Progress 09/01/24 to 08/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for the Fort Hall Agricultural Extension Program consists of Native American adults and youth and others who reside on the Fort Hall Reservation and/or utilize tribal lands that are in need of agricultural, research-based education and services. The secondary audience includes the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Government, Shoshone-Bannock Land Use Policy Commissioners, tribal enterprises, tribal departments, and other individuals and entities that own, utilize, and/or lease tribal lands for agricultural production purposes. Special emphasis is placed on Native American/tribal agricultural producers, tribal members, youth, other individuals, and associations that are interested in pursuing agricultural endeavors. The project also places emphasis on the Fort Hall Community and addresses programming needs in addition to agriculture that are identified each year of the project through continuous interaction with stakeholders and community members. Changes/Problems:There were no signficant changes or problems in the program approach. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Several training opportunities for the target audience were provided to producers, tribal members, the principal investigator (PI) of the Fort Hall FRTEP and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal 4-H director from June 2024to May 2025. Programs were provided in-person and via online delivery methods. Specific opportunities included: 1. Noxious Weed Workshops 2. Range and Livestock Symposium 3. Cooking and Herb and SpiceClasses 4. Beef Schools 5. Idaho Hay and Forage Conference 6. Pesticide Applicator Trainings 7. Cereal School located in Fort Hall 8. Potato Schools 9. Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars 10. Tribal Grower's Conference 11. Forage Schools 12. Gardening programs13. Range and Bull Grading tours. Additionally, the PI had the opportunity to attend the he Eastern Idaho Weed Control Association Conference, the state Idaho Noxious Weed Association Meeting, and a variety of commodity group association meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Science-based knowledge and project results were disseminated to the community of Fort Hall through formal class instruction, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on activities, informational meetings, individual instruction, ranch, farm and home visits, tours, the Sho-Ban Newspaper (the community's local newspaper) and other popular press venues as deemed necessary, the tribal Facebook page, email, brochure distribution in public areas, list serves, and publication mailings. Annual and final reports are provided to the Land Use Policy Commissioners and the Fort Hall Tribal Business Council when requested and are also available to interested parties via request as well. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The submitted goals and objectives will continue to be followed. Additions to the goals and objectives are to provide education and assistance in managing the large Mormon cricket infestation on the Fort Hall Reservation in 2025, which has been an ongoing problem since 2023. The populations are an ongoing problem due to mild winters and springs. The Educator is working closely with the Fort Hall Land Use Policy Commissioners,tribal departments, and the Idaho State Department of Agricultureto treat the pests in a quick and efficient manner. The Educator has secured bait from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture for immediate disbursement. We hope to have the populations managed by 2026, contingent upon winter weather. The Educator is seeking Tribal Council approval for emergency aerial application of Mormon cricket bait to increase the effectiveness of our current management strategies. The Educator has provided an informative press release and has provided education to affected tribal members and producers regarding Mormon cricket management options. The Educator has made progress in developing a tribal Rangeland Fire Protection Association. After meeting with tribal government and the Idaho State Rangeland Fire Protection Association director, it may take one to two additional years to get an association fully developed and active due to the complex nature of the necessary paperwork, filing as a 501 C 3, and training requirements. The only known change to this project is for objective 18): "We will partner with the appropriate departments to develop a native garden at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum." To date, garden plans have been delayed. The tribal department involved in this project has changed their focus to other projects. This objective cannot be completed at this time.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Fort Hall Agricultural Extension program impact is significant. Since June 2024,over 2,000 adults and over 2,000 youth were reached with educational programs. Participant oral and written evaluations and surveys demonstrated an increase in knowledge and adoption of practices in livestock production methods, pest and natural resource management, horticultural practices, and 4-H/youth development. We reduced animal health costs, increased ranch productivity, increased food security, and increased youth skills. Program objectives addressed five of the six NIFA strategic actions. Accomplishments per objective are: 1) Teach youth about Indigenous food systems, safety, and security so participants gain knowledge regarding food production; and 2) Provide 4-H/youth development classes to engage youth in learning life skills. We conducted and evaluated 28 Tribal Youth in "Ag" classes, 99 cooking, healthy living, and leadership classes, and 12 livestock classes. Data collected from posttests indicated a change in knowledge in 100% of the youth. A 4-H camp will be offered June 16-18, 2025, where 24 youth participants, 5 teen counselors, and 2 adult volunteerswill learn leadership, team development, responsibility, and social skills. 3) Provide education regarding genetic selection technology to improve cattle quality and marketability. A beef school was conducted that reached 29ranchers. Ranchers learned about marketing and additional beefmarketing techniques to improve their ranch profitability. A veterinarian discussed animal health and calf survival techniques to improve calf survival rates and maintain cattle health. Twenty-nine ranchers learned how to tube a calf properly. A bull grading team evaluated 156 bulls. The rejection rate was 0.64%, which indicated a change in behavior due to education and subsequent improvement in bull quality selection and use of genetic tools. The changed behavior resulted in significant savings for producers. Bull purchase prices are ≥$5,000/bull so the program collectively saved ranchers approximately $30,000/year in bull purchases due to reduced rejected bulls. A trichomoniasis (disease that causes abortions) program was maintained for 50 cattle producers and 8,000 range cattle. Due to educational programming, positive rates are 0%. Programming is ongoing to continue the zero positive trend. 4) Ranchers will improve beef quality using reproductive technology. One beginner implemented artificial insemination technology.5) The Fort Hall FRTEP will improve trust and use of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. We provided access to FSA programs and assisted producers with FSA applications and information on an as requested basis and asapplicable programs become available. 6) Native farmers and ranchers will improve productivity, management, and sustainability through Farm Business Management classes. Producers were provided access to Farm Business Management schools that improved their budgeting and business analysis skills. 7) Ranchers will reduce livestock death loss due to disease, plants that accumulate minerals in toxic amounts, and poisonous plants. A research project was initiated to address cattle death loss on Fort Hall rangeland. We identified, mapped, and sprayed selenium accumulator plants and performed evaluations, necropsies, and tissue analysis on cattle carcasses less than 36 hours deceased. No known cattle deaths due to toxic amounts of minerals have occurred for three years. Thirty-three ranchers can now identify selenium accumulator plants and poisoning signs. 8) Native ranchers and farmers will learn how to use pesticides safely and effectively. Three in-person programs and online training modules were provided to educate beginner pesticide applicators and help them obtain state pesticide applicator licenses. Approximately 50 participants learned how to use pesticides safely and correctly. 9) COVID-19 created marketing challenges for ranchers. In 2020, many ranchers experienced difficulties in selling calves. A marketing program was developed to improve producers' price options on calves. As a result, four producerswere able to market and sell hundreds of calves through the program at a higher price. The producers learned how to use online beef marketing tools and improved ranch profitability by 15%. 10) Partner with identified entities and provide education and services to combat the Reservation's neglected animal problem and incidence ofdog attacks on the Reservation. Two individuals experienced permanent scarring, and two individuals were killed since the end of 2023 by dogs. I developed a committee to address the problem and begin pet education. An educational event was held June 26, 2023, after which additional programming was not warranted due to lack of participation.11) Community members will learn how to garden and preserve food. Three gardening classes were conducted, reaching 33 individuals. Evaluations indicated 91% of participants achieved increased knowledge in vegetable gardening techniques. Over 90% stated they had changed behaviors at home regarding vegetable gardeningand pest management. One hundred percent can identify and manage common weeds. 12) In 2021, the Tribes requested that UI and the Fort Hall FRTEP begin researching how to produce hemp. I collaborated with a tribal committee to grow 144 acres of hemp on the Reservation in 2022. Two tribal members were certified to test hemp through our efforts. The Tribe discontinued hemp production for 2025. 13) Native communities will learn how to identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds found on the Reservation. Noxious weeds are a severe problem and degrade tribal lands. Year-round education on weed management was provided and reached over 1500 individuals. These individuals can now identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds. Educational meetingswith Tribal Land Use Policy Commissioners were conducted to develop a weed management program and plan. The program was approved by the Tribal Business Council in 2024. 14) Demonstrate the use of biological control agents for two of the top ten noxious weeds on the Reservation: Russian knapweed and Canada thistle. I conducted six releases of biocontrol agents for Russian Knapweed control in three Reservation districts. Weed reductions are 10-15%. We are seeking tribal approval to release biological control agents on rush skeletonweed which has invaded over 100 acres of rangeland. 15) We will train and certify native farmers and ranchers and develop a Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) through appropriate agencies to legally prevent and contain catastrophic rangeland fires. I coordinated a meeting with our tribal range and tribal wildland fire departments and the state RFPA director to learn about the process. I met with the Land Use Policy Commission on June 13, 2024, to begin the development of a tribal RFPA. Work is ongoing for program development.16) Fort Hall FRTEP will partner with tribal departments, range and drought specialists, and USDA to provide programming for producers to mitigate the damaging effects of environmental disasters. This objective will be addressed year by year. The winter of 24-25 provided significant moisture so a focus will be on drought management plans for future years. 17) We will partner with tribal departments, water specialists, and ranchers to develop conservation and environmentally friendly livestock water sources. To conserve water sources, we discussed water management on our 2025 range tour. Thirteen participants indicated increased awareness of water conservation.18) We will partner with the appropriate departments to develop a native garden at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum. To date, garden plans have been delayed. New objective is to manage a severe Mormon Cricket infestation on tribal lands through education and bait applications. Work is ongoing, for 2025, 400 acres have been treated for this pest.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Gunn, D., J. Hall. 2024. Pregnancy Testing in Beef Cattle. University of Idaho, Extension Bulletin, BUL913.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Gunn, D., W. Gray. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Livestock Procedures (revised edition). 2024. Major Revision. University of Idaho Extension CIS 1146.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Gunn, D. UI Extension in Fort Hall Uses Technology to Improve Bull Grading Program. 2024. Impact Statement.
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Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for the Fort Hall Agricultural Extension Program consists of Native American adults and youth and others who reside on the Fort Hall Reservation and/or utilize tribal lands that are socially, economically, and educationally underserved. The secondary audience includes the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Government, Shoshone-Bannock Land Use Policy Commissioners, tribal enterprises, tribal departments, and other individuals and entities that own, utilize, and/or lease tribal lands. Special emphasis is placed on Native American/tribal agricultural producers, tribal members, youth, other individuals, and associations that are interested in pursuing agricultural endeavors. The project also places emphasis on the Fort Hall Community and addresses programming needs in addition to agriculture that are identified each year of the project through continuous interaction with stakeholders. Changes/Problems:There have not been any signficant changes or problems to this program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Several training opportunities for the target audience were provided to producers, tribal members, the principal investigator (PI) of the Fort Hall FRTEP and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal 4-H director from May 2023 to June 2024. Programs were provided in-person and via online delivery methods. Specific opportunities included: 1. Noxious Weed Workshops 2. Range and Livestock Symposium 3. Cooking Classes 4. Beef Schools 5. Idaho Hay and Forage Conference 6. Pesticide Applicator Trainings 7. Cereal Schools 8. Potato Schools 9. Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars 10. Tribal Grower's Conference 11. Forage Schools 12. Gardening programs 13. Pet Health Workshop.Additionally, the PI had the opportunity to attend the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Professional Development Annual Meeting, the Intertribal Agriculture Council Conference, the Eastern Idaho Weed Control Association Conference, the state Idaho Noxious Weed Association Meeting, and a variety of commodity group association meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Science-based knowledge and project results were disseminated to the community of Fort Hall through formal class instruction, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on activities, informational meetings, individual instruction, ranch, farm and home visits, tours, the Sho-Ban Newspaper (the community's local newspaper) and other popular press venues as deemed necessary, the tribal Facebook page, email, brochure distribution in public areas, list serves, and publication mailings. Annual and final reports are provided to the Land Use Policy Commissioners and the Fort Hall Tribal Business Council when requested and are also available to interested parties via request as well. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The submitted goals and objectives will continue to be followed. Additions to the goals and objectives are to provide education and assistance in managing the large Mormon cricket infestation on the Fort Hall Reservation in 2023. The populations have continued to expand. The Educator is working closely with the Fort Hall Land Use Policy Commissionersand tribal departments to treat the pests in aquick and efficient manner. The Educator has secured bait from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture for immediate disbursement. We hope to have the populations managed by 2025-26. The Educator is seeking Tribal Council approval for emergency aerial application of Mormon cricket bait to increase the effectiveness of our current management strategies. The Educator has provided an informative press release and has provided education to affected tribal members and producers regarding Mormon cricket management options. The Educator has made progress in developing a tribal Rangeland Fire Protection Association. After meeting with tribal government and the Idaho State Rangeland Fire Protection Association director, it may take one to two additional years to get an association fully developed and active due to the complex nature of the necessary paperwork, filing as a 501 C 3, and training requirements. The only known change to this project is for objective18): "We will partner with the appropriate departments to develop a native garden at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum." To date, garden plans have been delayed. The tribal deparment involved in this project has changed their focus to other projects. This objective cannot be completed at this time.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
TheFort Hall Agricultural Extension program impact is significant. Since June 2023,we reached over 2,000 individuals with educational programs. Participant evaluations and surveys demonstrated an increase in knowledge and adoption of practicesin livestock production methods, pest and natural resource management, horticultural practices, and 4-H/youth development. We reduced animal health costs, increased ranch productivity, increased home gardens, and increasedyouth skills. The 4- H/youth development program reached over 1,000 youth. The horticultural program achieved a 50% increase in adults growing and harvesting their own food. Program objectives addressed five of the six NIFA strategic actions. Accomplishments per objective are: 1) Teach youth about Indigenous food systems, safety, and security so participants gain knowledge regarding food production; and 2) Provide 4-H/youth development classes to engage youth in learning life skills. We conducted and evaluated 15 Tribal Youth in "Ag" classes, 99 cooking, healthy living, and leadership classes, and 12 livestock classes. Data collected from posttests indicated a change in knowledge in 100% of the youth. A 4-H camp will be offered June 17-20, 2024,with 38 participants who will learn leadership, team development, responsibility, and social skills. 3) Provide education regarding genetic selection technology to improve cattle quality and marketability. A beef school was conducted that reached 42 ranchers. Ranchers learned how to identify and manage rush skeletonweed. A veterinarian discussed animal health and calf survival techniques to improve calf survival ratesand maintain cattle health. A bull grading team evaluated164 bulls. The rejection rate was 0%, which indicated a change in behavior due to education and subsequentimprovement in bull quality selection and use of genetic tools. The changed behaviorresulted in significant savings for producers. Bull purchase prices are ≥$4,000/bull so the program collectively saved ranchers approximately $24,000/year in bull purchases due toreduced rejected bulls. A trichomoniasis (disease that causes abortions) program was maintained for 50 cattle producers and 8,000 range cattle. Due to educational programming our positive rates are 0%. Programming is ongoing to continue the zero postive trend. 4) Ranchers will improve beef quality through the use of reproductive technology. Three producers were educated about reproductive technologies. One beginning producer is implementing artificial insemination technology in June 2024. 5) The Fort Hall FRTEP will improve trust and use of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. We provided access to FSA programs and assisted producers with FSA applications and information on an as requested basis. We work with FSA when applicable programs become available. 6) Native farmers and ranchers will improve productivity, management, and sustainability through Farm Business Management classes. Producers were provided access to Farm Business Management schools that improved their budgeting and business analysis skills. 7) Ranchers will reduce livestock death loss due to disease, plants that accumulate minerals in toxic amounts, and poisonous plants. Aresearch project was initiated to address cattle death loss on Fort Hall rangeland. We identified, mapped, and sprayed selenium accumulator plants and performed evaluations, necropsies, and tissue analysis on cattle carcasses less than 36 hours deceased. No known cattle deaths due to toxic amounts of minerals have occurred for two years. Thirty-three ranchers can now identify selenium accumulator plants and poisoning signs. 8) Native ranchers and farmers will learn how to use pesticides safely and effectively. I collaborated on programming that educated beginning pesticide applicators and helped them obtain their state pesticide applicator licenses. Two in-person programs and online training modules were provided. Approximately 50participants learned how to use pesticides safely and correctly. 9) COVID-19 created marketing challenges for ranchers. In 2020, many ranchers experienced difficulties in selling calves. Amarketing program was requested to address the problem. I developed a marketing program to improve producers price options on calves. I assisted four producers who were able to market and sell hundreds of calves through the program at a higher price. The producers learned how to use online beef marketing tools and improved ranch profitability by 10%. 10) Partner with identified entities and provide education and services to combat the Reservation's neglected animal problem. We have experienced four dog attacks on the Reservation. Two individuals experienced permanent scarring, and two indivuals were killedsince the end of 2023. I developed a committee to address the problem and begin pet education. An educational event was held June 26, 2023, andaddressed pet health and management of aggressive dogs for community members. 11) Community members will learn how to garden and preserve food. Three gardening classes were conducted, reaching 52 people. Evaluations indicated 77% of participants achieved increased knowledge in gardening techniques. Over 50% stated they had changed behaviors at home in regard to gardening, and pest management. 12) In 2021, the Tribes requested that UI and the Fort Hall FRTEP begin researching how to produce hemp. I collaborated with a tribalcommittee to grow 144 acres of hemp on the Reservation in 2022. Two tribal members were certified to test hemp through our efforts. The Tribe continued hemp production for 2024. 13) Native communities will learn how to identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds found on the Reservation. Noxious weeds are a severe problem and degrade tribal lands. I provided year-round education on weed management and have reached over 100 individuals. These individuals can now identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds. I have held two meetings with our Land Use Policy Commissioners to develop a weed management program. We are seeking Tribal Council approval for this work June 20, 2024. 14) We will demonstrate the use of biological control agents for two of the top ten noxious weeds on the Reservation; Russian knapweed and Canada thistle. I conducted six releases of the biocontrol agents for Russian Knapweed control in three Reservation districts. Weed reductions are 10-15%. We are seeking tribal approval to release biological control agents on Rush Skeletonweed which has invaded at least onehundred acres of rangeland. 15) We will train and certify native farmers and ranchers and develop a Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) through appropriate agencies to legally prevent and contain catastrophic rangeland fires. I coordinated a meeting with our tribal range and tribal wildland fire departments and the state RFPA director to learn about the process. I met with the Land Use Policy Commission June 13, 2024 to begin the development of a tribal RFPA. 16) Fort Hall FRTEP will partner with tribal departments, range and drought specialists, and USDA to provide programming for producers to mitigate the damaging effects of environmental disasters. This objective will be addressed year by year. The winter of 23-24 provided significant moisture so a focus will be on drought management plans for future years. 17) We will partner with tribal departments, water specialists, and ranchers to develop conservation and environmentally friendly livestock water sources. To conservewater sources, we discussed water management in our 2024 gardening program. 18) We will partner with the appropriate departments to develop a native garden at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum.To date, garden plans have been delayed. Newobjective is to manage a severe Mormon Cricket infestation on tribal lands. Education has been provided and bait obtained to treat tribal lands for this pest.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Gunn, D., Gray, W. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Livestock Procedures (revised edition).
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Gunn, D., R. Hirnyck, J. Thomas. Vertebrate Pest Management in Barley. Chapter in University of Idaho Barley Guide.
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for the Fort Hall Agricultural Extension Program consists of Native American adults and youth and others who reside on the Fort Hall Reservation and/or utilize tribal lands that are socially, economically, and educationally underserved. The secondary audience includes the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Government, tribal enterprises, departments, and other individuals and entities that own, utilize, and/or lease tribal lands. Special emphasis is placed on Native American/tribal agricultural producers, youth, other individuals, and associations that are interested in pursuing agricultural endeavors. The project also places emphasis on the community of Fort Halland addressesprogramming needs in addition to agricultre that are identified each year of the project through continuous interaction with stakeholders. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Several training opportunities for the target audience were provided to producers, tribal members, the principal investigator (PI) of the Fort Hall FRTEP and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal 4-H director from August 2022 to May 2023. In 2022-23, programs were provided in-person and via online delivery methods. Specific opportunities included: 1. Aquatic/Noxious Weed Workshops 2. Range and Livestock Symposium 3. Cooking Classes 4. Beef Schools 5. Idaho Hay and Forage Conference 6. Pesticide Applicator Trainings 7. Cereal Schools 8. Potato Schools 9. Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars 10. Tribal Grower's Conference 11. Forage Schools 12. Gardening programs 13. Range spring water development classes Additionally, the PI had the opportunity to attend the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Professional Development Annual Meeting, the Intertribal Agriculture Council Conference, the Eastern Idaho Weed Control Association Conference, and a variety of commodity group association meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Science-based knowledge and project results were disseminated to the community of Fort Hall through formal class instruction, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on activities, informational meetings, individual instruction, ranch, farm and home visits, tours, the Sho-Ban Newspaper (the community's local newspaper) and other popular press venues as deemed necessary, the tribal Facebook page, email, brochure distribution in public areas, list serves, and publication mailings. Annual and final reports are provided to the Fort Hall Tribal Business Council and are also available to interested parties via request. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The impact of the Fort Hall Agricultural Extension program is significant. Since August of 2022, we have reached over 2,000 individuals with educational programs. Formal participant evaluations and surveys demonstrate an increase in knowledge and change in action in livestock production, natural resource use, horticulture, and 4-H/youth development. We reduced animal health costs, increased ranch productivity, improved water use, increased home gardens, and improved youth skills. The 4-H/youth development program reached over 1,000 youth. The horticultural program achieved a 50% increase in adults growing and harvesting their own food. Noxious weed infestations were reduced by 10%. Program objectives addressed five of the six NIFA strategic actions. Accomplishments per objective are: 1) Teach youth about Indigenous food systems, safety, and security so participants gain knowledge regarding food production; and 2) Provide 4-H/youth development classes to engage youth in learning life skills. We conducted and evaluated nine Tribal Youth in "Ag" classes, 99 cooking, healthy living, and leadership classes, and 12 livestock classes. Data collected from posttests indicated a change in knowledge in 100% of the youth. A 4-H camp will be offered in June with 39 enrolled participants who will learn leadership, team development, responsibility, and social skills. 3) Provide education regarding genetic selection technology to improve cattle quality and marketability. A beef school was conducted that reached over 30 ranchers. Ranchers learned how to use EPD's to select cattle. All participants adopted the use of this technology in their beef herds. A bull grading team was led in the evaluation of 164 bulls. The rejection rate was less than 3%, which was remarkable given the harsh winter of 2023. The low rejection rate demonstrated improvement in bull quality selection. The improvement results in significant savings for producers as bull purchase prices are ≥$3,000/bull.The program collectively saved ranchers approximately $18,000/year in bull purchases. A trichomoniasis (serious disease that causes abortions) program was maintained for 50 cattle producers and 8,000 range cattle. Trichomoniasis was a challenge in 2022-23. An out-of-state producer brought trichomoniasis infected bulls to areas adjacent to the Reservation which resulted in the spread of the disease to a tribal herd. When the problem was identified, an educational program was implemented. I met with tribal officials and producers to mitigate the problem. Producers followed our protocol for trichomoniasis, so damage was significantly decreased. Programming continued this spring which eliminated trichomoniasis on the Reservation. 4) Ranchers will improve beef quality through the use of reproductive technology. I educated three producers who will be utilizing reproductive technologies in approximately 250 cows in May. 5) The Fort Hall FRTEP will improve trust and use of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. We provided access to FSA programs and assisted producers with FSA applications and information on an as requested basis. We work with FSA when new applicable programs become available. 6) Native farmers and ranchers will improve productivity, management, and sustainability through Farm Business Management classes. Producers were provided access to Farm Business Management schools that improved their budgeting and business analysis skills. 7) Ranchers will reduce livestock death loss due to disease, plants that accumulate minerals in toxic amounts, and poisonous plants. I initiated a research project to address cattle death loss on rangeland. We identified, mapped, and sprayed selenium accumulator plants and performed evaluations, necropsies, and tissue analysis on cattle carcasses less than 36 hours deceased. No known cattle deaths due to toxic amounts of minerals occurred as a result. Thirty-three ranchers can now identify selenium accumulator plants and poisoning signs. 8) Native ranchers and farmers will learn how to use pesticides safely and effectively. I collaborated on programming that educated beginning pesticide applicators and helped them obtain their state pesticide applicator licenses. We offered two programs virtually and two in-person. Over 100 participants learned how to use pesticides correctly. 9) COVID-19 created marketing challenges for ranchers. In 2020, many ranchers experienced difficulties in selling calves. They requested the development of a marketing program to address the problem. I developed a marketing program to improve producers price options on calves. I assisted four producers who were able to market and sell hundreds of calves through the program at a higher price. The producers learned how to use online beef marketing tools and improved ranch profitability by 10%. 10) Partner with identified entities and provide education and services to combat the Reservation's neglected animal problem. We have experienced three dog attacks on the Reservation. Two resulted in permanent scarring and one in a death the winter of 2022. I developed a committee to address the problem and begin pet education. Our first educational event is June 26, 2023, and will address pet health and managing aggressive animals. 11) Community members will learn how to garden and preserve food. Three gardening classes were conducted, reaching over 90 people. Evaluations indicated 81% of participants achieved increased knowledge in gardening and food preservation. Over 50% stated they had changed behaviors at home in regard to gardening, insect management, composting, and food preservation. 12) In 2021, the Tribes requested that UI and the Fort Hall FRTEP begin researching how to produce hemp. I collaborated with a tribal and University of Idaho committee to grow 144 acres of hemp on the Reservation in 2022. Two tribal members were certified to test hemp through our efforts. The Tribe will determine if they continue hemp production. 13) Native communities will learn how to identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds found on the Reservation. Noxious weeds are a severe problem and degrade tribal lands. I provided year-round education on weed management and have reached over 100 individuals. These individuals can now identify and manage the top ten noxious weeds. 14) We will demonstrate the use of biological control agents for two of the top ten noxious weeds on the Reservation; Russian knapweed and Canada thistle. I conducted six releases of the biocontrol agents for Russian Knapweed control in three Reservation districts. Weed reductions are 10-15%. 15) We will train and certify native farmers and ranchers and develop a Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) through appropriate agencies to legally prevent and contain catastrophic rangeland fires. This objective will begin in 2023-24. 16) Fort Hall FRTEP will partner with tribal departments, range and drought specialists, and USDA to provide programming for producers to mitigate the damaging effects of environmental disasters. This objective will be addressed year by year. The winter of 22-23 provided significant moisture so a focus will be on drought management plans for future years. 17) We will partner with tribal departments, water specialists, and ranchers to develop conservation and environmentally friendly livestock water sources. Water is the single most critical issue we face in the Western states. To conserve and improve water sources, I organized a tour and class with a water specialist. We began developing two springs as a result which reduced water waste in one area by 25%. 18) We will partner with the appropriate departments to develop a native garden at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum. I developed a committee and provided the Tribal Cultural Department with plant resources and garden plans. The UI native plant specialist donated several plants for this project. The garden should be planted this year.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Hirnyck, R., K. Tate, W. J. Price, D. Finkelnburg, D. Gunn, S. Hines, J. Neufeld, B. Stokes. 2022. Innovative Virtual Pesticide Recertification Webinar Series Achieves Success during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Pesticide Safety Education, Volume 24:28-41; https://aapse.wildapricot.org/page-18371.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gunn, D., R.E. Hirnyck, G. Shewmaker, S. Takatori and L. Ellis. 2022. Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Cropland. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, PNW 627. Major Revision.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gunn, D., R. Patterson. Curlycup Gumweed. University of Idaho Extension, BUL 1016, January 31, 2022.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Gunn, D., R. Patterson. Western Salsify. University of Idaho Extension BUL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gunn, D. UI Extension in Fort Hall Develops Mobile, COVID-19 Safe Tribal 4-H/Youth Program. 2022. Impact Statement.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gunn, D. and R. Hirnyck. Pocket Gopher Pest Profile, UI Online Pest Website; https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm. July 22, 2022.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gunn, D. and R. Hirnyck. Meadow Vole Pest Profile, UI Online Pest Website;
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm. July 13, 2022.
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