on large animal herd health throughout the region, These clinics are held in Kayenta, Tuba City and Navajo Mountain. The annual Red Lake Cattle Sale was held in October 2020 and the numbers were up this year, probably due to the drought and good advertising. Nevertheless, we will continue to have this event for those who are not able to haul long distances. I have been getting more involved in the shipping and processing of the Navajo Beef Cattle at Navajo Arizona and the branding actives at the Padres Mesa Ranch in hopes of recruiting more Navajo Cattle owners to join the program and for networking purposes.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audience are youth of Navajo Nation, the general public, farmers and ranchers and members of various cattle associations. The agent hopes to inspire Navajo youth to become interested in Natural Resources, Livestock and Equine activities and seriously consider a career in these fields. Youth activities focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, changing eating habits to consume healthier foods, gaining knowledge on the proper care of animals and leadership. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations focus on providing valuable information to farmers and ranchers to improve their quality of life by raising a better product and to be fairly compensated. Other audience includes Navajo Nation elected officials, farm board members, grazing officials and Soil and Water Conservation District members. Changes/Problems:We really had to improvise our activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of my work is working face to face with our clientele and it has almost completely shut us down. We are doing some virtual learning and teaching and we are going to start doing more in the future. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational events and workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn cutting edge information and technology, from the university to use at the local level. Material and information from this office is scaled down to the clientele education and knowledge level and are always presented in the Navajo language or is translated to the Navajo language. Power point and visual aides are used; demonstration and hands-on activities and stories are most effective.Beef Quality Assurance certification classes are given, the participants pass an exam and the certification is good for three years. Extension education needs to be delivered in a bi-lingual oral format. The written codification of the Navajo language began less than 100 years ago. Most fluent Navajo speakers do not read Navajo, although many do read English. It is critical to deliver the information in both languages:oral Navajo for the conceptual, philosophical, relational information and written English to reinforce the technical procedures. We have certified over 697 individuals in the Arizona Beef Quality Assurance Program since 2013 and over 75 families with 2800 head of cattle in the Navajo Beef Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days are held for producers, grazing officials and government officials to expand their knowledge and use this technology to improve their product and their quality of life. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. 14 education workshops, demonstrations and tours are held during the year on serving 188 clients down substantially due to the pandemic and we had to cancel 5 planned workshops. Beef Quality Assurance, Marketing, Record Keeping, and Range Management, establishing producer associations, Equine Management and breeding. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, Newlands and other areas on the Navajo and Hopi Nation on Beef Quality Assurance and certification, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management. These educational activities provide information of cutting-edge industry tools to increase knowledge and improve product value and the quality of life. Other workshops conservation planning and funding, irrigation, garden/farm designs, soils, solar and wind technology, vet sciences and water resources management. All were well attended and received, the information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan is to continue the programs we offer and expand collaboration, networking and partnership with other agencies, addressing youth, farming and gardening activities.Due to the continuing pandemic, most virtual meetings, activities and workshops have to be done. This office is working on developing a Facebook Page to advertise all activities. I plan to post and visit the University website often to provide better information to my clientele. My programs include the developing leadership and skill development through Youth Rodeo, Equine Expos, and Beef Quality Assurance, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management workshops. Continue youth events and activities reinforcing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Continue to provide extension education on the topics that address the needs of the people to improve the health and welfare of the community, and their Quality of Life.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth Horsemanship and Skill development is an important segment of this project. Youth attain knowledge on Equine Health, Nutrition, Care and Management and in the process increase their riding skills. Horse activities provide a unique experience for youth as they develop skills, character, and confidence. Caring for animals requires responsibility, compassion for animals and determination. We had 8 youth events over this period, 4 youth horse and livestock shows and 1 sale, 1 youth horse Camp, a livestock camp and a Veterinary Camp, thus serving a total of 271 youth - a decrease from last year. This is directly attributed to cancellation of 2 very popular youth events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these events draw a lot of interest. At the Horse camp parents and youth increased their knowledge on equine care and management and nutrition. All the campers of the horse camp improved their riding skills and gained more confidence. 18 Educational Tours, workshops, Field Days and meetings were held for producers, grazing officials and government officials. Topics included Range Management and Monitoring, Range Cattle Nutrition, Beef Quality Assurance, Recordkeeping, Conservation Programs and Awareness, Traditional farming practices, school and community gardens and Drought Management with a total of 258 contacts. Targeting all youth has allowed for increased participation and educational opportunities in Youth Rodeo instead of focusing just on 4H members. This office serves the Kayenta, Az. area two days per week, and the Monument Valley High School has allowed me to use their facility. I will be more involved with the FFA activities and the annual Veterinary Camp. The Song of the Horse Camp had a great turnout and was an exciting event not only for the campers but parents and grandparents as well. This year we had 22 campers. The Tuba City community is planning to design and contract a new fair grounds which will include livestock show facilities, a learning center focused on agriculture for the youth and the community. This office assisted at the Navajo Nation Fair Jr. Horse and Livestock Shows again this year. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, the Newlands and throughout the Navajo Nation on Beef Quality Assurance, Record Keeping, Marketing and Range Management. We were able to certify 153 producers in the Beef Quality Assurance Program, an increase of 62 individuals from last year. Other topics that were presented on included cattle marketing, irrigation, garden/farm designs, vet sciences and water resources management were well attended and received, information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. Several cattle associations have previously been organized and some are planning to market through the Native American Beef Project, these cattle are sold to Labatt Foods and eventually consumed at the Navajo casinos. This is the ultimate end product that the producers have strived for and has finally become reality. They will benefit from our continuing cattle/BQA workshops because they have attained the quality required for this product and will realize the added value. We currently have about 50 families participating in the project with about 1200 head of cattle. The number of cattle has decreased by 200 head due to the drought we experienced last year. The Christian Veterinary Services provide a valuable and much needed service to this area; they provide low cost or no cost vet services which this area is deprived of. Spay and neuter clinics and vaccination programs curb over population of cats and dogs in the community and decrease the incidence of diseases. We now have a branded Navajo Beef product that is distributed through parts of the Southwest in restaurants and grocery stores, and its distribution will continue to expand in the future. The Navajo Beef (Native American Beef) continues to grow, this project also involves the Beef Quality Assurance and Record keeping workshops. We currently have approximately 1200 head of cattle, which the majority are Navajo Cattle. We have about fifty families involved in the project. I did 10 BQA certification workshops and certified 153 individuals. I also did workshops on Sheep Management, Navajo Beef information, Range Management, Recordkeeping, and information on forming livestock Associations in the following communities. Each year the Christian Veterinary Mission from North Carolina State University come to the Western Navajo and conducts low cost spay and neuter clinics and also large animal herd health throughout the region, these clinics are held in Kayenta, Tuba City and Navajo Mountain. This is a very valuable service to the communities, especially to those who cannot afford the services otherwise. The annual Red Lake Cattle Sale was held in October, the numbers were up this year, probably due to the drought and go advertising. Nevertheless, we will continue to have this event for those who are not able to haul long distances. I have been getting more involved in the shipping and processing of the Navajo Beef Cattle at Navajo Arizona and the branding actives at the Padres Mesa Ranch in hopes of recruiting more Navajo Cattle owners to join the program and for networking purposes.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audience are youth of Navajo Nation, the general public, farmers and ranchers and members of various cattle associations. The agent hopes to inspire Navajo youth to become interested in Natural Resources, Livestock and Equine activities and seriously consider a career in these fields. Youth activities focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, changing eating habits to consume healthier foods, gaining knowledge on the proper care of animals and leadership. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations focus on providing valuable information to farmers and ranchers to improve their quality of life by raising a better product and to be fairly compensated. Other audience includes Navajo Nation elected officials, farm board members, grazing officials and Soil and Water Conservation District members. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational events and workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn cutting edge information and technology, from the university to use at the local level. Material and information from this office is scaled down to the clientele education and knowledge level and are always presented in the Navajo language or is translated to the Navajo language. Power point and visual aides are used; demonstration and hands-on activities and stories are most effective.Beef Quality Assurance certification classes are given, the participants pass an exam and the certification is good for three years. Extension education needs to be delivered in a bi-lingual oral format. The written codification of the Navajo language began less than 100 years ago. Most fluent Navajo speakers do not read Navajo, although many do read English. It is critical to deliver the information in both languages:oral Navajo for the conceptual, philosophical, relational information and written English to reinforce the technical procedures. We have certified over 544 individuals in the Arizona Beef Quality Assurance Program since 2013 and over 50 families with 2800 head of cattle in the Navajo Beef Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days are held for producers, grazing officials and government officials to expand their knowledge and use this technology to improve their product and their quality of life. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. 25 education workshops, demonstrations and tours are held during the year on serving 792 clients. Beef Quality Assurance, Marketing, Record Keeping, and Range Management, establishing producer associations, Equine Management and breeding. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, Newlands and other areas on the Navajo and Hopi Nation on Beef Quality Assurance and certification, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management. These educational activities provide information of cutting-edge industry tools to increase knowledge and improve product value and the quality of life. Other workshops conservation planning and funding, irrigation, garden/farm designs, soils, solar and wind technology, vet sciences and water resources management. All were well attended and received, the information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan is to continue the programs we offer and expand collaboration, networking and partnership with other agencies, addressing youth, farming and gardening activities.This office is working on developing a Facebook Page to advertise all activities. I plan to post and visit the University website often to provide better information to my clientele. My programs include the developing leadership and skill development through Youth Rodeo, Equine Expos, and Beef Quality Assurance, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management workshops. Continue youth events and activities reinforcing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Continue to provide extension education on the topics that address the needs of the people to improve the health and welfare of the community, and their Quality of Life.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth Horsemanship and Skill development is an important segment of this project. Youth attain knowledge on Equine Health, Nutrition, Care and Management and in the process increase their riding skills. Horse activities provide a unique experience for youth as they develop skills, character, and confidence. Caring for animals requires responsibility, compassion for animals and determination. We had 9 youth events over this period, 2 Youth rodeo, 2 youth horse and livestock show and school, and 1 youth horse Camp and a Veterinary Camp, thus serving a total of 511 youth - an increase from last year. All divisions of the Youth Rodeo improved their times in the timed events compared to the beginning of the season; this will give the participants more confidence and improve their horsemanship skills. Parents and youth increased their knowledge on equine care and management and nutrition. 25 Educational Tours, workshops, Field Days and meetings were held for producers, grazing officials and government officials. Topics included Range Management and Monitoring, Range Cattle Nutrition, Beef Quality Assurance, Recordkeeping, Conservation Programs and Awareness, Traditional farming practices, school and community gardens and Drought Management with a total of 792 contacts. Targeting all youth has allowed for increased participation and educational opportunities in Youth Rodeo instead of focusing just on 4H members. This office serves the Kayenta, Az. area two days per week, and the Monument Valley High School has allowed me to use their facility. I will be more involved with the FFA activities and the annual Veterinary Camp. The Song of the Horse Camp had a great turnout and was an exciting event not only for the campers but parents and grandparents as well. This year we had 20 campers. The Tuba City community is planning to design and contract a new fair grounds which will include livestock show facilities, a learning center focused on agriculture for the youth and the community. This office assisted at the Navajo Nation Fair Jr. Horse and Livestock Shows again this year. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, the Newlands and throughout the Navajo Nation on Beef Quality Assurance, Record Keeping, Marketing and Range Management. We were able to certify 153 producers in the Beef Quality Assurance Program, an increase of 62 individuals from last year. Other topics that were presented on included cattle marketing, irrigation, garden/farm designs, vet sciences and water resources management were well attended and received, information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. Several cattle associations have previously been organized and some are planning to market through the Native American Beef Project, these cattle are sold to Labatt Foods and eventually consumed at the Navajo casinos. This is the ultimate end product that the producers have strived for and has finally become reality. They will benefit from our continuing cattle/BQA workshops because they have attained the quality required for this product and will realize the added value. We currently have about 50 families participating in the project with about 1200 head of cattle. The number of cattle has decreased by 200 head due to the drought we experienced last year. The Christian Veterinary Services provide a valuable and much needed service to this area; they provide low cost or no cost vet services which this area is deprived of. Spay and neuter clinics and vaccination programs curbs over population of cats and dogs in the community and decrease the incidence of diseases. We now have a branded Navajo Beef product that is distributed through parts of the Southwest in restaurants and grocery stores, and its distribution will continue to expand in the future. The Navajo Beef (Native American Beef) continues to grow, this project also involves the Beef Quality Assurance and Record keeping workshops. We currently have approximately 1200 head of cattle, which the majority are Navajo Cattle. We have about fifty families involved in the project. I did 13 BQA certification workshops and certified 153 individuals. I also did workshops on Sheep Management, Navajo Beef information, Range Management, Recordkeeping, and information on forming livestock Associations in the following communities. Each year the Christian Veterinary Mission from North Carolina State University come to the Western Navajo and conducts low cost spay and neuter clinics and also large animal herd health throughout the region, these clinics are held in Kayenta, Tuba City and Navajo Mountain. This is a very valuable service to the communities, especially to those who cannot afford the services otherwise. The annual Red Lake Cattle Sale was held in October, the numbers were up this year, probably due to the drought and go advertising. Nevertheless, we will continue to have this event for those who are not able to haul long distances. I have been getting more involved in the shipping and processing of the Navajo Beef Cattle at Navajo Arizona and the branding actives at the Padres Mesa Ranch in hopes of recruiting more Navajo Cattle owners to join the program and for networking purposes.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audience are youth of Navajo Nation, the general public, farmers and ranchers and members of various cattle associations. The agent hopes to inspire Navajo youth to become interested in Natural Resources, Livestock and Equine activities and seriously consider a career in these fields. Youth activities focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, changing eating habits to consume healthier foods, gaining knowledge on the proper care of animals and leadership. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations focus on providing valuable information to farmers and ranchers to improve their quality of life by raising a better product and to be fairly compensated. Other audience includes Navajo Nation elected officials, farm board members, grazing officials and Soil and Water Conservation District members. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational events and workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn cutting edge information and technology, from the university to use at the local level. Material and information from this office is scaled down to the clientele education and knowledge level and are always presented in the Navajo language or is translated to the Navajo language. Power point and visual aides are used; demonstration and hands-on activities and stories are most effective.Beef Quality Assurance certification classes are given, the participants pass an exam and the certification is good for three years. Extension education needs to be delivered in a bi-lingual oral format. The written codification of the Navajo language began less than 100 years ago. Most fluent Navajo speakers do not read Navajo, although many do read English. It is critical to deliver the information in both languages:oral Navajo for the conceptual, philosophical, relational information and written English to reinforce the technical procedures. We have certified over 391 individuals in the Arizona Beef Quality Assurance Program since 2013 and over 50 families with 1600 head of cattle in the Navajo Beef Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days are held for producers, grazing officials and government officials to expand their knowledge and use this technology to improve their product and their quality of life. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. 21 education workshops, demonstrations and tours are held during the year on serving 1,355 clients. Beef Quality Assurance, Marketing, Record Keeping, and Range Management, establishing producer associations, Equine Management and breeding. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, Newlands and other areas on the Navajo and Hopi Nation on Beef Quality Assurance and certification, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management. These educational activities provide information of cutting edge industry tools to increase knowledge and improve product value and the quality of life. Other workshops conservation planning and funding, irrigation, garden/farm designs, soils, solar and wind technology, vet sciences and water resources management. All were well attended and received, the information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan is to continue the programs we offer and expand collaboration, networking and partnership with other agencies, addressing youth, farming and gardening activities.This office is working on developing a Facebook Page to advertise all activities. I plan to post and visit the University website often to provide better information to my clientele. My programs include the developing leadership and skill development through Youth Rodeo, Equine Expos, and Beef Quality Assurance, Record keeping, Marketing and Range Management workshops. Continue youth events and activities reinforcing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. Continue to provide extension education on the topics that address the needs of the people to improve the health and welfare of the community, and their Quality of Life.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth Horsemanship and Skill development is an important segment of this project. Youth attain knowledge on Equine Health, Nutrition, Care and Management and in the process increase their riding skills. The Junior Rodeo Association currently has 100 members, a decrease of over 50 members from last year. It is still early in the season and we are expecting more youth to join the project. Horse activities provide a unique experience for youth as they develop skills, character, and confidence. Caring for animals requires responsibility, compassion for animals and determination. We had 11 youth events over this period, 8 youth rodeos, 2 youth horse and livestock show and school, and 2 youth horse Camps thus serving a total of 1,150 youth an increase of 207 over last year. All divisions of the Youth Rodeo improved their times in the timed events compared to the beginning of the season; this will give the participants more confidence and improve their horsemanship skills. Parents and youth increased their knowledge on equine care and management and nutrition. 24 Educational Tours, workshops, and Field Days and meetings pertaining were held for producers, grazing officials and government officials. Topics included Range Management and Monitoring, Range Cattle Nutrition, Beef Quality Assurance, Recordkeeping, Conservation Programs and Awareness, Traditional farming practices, school and community gardens and Drought Management with a total of 1,256 contacts. By targeting all youth, has allowed for increased participation and educational opportunities in Youth Rodeo instead of focusing just on 4H members. This office serves the Kayenta, Az. area two days per week, and the Monument Valley High School has allowed me to use their facility. I will be more involved with the FFA activities and the annual Vet Camp. The Song of the Horse Camp was a bit of a disappointment, we did not have the turn out we expected. The Judges and Timers School is for the Youth Events where we train officials who judge and time at these events. The Tuba City community is planning to design and contract a new fair grounds which will include livestock show facilities, a learning center focused on agriculture for the youth and the community. The Youth Junior Rodeo events are in full swing and we started out great. There are approximately 100 participants and 10 events scheduled so far. The Horse Show School in Window Rock was very beneficial to youth who show their animals at the Navajo Nation Fair. This office will continue to assist and coordinate the Navajo Nation Fair Junior Horse Show. Conservation Awareness activities were held in coordination with grazing officials, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the NRCS and the BIA. Workshops were held in Western Navajo, the Newlands and throughout the Navajo Nation on Beef Quality Assurance, Record Keeping, Marketing and Range Management. We were able to certify 91 producers in the Beef Quality Assurance Program, an increase of 16 individuals from last year. Other topics that were presented included cattle marketing, irrigation, garden/farm designs, vet sciences and water resources management were well attended and received, information provides opportunity for participants to explore new ideas. Several cattle associations have previously been organized and some are planning to market through the Native American Beef Project, these cattle are sold to Labatt Foods and eventually consumed at the Navajo casinos. This is the ultimate end product that the producers have strived for and has finally become reality. They will benefit from our continuing cattle/BQA workshops because they have attained the quality required for this product and will realize the added value. We currently have about 50 families participating in the project with about 1400 head of cattle. The Christian Veterinary Services provide a valuable and much needed service to this area; they provide low cost or no cost vet services which this area is deprived of. Spay and neuter clinics and vaccination programs curb over population of cats and dogs in the community and decrease the incidence of diseases. We now have a branded Navajo Beef product that is distributed through parts of the Southwest in restaurants and grocery stores, and its distribution will continue to expand in the future. The Navajo Beef (Native American Beef) continues to grow, this project also involves the Beef Quality Assurance and Record keeping workshops. We currently have approximately 1400 head of cattle, which the majority are Navajo Cattle. We have about fifty families involved in the project. I put on nine BQA certification workshops and certified 91 individuals. I also did workshops on Sheep Management, Navajo Beef information, Range Management, Recordkeeping, and information on forming livestock Associations in the following communities: Black Mesa twice, Flagstaff twice, Tuba City twice, Tonalea, Tsaile, Cameron, Twin Arrows Casino, Albuquerque, and Coppermine. Each year the Christian Veterinary Mission from North Carolina State University come to the Western Navajo and conducts low cost spay and neuter clinics and also large animal herd health throughout the region, these clinics are held in Kayenta, Tuba City and Navajo Mountain. This is a very valuable service to the communities, especially to those who cannot afford the services otherwise. The annual Red Lake Cattle Sale was held in October, the numbers were down this year, probably due to producers haul cattle to the auction facilities. Nevertheless we will continue to have this event for those who are not able to haul long distances. I have been getting more involved in the shipping and processing of the Navajo Beef Cattle at Navajo Arizona and also the branding activties at the Padres Mesa Ranch in hopes of recruiting more Navajo Cattle owners to join the program and for networking purposes.
Publications
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