Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
The USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program is a federal
competitive grants program with regional leadership and decision making structures.
Authorized by the 1985 Farm Bill, SARE was first funded in 1988. FY99 funding
totals $11.4 million. SARE works to increase knowledge about and help farmers
and ranches adopt sustainable practices that are profitable, environmentally
sound, and beneficial to local communities and society in general. SARE provides
funding for research, demonstration, education, and extension projects carried
out by scientists, producers, educators, and private sector representatives.
Upcoming events
July 14 and 15
Community Gardening
The objective of this training is to equip extension educators and agency professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to assist community members in their regions on planning, enhancing, and sustaining community garden projects. The training will cover the following topics: the definition, type and history of community gardens; the benefit of community gardens/gardening; how to start, organize and manage community gardens; the people and job related to community gardens; how to get the support and involvement from a community and its members in community gardening; how to work with local government and related non-profit organizations; gardening techniques and resources including site selection and preparation, composting and soil fertility, variety and species, pest management, harvesting and handling of fresh produce, and organic gardening. The training will also include an educational tour of community gardens of different types in Columbia.
Boone County Extension Center
Register via the In-Service Education Web site or if you are not with the University of Missouri Extension, e-mail Vonna Kesel at kelsev@lincolnu.edu
Aug. 4 and 5
Native Pollinators and Native Plants
A two day training on the conservation and attraction of native pollinators along with native plants for attraction to be held at Lincoln University's Carver Farm, Jefferson City. Contact Nadia Navarette-Tindall.
Sept. 22 to 24
Improving Profitability through Understanding Animal Behavior
A three day training to be held at Lincoln University's Carver Farm in Jefferson City. Livestock producers are constantly looking at the bottom line for production. New research shows that understanding animal behavior and their natural patterns can increase overall animal health and performance. This often costs little to do. Producers need to understand what behaviors affect livestock performance and health in order to incorporate these aspects into their management system.By understanding the behavior patters of livestock and learning to work within these limits, improved health and efficiency in livestock production are seen. Producers often make changes in management that cause temporary decreases in production. As a management tool, understanding behavior and how animals adapt to new situations can reduce these decreases in performance as well as reducing illness and diseases.
For more information contact Clifford Rathert.
Fall 2009
Sustaining Soil Fertility
A three day training on how different systems of biomass crop productions affect soil quality, quantity and fertility. Contact Debi Kelly at 573-882-1905 or 800-433-3704 (Missouri only).