Focusing on stewardship for Focusing on stewardship for long-term sustainabilitylong-term sustainability

Developed by:Developed by:Cinda Williams, University of Idaho ExtensionCinda Williams, University of Idaho ExtensionKevin Laughlin, University of Idaho ExtensionKevin Laughlin, University of Idaho Extension

Susan Donaldson, University of Nevada Cooperative ExtensionSusan Donaldson, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Univ. of Idaho Extension

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Topics covered in Module 8: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

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What is “sustainability”?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?What about sustainable agriculture?

According to SARE, sustainable According to SARE, sustainable agriculture involves farming systems agriculture involves farming systems that are profitable, environmentally that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for people and sound and good for people and communities, they must be:communities, they must be:– Economically sustainableEconomically sustainable– Environmentally sustainableEnvironmentally sustainable– Socially sustainableSocially sustainable

What does it mean to be a steward What does it mean to be a steward of a small acreage?of a small acreage?

““The practice of carefully managing land The practice of carefully managing land usage to ensure natural systems are usage to ensure natural systems are maintained or enhanced for future maintained or enhanced for future generations.”generations.”

-The Land Stewardship Center-The Land Stewardship Center

USDA NRCS

The whole-farm or whole-property viewThe whole-farm or whole-property view

Redrawn by A. Miller from www.sare.org

Applying a “systems” approachApplying a “systems” approach System: a group of interacting, interdependent elements System: a group of interacting, interdependent elements

that function together as a complex unified wholethat function together as a complex unified whole

www.unesco.org

Looking at a variety of “systems”Looking at a variety of “systems”

www.unesco.org

Systems diagram activitySystems diagram activity

www.icra-edu.org

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Systems Diagram or Mapping Systems Diagram or Mapping ActivityActivity

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

CROPDIVERSITY

Longer rotation

cycle

Insect diversity

Less pest pressure

Improved soil tilth

Reduced disease

incidence

Additional N and organic

matter

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A “systems thinker”:A “systems thinker”:

Seeks to understand the "big picture”

Observes how elements within systems change over time, generating patterns and trends

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Being a “systems thinker”Being a “systems thinker”

Identifies the circular nature of complex cause and effect relationships

Changes perspectives

Habits of a Systems Thinker Information SheetHabits of a Systems Thinker Information Sheet

Developing your goals with Developing your goals with sustainability in mindsustainability in mind

Environmental concerns

Economic factors

Social issueswww.sare.org

Putting sustainable goals Putting sustainable goals into actioninto 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

PlantsShort-Term

ActionsLong-Term

Goals

1. Assess existing vegetation

2. Improve grass mixture

3. Implement rotational grazing

Outcome:

Healthy pastures

and healthy animals

Make your own goals!Make your own goals!

Short-Term Actions Long-Term Goals

Putting Sustainable Goals Into Action ActivityM8L1 page 10

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Review of resources through a Review of resources through a sustainability lenssustainability lens

How do the practices we employ on our How do the practices we employ on our land influence our resources?land influence our resources?

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Enhancing Success and SustainabilityEnhancing Success and Sustainability

Corvallis-Albany Farmers' Markets

MARKETS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

EDUCATION

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

QUALITY OF LIFE

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How are How are othersothers making it work? 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, NevadaThe Mestre’s property, Nevada

UNCE, Reno, Nev/

UNCE, Reno, Nev.

The Mestre’s property, NevadaThe 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 SolutionsMestre’s Property: Issues and Solutions

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Stewardship by the MestresStewardship 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

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Calypso Farm and Ecology Center Calypso Farm and Ecology Center Ester, AlaskaEster, 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

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Goals and the EnterpriseGoals 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 sustainabilityElements 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

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Monitor and assess progressMonitor 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

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SummarySummary

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? Have your long-term goals changed? Why?Why?

What do you hope to accomplish?What do you hope to accomplish?

How will your property be more How will your property be more sustainable?sustainable?

How have you affected your community?

USDA NRCS

How are YOU making it work?How are YOU making it work?

Participant Presentations on their own Participant Presentations on their own

You’re on your way to a sustainable You’re on your way to a sustainable approach to managing all the resources on approach to managing all the resources on

your small acreage!your small acreage!

UNCE, Reno, NV