1. Master Range Cattle Managers to IRM Groups to Sustainable Learning Communities Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

2. iGrow.org Background Funded by grants through NC Risk Management Education Center 2008 and 2010 © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

3. iGrow.org Team Members Dr. Ken Olson Dr. Roger Gates Dr. Julie Walker Adele Harty Mindy Hubert Robin Salverson Penny Nester © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

4. iGrow.org Master Range Cattle Manager 3 locations in 2009 Bison, Wall and Sturgis 1 year program with 4 workshops and a pasture walk © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

5. iGrow.org Master Range Cattle Manager Curriculum Right Risk ™, Goal Setting, Nutrition, Balance Scorecard, EPD’s Other topics determined by location © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

6. iGrow.org IRM Groups 2 locations continued in 2010-2011 Wall and Sturgis Curriculum SPA, Production records, pasture records, marketing © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

7. iGrow.org Impacts Wide range of impacts Grass sampling and forage analysis Utilizing risk management tools-LRP Keeping production records and using them to make management decisions © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

8. iGrow.org Impacts “It was good to be able to talk about ranching issues with not only experts, but other producers.” “Everything was new when I started. I got started on the right foot and fell into the class at the right time.” © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

9. iGrow.org Impacts Desire for more topics in the future Alternative marketing Artificial Insemination Using grazing records for CSP program Intensive grazing © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

10. iGrow.org Sustainable Learning Community What is this? A self-directed group of people with a common interest who seek education and information to improve themselves or their business by learning from peers and experts. © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

11. iGrow.org Sustainable Learning Community Self-directed Sturgis and Wall Each group looks different beefSD for beginning producers © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

12. iGrow.org Sturgis Learning Community Developed Facebook page for their group to continue communication Includes participants and experts © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

13. iGrow.org Wall Learning Community Result of the survey Self-formed with monthly meetings Have “coffee” with the neighbors and discuss issues © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

14. iGrow.org Wall Learning Community Working with Ag United to put together a bus tour for people from Rapid City Bounce new ideas off each other to help grow their businesses © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

15. iGrow.org Wall Learning Community Working on the business vs. working in the business Taking time out once a month is a priority to learning from each other and making their businesses stronger. © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

16. iGrow.org Future Foster the development of Sturgis Learning Community More face to face interaction to address topics of interest Seek out leaders in the group to make this happen © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

17. iGrow.org Future Participate in Wall Learning Community Help recruit new people who would fit Be a resource for information © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org

18. Thank you! © 2013 Board of Regents, South Dakota State University iGrow.org