SARE 1996 Highlights

In-Field Classrooms Aid Extension

An innovative program that emphasized a hands-on approach has given West Virginia Extension agents a better perspective on how to implement and encourage sustainable agriculture practices. Supported by a SARE professional development grant over a two-year period, the intensive, four-week courses featured on-farm sessions where agents worked side by side with farm families performing daily chores. Agents learned firsthand how to integrate production and marketing efforts with natural resource protection.

On other site visits, participants reviewed a range of sustainable methods, including rotational grazing, composting of animal manure and yard wastes, nutrient management for field crops, and wetlands identification and protection. Writings by noted sustainable ag authors helped brief the participants, who also attended workshops and meetings with ag information specialists. The grant covered honoraria for farmers, travel expenses for resource specialists and participants, and various educational materials. It also funded each agent's attendance at two regional sustainable farming conferences. By many accounts, the on-the-ground professional development was a big success. "The training has certainly influenced almost every program I work with," says Brad Smith, Grant County, one of 11 Extension agents to have gone through the program. A similar approach could work in other states regardless of their average farm size, given administrative support and careful scheduling of Extension staff, project leader Keith Dix points out. (Northeast Region project ENE942)

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