Location: Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research
Project Number: 2056-21500-001-010-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 21, 2026
End Date: Sep 30, 2027
Objective:
This proposal includes USDA-ARS establishment of an outreach program to improve the preparedness and response of Idaho’s ranchers and range managers to drought, fire, and ecological variability. This program will include a mobile outreach trailer and display, as well as an evidence-based workshop on range livestock management for drought and fire-prone environments. It will enable USDA-ARS to develop new information sharing networks with state and local USFS and ranchers. By improving the uptake of this information, the project will enhance the knowledge and skill of managers to successfully meet USFS goals for land management and/or to improve ranch profitability.
Approach:
1. Work with the U.S. Forest Service to identify topics for outreach materials, including adaptive grazing management, drought planning and adaptation, environmentally adapted animal genetics, nutrition, and health, rangeland economics, collaboration and communication, and use of new technologies in ranching.
2. Gather stakeholder input into outreach plan development and create a community-based calendar of outreach events throughout Idaho.
3. Using research from ARS, USFS, and University Researchers, develop a mobile outreach trailer and display, along with print and digital materials for science-based workshops based on a synthesis of recent science on the key topic areas.
2. Provide appropriate personnel and transportation to provide outreach to 5 USFS District Offices, 3 Forest Supervisor’s Offices, and 2 ranching industry or community events.
4. Develop and implement an outreach evaluation framework to track impact and adapt the outreach approach.