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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #404851
Research Project: The USDA ARS Climate Hubs - Increasing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability by Impactful Development and Communication of Climate Smart Agricultural Research and Practices - El Reno, OK

Location: Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center

Title: Report: Climate Conversations with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Area Meeting Attendees

Author
item HAGERMAN, AMY - Oklahoma State University
item SPAIN, COLE - Oklahoma State University
item POPE, CLAY - Retired Non ARS Employee
item Cibils, Andres

Submitted to: USDA Miscellaneous Publication 1343
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/2023
Publication Date: 5/5/2023
Citation: Hagerman, A.D., Spain, C., Pope, C.G., Cibils, A.F. 2023. Report: Climate Conversations with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Area Meeting Attendees. USDA Miscellaneous Publication 1343. Available: https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/southern-plains/topic/climate-conversations-oklahoma-conservation-district-staff.

Interpretive Summary: Overall, there was a strong belief among survey respondents that climate change is impacting Oklahoma. Grassroots conservation was highly valued, and key challenges were identified in water management and grazing issues were apparent. The best ways to reach audiences varied slightly, but a combination of in person and remote appears best for this audience. Future conversations with producers may validate those findings.

Technical Abstract: Oklahoma has seen an increased incidence of extreme climate related events in the first 20 years of the 21st Century as compared to the last 20 years of the previous century. This includes drought, flooding events, extreme cold, and severe storms. Climate projections for the US indicate a likelihood that this trend will continue without intervention through greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, including efforts originating in agriculture. The “Climate Conversations” program has successfully been implemented in other states including Utah and North Dakota. In 2022, a slightly reimagined Climate Conversations program was implemented in Oklahoma. The program included a survey of the perspectives and challenges of climate change as identified by farmers and ranchers, state and federal conservation agency employees, and Oklahoma conservation districts employees in November of 2022. The Oklahoma Climate Conversations program focused on the needs and concerns of those on the front lines of conservation in the state.