Building Relationships with the Ho Chunk Nation through Agricultural Research and Programming
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Jerry Clark
AGRICULTURE AGENT
Division of Extension UW-Madison
CHIPPEWA FALLS
Abstract
A partnership and relationship was cultivated between University of Wisconsin-Madison county and state extension faculty and staff and the tribal Ho Chunk Nation Department of Natural Resources. Initial efforts were directed towards establishing community gardens in the Tomah area and helping evaluate opportunities for agricultural production by the Ho Chunk Nation on their land. The relationship was built over time culminating in an on-farm research project and extension educational program. Industrial hemp fiber production was the focus of the on-farm research implemented on the tribal lands. The research project involved replicated variety and soil fertility plots of industrial hemp at the Ho Chunk Nation’s Whirling Thunder Farm. Industrial Hemp fits well into the values of the Ho Chunk Nation as they desire to manage their lands organically and ultimately to reduce the footprint agriculture leaves on their land. The research led to their potential to use the fiber for products to replace oil-based plastics used in their facilities. Planning, implementing, analysis, and reporting were all shared in this partnership. University of Wisconsin-Madison extension educators and specialists worked with Ho Chunk Nation tribal members led by the Department of Natural Resources Executive Secretary. An outcome of this trusted relationship is a long-range strategic plan to help the Ho Chunk Nation transition their farmland to uses that better meet tribal needs and values. This was facilitated by UW-Madison Extension for the newly formed Ho Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture. The plan includes the needs of individual communities and beginning steps for multiple enterprises. The presentation will share how the relationships and projects have grown and evolved over time along with accomplishments.
Authors: Jerry Clark, William Halfman, Kaitlyn Davis
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Jerry Clark AGRICULTURE AGENT, Division of Extension University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 54727
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William Halfman Agriculture Outreach Specialist, Division of Extension University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin, 54724
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Kaitlyn Davis Agriculture Outreach Specialist, Division of Extension University of Extension - Madison, Wisconsin, 54601