Ag ~ Decisions Tying the Pieces Together

FALL 2008 TO FALL 2009

Ag ~ Decisions Tying the Pieces Together

Know the AudienceBowman & Slope Counties in SW North

Dakota Bowman County Population 3101

Average age of producers is 57.2 Average farm size is 2,042 acres

Slope County Population 650 Average age of producer is 58.3 Average farm size is 3,231 acres

Average operation is small grains and livestock with supplemental income.

Design for Success

Identify need.Have a marketing plan.Make an impact.

Focus GroupsStrive for DiversityBe flexibleLet the group define their needsOur focus group: Ag Lenders, Annie’s

Participants, Producers

Producer driven programs have the greatest potential for success

Identifying Program Needs

Planning MeetingEstablishing PartnersBuild on Existing ProgramsUse multiple teaching methods

The Marketing Club Strategy

Our goal was for the same group to meet regularly on different risk management topics.

Marketing for SuccessIt’s all in the name.Multi media outlets.Word of mouth.Its ok to be different.

Making it HappenThe scheduling game.Use multiple forms of delivery.

Build on other successful programs.

Topics CoveredEstate Planning and Farm TransferFamily Business CommunicationRangeland ManagementGlobal Economics & MarketingSpeaking Up for AgManagement Strategies to Decrease

Fertilizer Costs.

What makes a program successful?

Number in Attendance?Information Learned?Are producers better prepared to manage risk?EvaluationsFollow up programs

Pictures

Challenges

Weather!

Challenges

Charging for programs?

Lesson’s Learned

Lesson’s LearnedDifferent outcomes than expected.

Audience varied.

Positive Outcomes214 producers reached

Brought attention to some major concerns

Led to future program demands

Take the Next StepWhat’s new?Will it work here?

Focus on SustainabilityCover CropsSage GrouseIncreasing Diversity

Ag Decisions~Tying the Pieces Together

Andrea Bowman, NDSU Bowman County Extension Service Andrea.bowman@ndsu.edu 701-523-

5271 Camie Janikowski, Bowman Slope Soil

Conservation District camie.janikowski@nd.nacdnet.net 701-523-

3871

Questions ?