Yuma County Conservation District wins national excellence awar

Colorado

The Yuma County Conservation District was recently recognized at the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting on Feb. 7. The Grazing Lands and Public Lands Resources District Excellence Award was received by YCCD President Chester Zwirn during the awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, Calif. The District was recognized for providing educational programs for livestock operators.

The YCCD has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 range/ranch workshops since December 2002. Of these workshops, one was cosponsored by GLCI, one was a 4-stop workshop series involving 14 other conservation districts through southeast Colorado and GLCI, one was part of a watershed project, and one was cosponsored by four other conservation districts, RC&D, a wildlife organization, and the local cattlemen's group. Total workshop attendance has been 679 landowners plus 75 NRCS and District personnel.

Topics and presenters have been:

--Irrigated Pasture: Colorado State Extension, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University, producers;

--Drought (three presentations): Roy Roath, Colorado State Extension;

--Livestock Handling: Temple Grandin, Colorado State University;

--Wildlife: Quail Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Division of Wildlife, Pheasants Forever;

--Early Weaning for Drought: Dr. Mike Slattery, Veterinary Medicine;

--Grass/Grazing Management: Jim Gerrish, American Grazinglands Services;

--Ranching Profitably: Dave Pratt, Ranch Management Consultants;

--Beef Cow Nutrition & Economics 101 (two sessions) : Dr. Mike Slattery and Matt Stockton, Nebraska Extension;

--Bud Williams Marketing School (two sessions): Ann Barnhardt;

--Ranchers Forum: Kit Pharo, Chip Hines and others.

No other organization has offered this many learning opportunities to area rural ranchers. Workshop evaluations have been overwhelmingly positive, with a high demand for more. Attendees travel an average of 70 miles one way to attend these workshops: The record distance traveled is 450 miles one way.

The District Board believes that conservation is accomplished through education. This is demonstrated through their financial commitment in direct expenses and employee wages. The district does not charge a registration fee. They have spent over $10,000 in District funds for speakers, meals and refreshments, and promotion.

NACD is an organization of conservation districts throughout the U.S. and its territories committed to conserving natural resources for our future.

0

None

None

Date: 3/22/07

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com