Focusing on stewardship for long-term sustainability Developed by: Cinda Williams, University of Idaho Extension Kevin Laughlin, University of Idaho Extension Susan Donaldson, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Univ. of Idaho Extension

5/1/20152 Topics covered in Module 8:  The whole-property concept  Integrating the lessons learned  Viewing property through a sustainability lens  How others are making it work  Monitoring and assessing progress  How you’re making it work

5/1/20153 What is “sustainability”?  According to the U.S. EPA, sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

What about sustainable agriculture?  According to SARE, sustainable agriculture involves farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for people and communities, they must be: –Economically sustainable –Environmentally sustainable –Socially sustainable

What does it mean to be a steward of a small acreage? “The practice of carefully managing land usage to ensure natural systems are maintained or enhanced for future generations.” -The Land Stewardship Center USDA NRCS

The whole-farm or whole-property view Redrawn by A. Miller from

Applying a “systems” approach  System: a group of interacting, interdependent elements that function together as a complex unified whole

Looking at a variety of “systems”

Systems diagram activity

5/1/ Systems Diagram or Mapping Activity Systems Diagram or Mapping Activity M8L1 page 9  Demonstrates connections and interrelationships of system components  Helps individuals to understand the multiple cause and effect situations in a farming system SOIL Legume cover crop CROP DIVERSITY Longer rotation cycle Insect diversity Less pest pressure Improved soil tilth Reduced disease incidence Additional N and organic matter

5/1/ A “systems thinker”:  Seeks to understand the "big picture”  Observes how elements within systems change over time, generating patterns and trends

5/1/ Being a “systems thinker”  Identifies the circular nature of complex cause and effect relationships  Changes perspectives Habits of a Systems Thinker Information Sheet

Developing your goals with sustainability in mind  Environmental concerns  Economic factors  Social issues

Putting sustainable goals into action Soils Short-Term Actions Long-Term Goals 1.Do a soil test for nutrients, organic matter content, etc. 2.Plant cover crops and till in as green manure Outcome: Improved soil quality Plants Short-Term Actions Long-Term Goals 1.Assess existing vegetation 2.Improve grass mixture 3.Implement rotational grazing Outcome: Healthy pastures and healthy animals

Make your own goals! Short-Term ActionsLong-Term Goals Putting Sustainable Goals Into Action Activity M8L1 page 10

5/1/ Review of resources through a sustainability lens  How do the practices we employ on our land influence our resources?

5/1/ Enhancing Success and Sustainability Corvallis-Albany Farmers' Markets MARKETS RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPORT SYSTEMS EDUCATION VIBRANT COMMUNITIES QUALITY OF LIFE

5/1/ How are others making it work? How are others making it work? Let’s focus on systems sustainability by looking at some examples of people who have made a difference in the sustainability of land, soil, water, plants, animals, etc.

The Mestre’s property, Nevada UNCE, Reno, Nev/ UNCE, Reno, Nev. The Mestre’s property, Nevada

UNCE, Reno, Nev. The issue: Bare, sloping ground The issue: Poor grass cover on the playing field. The issue: Erratic supplies of irrigation water The solution: Capture the water in a storage tank The solution: Amend the soil with organic matter, reseed, irrigate efficiently, and reduce traffic. The solution: Plant flowering perennials along the terraces and create a stable footpath. Mestre’s Property: Issues and Solutions

5/1/ Stewardship by the Mestres  Protecting ground and surface water  Conserving water  Stabilizing, amending, and covering soil to increase organic matter and moisture content and decrease erosion  Improved vegetative cover and better management of grassy areas

5/1/ Calypso Farm and Ecology Center Ester, Alaska Issues:  Difficult climate – long winters, short extreme summers with long days  Poor soils – not very fertile, permafrost only a few inches below the surface

5/1/ Goals and the Enterprise  Establish an organic vegetable, herb and flower operation  Educate others about environment and food  CSA with a 16 to 20 week season  Grown on 2.5 terraced acres

Elements of sustainability  Majority of 30 acres are not disturbed and kept forested  Trees are used as lumber  Soil is kept covered and amended, so moisture retention is improved  Rainwater is collected from roofs and used to irrigate crops and for firefighter exercises  Local community is educated

5/1/ Monitor and assess progress  Before you took this class, how were you interacting with your resources?  What are you doing differently now?  What about in the future?  How are you making progress toward making your property more sustainable? Sustainable Farm Management Assessment Activity Sustainable Farm Management Assessment Activity M8L1, pages 12-15

5/1/ Summary  What do sustainability and stewardship mean to you?  How will you be a better steward?  How can you help your neighbors to become better stewards?  How does systems thinking help you achieve your goals?

 How are you integrating what you’ve learned about your resources?  Have your long-term goals changed? Why?  What do you hope to accomplish?  How will your property be more sustainable?  How have you affected your community? USDA NRCS How are YOU making it work? Participant Presentations on their own

You’re on your way to a sustainable approach to managing all the resources on your small acreage! UNCE, Reno, NV