Barnyards and Backyards: Education to Assist Wyoming Rural Landowners
Extension Education
Jedidiah Hewlett
Extension Educator
University of Wyoming
Douglas
Abstract
Across the western United States, the number of small acreage holders has been increasing steadily as more extensive tracts of agricultural and wildlands have been subdivided. Wyoming is no exception to this trend. Where landowners lack the proper knowledge and skills to properly manage their acreage, natural resource problems such as land degradation, poor animal health, invasive weeds, and water quality issues often ensue as a result. In 2005, the University of Wyoming Small Acreage Issue Team was established to help educate rural property owners about sustainable land management practices, livestock care, and healthy living. The Small Acreage Issue Team members represent University of Wyoming Extension, Wyoming Natural Resource and Conservation Districts, Wyoming Weed & Pest Council, Wyoming State Forestry Division, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Audubon Rockies and others. Now in its 21st year since inception, the team is still going strong. One of the first official efforts of the Wyoming Small Acreage Issue Team to educate rural landowners was the establishment of the periodical magazine, Barnyards and Backyards: Rural Living in WY. The publication is mailed 4 times per year, featuring a collection of brief articles written by experts in a variety of subject fields. Whether highlighting proven strategies for managing pests, managing compost, or sustainable grazing techniques, articles are written specifically for conditions in Wyoming. To date, there have been over 782 articles written by authors from over 61 organizations. The current mailing list for the magazine exceeds 2,000 mailing addresses. As a bonus, archived articles can be searched, viewed, and downloaded for free from our website. Barnyards and Backyards is a valued magazine for new and seasoned rural landowners alike. In addition to the magazine, the Wyoming Small Acreage Issue Team has created stand-alone publications for various topics. Some of these include the highly popular Wyoming Vegetable and Fruit Growing Guide, Living with Wildfire in Wyoming, and Wyoming Rural Living Resources – A Practical Guide. Barnyards and Backyards content has been made available in multiple formats including workshops, annual conferences, virtual live webinars, videos, and social media.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Abby Perry, Jedidiah Hewlett
-
Perry, A. Extension Educator, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, 82301
-
Hewlett, J. Ag Extension Educator, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, 82633