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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419988
Research Project: Knowledge Systems and Tools to Increase the Resilience and Sustainablity of Western Rangeland Agriculture

Location: Range Management Research

Title: From knowledge to practice: Linking Sustainable Southwest Beef Project activities to impacts

Author
item Elias, Emile
item Aney, Angus
item Ramsey, Paige
item BURNETT, REANNA - New Mexico State University
item Spiegal, Sheri
item Cibils, Andres

Submitted to: Society of Range Management
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2025
Publication Date: 2/13/2025
Citation: Elias, E.H., Aney, A.S., Ramsey, P.L., Burnett, R., Spiegal, S.A., Cibils, A.F. 2025. From knowledge to practice: Linking Sustainable Southwest Beef Project activities to impacts. Society of Range Management. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Members of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project, a coordinated research, extension, and education project, made significant advancements in understanding heritage genetics, precision ranching, and impacts of alternate supply chain options. These advancements were shared through a variety of traditional and novel pathways and, where possible, a change in knowledge related to an event was assessed. However, it is more challenging to ascertain if an event or a change in knowledge led to a change in practice or condition. Namely, did people who attended our workshops, webinars, and on-ranch demonstrations do something different because of their participation? Or did something novel emerge because of an event? To address these questions our project team surveyed webinar and on-ranch demonstration participants to identify any changes in activities. Our team also reflected on tangible outcomes that emerged from the project. The team evaluated the broader impacts of five webinars hosted by the SSBP. These webinars reached more than 450 total unique participants and featured content on precision ranching, navigating and preparing for drought, sustainability programs in beef supply chains, and a virtual on-ranch demonstration. The team also evaluated the impacts of four on-ranch demonstrations held on ranches in Utah, New Mexico, California, and South Dakota and reaching more than 100 unique individuals. We share the difference in outcomes related to virtual events (webinars) and in-person events (on-ranch demonstrations). Discussions during one on-ranch demonstration led to the realization by project participants that upcoming changes in NRCS practice funding for precision ranching may lead to a challenge in supporting successful virtual fencing adoption. The outcome of this discussion is a new Virtual Fencing Consortium to develop curricula and training opportunities for agency field staff and ranchers.