Program Planning Team: Kevin Sedivec (chair),  Tom Berg, Jackie Buckley, Joe Courneya, Greg Endres, John Enz, Dan Folske, Dave Franzen, Carolyn Grygiel, Scott Hochhalter, Vern Hofman, Karl Hoppe, Mike Kangas, Mike Liane, Terry Lykken, Lee Manske, Marcia McMullen, Randy Melaas, Dale Naze, Kendall Nichols, John Nowatski, Steve Sagaser, Tom Scherer,  Jim Walla, Joe Zeleznik.

Soil, water, air, plants, and animals are intricately interwoven as essential elements of our lives. They provide for our very existence and afford aesthetic values and recreational opportunities which directly impact the quality of our lives. These resources contribute to the livelihoods of residents and nonresidents employed in agriculture, industry, eco-tourism, and other occupations. Natural resources are finite and must be protected and wisely used if we are to continue to garner income, recreation, aesthetic pleasure, and good health from them.

Competing interests for natural resources will continue to create controversial issues based on need and philosophy of use. Research-based information must be used to educate the general public, agricultural producers, industry, and others of the consequences of actions, or inactions, affecting natural resources.

Key Theme(s):  Water and Soil Quality 

Persons Responsible: Bruce Seelig and Dave Franzen 
Partner(s): ND State Soil Conservation Committee, ND Dept. of Agriculture, ND Agricultural Statistics Service, ND Health Dept., ND Water Commission, NRCS, ND Resource Council, 

Situation 

Maintenance and protection of the quality of water and soil resources is important for the quality of life, health and community development in North Dakota. Data from water monitoring programs conducted by EPA and ND Dept. of Health indicate that most water contamination originates from broad, difficult to distinguish areas (non-point sources) as opposed to identifiable spills and discharges (point sources). Contamination of water resources via non-point source pollution is interrelated with the soil processes of runoff and leaching. Although urban areas contribute to the problem, the overwhelming acreage of farmland compared to urban acreage in North Dakota dictates program emphasis on agricultural land. Maintenance and improvement of soil quality makes an important contribution toward protection and improvement of water quality. Soil quality is the "capacity to function, within land use and ecosystem boundaries, to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and promote plant, animal, and human health" (Doran and Jones, 1996, Preface In Methods for Assessing Soil Quality, Doran and Jones, ed., Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI). Management of soils to improve soil quality, and thus improve water quality include erosion control, improved management practices to reduce compaction, practices to increase carbon sequestration and nutrient management. Successful reduction and low level maintenance of non-point source pollution requires landowner and land user actions implemented by informed managers. Educational programs that help these people to address the factors that affect water and soil quality in their local communities are needed. Food production must be maintained to support both human nutrition and economic vitality in North Dakota and the nation. However, food production systems should be managed to minimize adverse effects to our environment and sustainability of future agricultural profitability and rural quality of life. 

Inputs 

Input from professionals with expertise in agronomy, soil science, engineering, economics, food and nutrition, animal science, range science, hydrology, and geology is needed to design and deliver educational programs that effectively address water and soil quality issues. Extension (state, area, and county), teaching. and research faculty at NDSU form the core of this professional group. The Departments of Soil Science, Plant Sciences, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at NDSU actively participate in water and soil resource issues. These departments also partner in various educational programs with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Services Agency (FSA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, ND Department of Health, ND Department of Agriculture, ND Water Commission, ND Geological Survey, ND State Game and Fish, ND Forest Service, ND Association of Conservation Districts, ND Farm Bureau, ND Farmers Union and the North Dakota Resource Council. 

NDSU Extension receives Federal funds to support individuals to work specifically on three areas of water quality education. The Regional Water Quality Coordination project supports the development of a water quality information system for the 6 states in EPA Region 8 and facilitation of water quality education by NDSU faculty. The Remote Sensing/ Landuse project provides digital maps of landuse in North Dakota on an annual interval and supports the use of this information in estimating land management impacts to water resources. The Pesticide Strategy for Groundwater Protection project supports the construction of digital groundwater sensitivity maps for each county and management recommendations to reduce the potential for pesticide contamination. 

NDSU receives state funds to administrate soil conservation programs implemented by the State Soil Conservation Committee.

Outputs

Outputs emphasizing soil and water quality

Maintenance of a state and regional Water Quality website - Bruce Seelig and Dennis Rindy. 
Delivery of integrated water and soil resource management training - Bruce Seelig and NDSU Water Quality Working Group. 
Delivery of soil-water relationships training - Dave Franzen. 
Delivery of water and soil resource assessment training - Bruce Seelig. 
Delivery of educational program associated with the Strategy for Groundwater Protection from Pesticides (ND Dept. of Ag.)
Production of annual landuse map of North Dakota (NDASS) and delivery of resource management training utilizing the landuse database 

Outputs integrated within other programs such as agricultural production and youth development 

Delivery of irrigation workshops – Tom Scherer. 
Delivery of precision farming techniques for improved nitrogen utilization efficiency training – Dave Franzen. 
Delivery of water and soil resource protection training to North Dakota youth via conservation tours and camps – Dave Franzen
Delivery of Farmstead Assessment training
Delivery of septic system siting and installation training – Tom Scherer. 
Delivery of information about basic farm production practices related to nutrient efficiency, site-specific management, recognition of environmentally sensitive areas and soils, and properties of nutrients and ag-chemicals which affect movement, persistence and special hazards to soils and the environment – Dave Franzen. 
Delivery of instruction in the use of diagnostic tools, such as soil testing and new soil sampling techniques, to reduce over-application of nutrients – Dave Franzen. 
Delivery of training on soil quality indicators and management for increased carbon sequestration – Dave Franzen. 

Anticipated Outcomes 

Short term

Increased awareness of citizens regarding the processes and factors that determine the quality of local water and soil resources. 
Increased knowledge and expertise of natural resource specialists to utilize geotechnical information and tools to manage water and soil resources effectively. 

Medium term

More efficient use of public funds through focused resource protection efforts in critical areas. 
Increased integration of nutrient and ag-chemical management for farm production with water and soil resource protection practices. 

Long term

Measurable improvement in soil and water quality in critical areas due to modifications in management practices. 
Decreased potential for water contamination from pesticides, nutrients, sediment, and pathogens over a majority of the rural landscape.

Key Theme(s):    Sustainable Agriculture

Persons Responsible: Frank Kutka, Tracey Renelt (SD)

Situation:

Agriculture continues to face challenges in providing profitability, environmental maintenance and enhancement, and loss of rural lifestyle. An agriculture which is to sustain itself must be positive in all of these areas. For this to occur, the farm or ranch must be viewed as a system with all components of the system working in harmony to achieve profitability, environmental enhancement, and societal acceptance. Yet, most of agriculture focuses on individual components where action to correct a problem is directed to a component or symptom, but often doesn’t address the root problem. This can be counter productive to profitabilt8iy, environmental soundness, and ultimately, rural populations.

Anticipated Outcomes:

1.     Researchers, Extension specialists, farmers, NRCS, 1994 land grant institutions, Extension agents, and others will be more aware of the SARE producer, PDP, R&E, and graduate student grant programs.

2.     Extension agents, NRCS personnel, 1994 land grant institutions, lending agencies, and others will have more understanding of sustainable production systems.

3.     New and experienced Extension, NRCS, and 1994 land grant educators will incorporate sustainable agriculture concepts into their regular efforts.

4.     Extension agents and area specialists, 1994 land grant institutions, and other college instructors will solidify an understanding of sustainable agriculture principles in area producers and consumers.

5.     Farmers will incorporate sustainable agriculture practices into their operations.

Educational Programs:

1.     News releases from the regional SARE office will be shared with all University agriculture and food science departments, Extension county offices, NRCS, lending agencies, FSA, 1994 land grant institutions, and other agencies dealing with farmers. SARE grant workshops will be conducted to assist with the application process.

2.     Out-of-state tours and multi-state events will be supported to get hands on learning experience with producers philosophy and insights to various alternative methods designed to stabilize farms and communities. Learning tools, information, and curriculums from other parts of the region and nation will be gathered.

3.     All Extension educators will receive information gleaned from other states and the regional and national SARE offices. All participants will receive information via the web and an electronic newsletter. All participants will be invited to announced tours and activities.

4.     Mini grants will be awarded to on-farm sustainable agriculture projects solicited from institutions and federal agencies working with farmers.

Evaluation Plan:

An evaluation process will be incorporated into all aspects of the sustainable agriculture program. The goal of the process is to measure progress toward identified outcomes using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods include measuring number of participants, events, inquiries, applications, and communications. Qualitative measurements will determine a base-line knowledge, expansion of understanding and awareness, changes in behavior, societal changes, and skills improvement by participants.

Key Theme(s):     Livestock Waste Management

Persons responsible: Ron Wiederholt

Situation

All animal feeding operations (AFOs) are expected to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.  AFOs with more than 200 animal units require an "approval to operate" from the North Dakota Department of Health.  Smaller AFOs  may also come under regulatory requirements if they have a potential to pollute.  Thus, all AFOs, regardless of size, should adopt waste management practices to minimize impacts on water and air quality. AFOs can reduce environmental impacts through structural and/or management changes.  Changes in  livestock production to larger and more intensive operations increase the potential for impacting water and air quality unless facilities are well constructed and managed.  Increasing concentration of livestock numbers also increases the concentration of manure nutrients.  Proper utilization of manure nutrients  in crop production programs will minimize their impact on water quality.  Also, proper manure utilization can reduce fertilizer costs and improve the quality of soil.  Thus, all AFOs should consider adopting manure nutrient management plans.

Inputs

• Ron Wiederholt, Livestock Waste Management Specialist/Carrington 

The specialists will provide leadership for the development, delivery and assessment of an educational program for agricultural producers on livestock facilities, waste handling and utilization. The educational program will facilitate the proper handling, storage, management and utilization of livestock waste and the use of appropriate technologies to protect water quality and the environment in North Dakota conditions.  The livestock facility engineer will provide direct assistance to livestock producers in designing and supervising construction of livestock waste systems.

• Dave Franzen, Soil Science Specialist 
• Karl Hoppe, Area Extension Specialist/Livestock Systems
• Chip Poland, Area Extension Specialist/Livestock Systems
• Greg Lardy, Beef Cattle Specialist
• J. W. Schroeder, Livestock Specialist - Dairy
• Ken Hellevang, Agricultural Engineer - Post Harvest/Structures

NDSU Extension Service specialists will provide program development and delivery in animal science, soils and fertility, and Ag and Biosystems Engineering.  The animal science specialists contribution to the project will focus on animal dietary strategies that focus on waste management.  The soils and fertility specialist will incorporate livestock manure utilization into on-going crop fertility programming.  The Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialist will provide direction and oversight on the utilization of Midwest Plan Service education materials that deal with livestock waste systems.  The two extension livestock waste management specialists will also collaborate with these Extension Service Specialists on educational needs assessment, program development and delivery.

• Vern Anderson, Animal Scientist 
• Doug Landblom, Associate Experiment Station Specialist 

North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station scientists will work with animal research programs at both the Dickinson and Carrington Research/Extension Centers.  Applied research and demonstration projects will be the main focus of this collaboration.

• Brenda Rettinger
• Dale Naze 
• Warren Froelich 
• Karlyle Erickson
• Raquel Dugan-Dibble
• Mark Miller
• Kurt Froelich
• Rick Schmidt

County Extension Agents will organize local educational efforts and help provide educational program delivery that is focused on the specific needs of producers in their region.  Specific contributions to the project will include organizing and facilitating regional educational events such as workshops, tours and demonstration projects.  These extension agents will also receive additional training on animal dietary strategies, manure utilization and mortality management and incorporate this information into their livestock/crops educational programs along with providing leadership to this program effort within their multicounty program unit (MPU).

• South Central Dakota Best Management Practices (BMP) Team
• Dakota Prairies RC&D and Dakota West RC&D
• USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS)
• North Dakota Department of Health
• North Dakota Department of Agriculture
• North Dakota Soil Conservation Committee
• North Dakota Stockmen’s Association
• North Dakota Pork Producers Council
• Milk Producers Association of North Dakota
• ND Lamb and Wool Growers Association 

     Educational Curriculums:  

• Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) Curriculum (a national educational program)
• Colorado Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) curriculum (a self-assessment producer-oriented curriculum adapted to ND needs)
• NDSU Livestock Waste Utilization Curriculum
• Extension circulars

• EPA Section 319 funding, USDA Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funding, NDSU Extension support,  ND Experiment Station support, Beefline Initiative
• NDSU Web based video conferencing and technology support.

Outputs

     Program Activities:

• Advisory Committee - An advisory committee including representatives of stakeholder groups has been formed and will meet annually.
• The CNMP curriculum developed at Colorado State University will be adapted for North Dakota use and will be presented to producers and made available as a web based self-help program.
• The LPES curriculum will be used to develop appropriate educational materials.
• Seminars, Workshops, Demonstrations and Field Tours - The Livestock Waste Management Team will plan and deliver educational opportunities for people involved in making waste management decisions.  
• Technical Assistance - One-on-one technical assistance will be provided to producers planning to implement changes with their waste management system.  This will be done in cooperation with USDA-NRCS, Soil Conservation Districts, 319 Watershed Projects, extension agents, and others as necessary.  The BMP Team and the Livestock Facility Engineer will provide technical and engineering services for site assessment, layout, design, and construction supervision of livestock waste handling facilities.
• Research - The Livestock Waste Management Team will collaborate in appropriate livestock waste  research projects such as coal ash for feedlot surface stabilization, feedlot bedding trials, manure composting, and use of vegetative filters and water spreading for feedlot runoff disposal.
• Publications - Develop extension bulletins and fact sheets as necessary for continuing educational and information activities.

Livestock producers, extension agents, USDA-NRCS and Soil Conservation District personnel, custom applicators, consultants and contractors.

• Create an awareness among livestock producers of the importance of livestock waste management practices.  To be determined by assessing attitude change of participants in training/education events.
• Enable producers to assess whether their facilities and waste management practices meet  regulatory requirements.
• Enable producers to select and manage a waste management system appropriate for their operation.

• Enable producers to efficiently utilize manure nutrients in crop production programs. 

• Thirty percent of the producers participating in the program will adopt livestock waste management plans.  This will be assessed through a follow-up survey.
• Seven livestock waste management demonstration systems will be designed and installed per year.

• Minimize the impact of animal feeding operations on surface water, ground water and air quality.  This will be assessed by monitoring trends in North Dakota Department of Health AFO permitting and compliance enforcement and by comparison to numbers and sizes of AFOs in North Dakota as revealed by the USDA Census of Agriculture. 

Key Theme(s):   Forestry

Persons Responsible: Joe Zeleznik, Jim Walla, Scott Hochhalter, Michael Kangas (ND Forest Service), Craig Stange (USDA-NRCS), Tom Berg (ND Forest Service)

Situation:

Agroforestry systems control wind erosion, increase crop yields, improve livestock weight gain, and reduce home energy costs. In addition, these systems increase water-use efficiency, protect wildlife, improve water quality, reduce the accumulation of drifting snow on roads, and can provide long-term profits for landowners. In addition, they can provide income through wood and alternative products. Yet, many of the benefits provided by agroforestry systems are not fully utilized and are often under-appreciated. More than 2/3 of the windbreaks in North Dakota need renovation to sustain the environmental, economic, and social benefits they provide.

Rivers, streams, and lakes within North Dakota are impacted by non-point source pollution. Trees in riparian zones and drainage areas trap nutrients, sediment and other contaminants, buffer damage from flooding, and provide habitat diversity. In many areas, grazing, crop production, urban development, and modification of hydrology have negatively impacted trees in these riparian zones.

More than half of the population of North Dakota resides in cities and towns. The community forests found in these areas provide numerous benefits including summer shade, dust and pollution abatement, noise reduction and reduced runoff. Urban trees are also highly valued for their aesthetic appeal. However, there is a general lack-of-knowledge among homeowners regarding tree health problems and general tree maintenance. Additionally, homeowners often do not know where to obtain tree health care information and advice. This problem is especially prevalent in smaller towns that cannot afford full-time community forestry personnel.

Anticipated Outcomes:

• Improve windbreak management techniques to preserve and sustain this resource.
• Highlight the benefits of riparian forest establishment, restoration and preservation.
• Educate producers, landowners, natural resource professionals and youth to create a positive attitude toward windbreaks and their contribution to environmental, health, social and economic benefits.
• Advocate efforts to restore riparian forests along prioritized river reaches.
• Promote tree planting opportunities to meet current and future environmental, economic, and social needs.
• Improve awareness of alternative income opportunities through agroforestry and native forest management practices.

• Build a curriculum to provide educational outreach and promote plant health care within urban and rural environments.
• Develop partnerships with organizations to address North Dakota’s forestry issues and concerns.
• Install and use demonstration sites highlighting ND forestry best management practices.
• Facilitate workshops that enlighten ND landowners and resource managers regarding forestry and agroforestry needs and opportunities.
• Develop and distribute news releases, bulletins and brochures, slide sets, videos and other media.
• Provide a comprehensive web site that provides North Dakota forestry information.

• Survey growers, processors, and marketers of agroforestry products in North Dakota to assess program effectiveness.
• Survey participants to assess their awareness and adoption of windbreak planting, management and renovation practices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of providing programming in riparian forest establishment, restoration and preservation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of providing tree pest identification and management programs.

Key Theme(s):   Rangeland/Pasture Management

Persons respnsible: Kevin Sedivec and Dale Naze

North Dakota rangelands are a diverse array of plant communities which support wildlife, domestic livestock, insects, other life forms, and recreational opportunities for both residents and non residents. Disagreements regarding priority of use often arise since this network of interests competes for use of resources and contribute economically to the state. Understanding the many sides of these conflicts, including private and public lands, can be a complex process, but it is necessary to find win-win solutions which will protect this vibrant resource and satisfy the desires of those who value it.

Inputs

• Kevin Sedivec, Rangeland Specialist/Range Scientist
• Llewellyn Manske, Range Scientist
• Greg Lardy, Beef Cattle Specialist/Animal Scientist

Provide leadership for the development, delivery and assessment of an educational program for agricultural producers and natural resource manager on range and pasture land management that maintains or enhances the natural resource. The educational program will facilitate the options and management plans to protect the range and pasture resource while providing a viable livestock grazing program and vital habitat for many wildlife species.

Research Scientists:

• Don Kirby, Range Ecologist/Scientist
• William Barker, Botanist/Range Ecologist
• Mario Biondini, Range Scientist/Ecologist

North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Scientists who work with range and botany research programs at the main station in Fargo, Central Grassland Research and Extension Center near Streeter, Dickinson and Hettinger Research and Extension Centers will focus collaboration on applied research and demonstration projects.

• Dale Naze
• Bill Klein
• Brenda Rettinger

County Extension Agents who will organize local educational efforts and help provide educational program delivery that is focused on the specific needs of livestock producers and natural resource managers in their region that relate to private and public rangeland management. Specific contributions to the project will include organizing and facilitating regional educational events such as workshops, tours, demonstration projects, and youth activities. These extension agents will also receive additional training on grazing management strategies including grazing systems, pasture development, water developing, livestock/wildlife interactions, habitat needs for wildlife, and range health assessment along with providing leadership to this program effort within the multicounty program unit (MPU).

Partners:

• USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
• USDA Forest Service
• USDI Fish and Wildlife Service
• North Dakota State Land Department
• North Dakota Department of Health – 319 Program
• North Dakota Soil Conservation Service
• North Dakota Stockman’s Association
• North Dakota Grazing Association
• North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition

Two Workshops for Extension/Research staff from October 2003-December 2004

• Issues dealing with natural resource management on private and public lands, including livestock, wildlife and recreation. 
• Develop opportunities to enhance our natural resources for wildlife production, recreation activities, and natural esthetic properties.
• Grazing management plans and programs to Ag and Natural Resources on private and public lands

Develop a handbook for grassland management by livestock producers and natural resource managers from April 2003-December 2003

• Provide educational programs, tours, and workshops using this handbook for grazing and land management

Provide educational opportunities (6-10) at Eco-Ed youth camps and range youth camps on the value and uses of range and pasture lands from June 2003-October 2004

Public and Private Land Management Plans and Educational Programs:

• Will increase the understanding of the types of grassland and rangeland management plans and programs that enhance grazing on private and public lands
• Provide an awareness and outlook in plan/programs
• Will teach what the different plans/programs will do and their limitations
• Address situations where a certain type of plan/program fits, and
• Provide options for the parties involved to dissolve any grazing land disagreement or issues

• Provide a pre-training questionnaire and the same instrument post-training to determine knowledge gained
• Monitor educational material requests and usage
• Conduct telephone survey to a random select group of livestock producers by county on knowledge and use of grazing management

 

Key Theme(s):   Biofuels

Person Responsible: Vern Hofman

Situation:

North Dakota agriculture continues to face the challenge of providing enough fuel to produce farm crops. Currently, about 50% of the fuel used in the U.S. is imported from around the world. The turmoil in the Middle East provides a signal that to depend on imported oil can put the U.S. into a difficult position. The U.S. needs to find alternate fuels, and in North Dakota an alternate gasoline and diesel fuel is needed.

North Dakota produces a number of crops that can produce alternate fuels. Corn is used widely as an extender for biodiesel. Vegetable oil crops are grown extensively in the state and can be converted into biodiesel. Biodiesel can be readily used in a diesel engine. The main oil crops available are soybeans, canola, sunflower, and safflower.

Anticipated Outcomes:

• Educate North Dakota residents about biodiesel as a diesel fuel extender.
• Promote biodiesel to increase the use of vegetable oil production.

Education Outreach:

• Build a curriculum to provide educational outreach and promote biodiesel use in diesel engines.
• Develop partnerships with organizations to promote biodiesel use as a fuel.
• Develop and distribute news releases, bulletins and brochures, slide sets, and videos through the media.

Educational Plan:

• Monitor the use of biodiesel fuel use in the state.
• Monitor the performance of diesel engine users on the successful use of biodiesel as a fuel.
• Survey users of biodiesel regarding performance as a fuel for diesel engines.