AESA Rural Extension Staff Training: Thinking Outside the Box

Nowak asked participants to ‘think outside the box’ about the real resource managers in Alberta, in order to make practice change. “He talked about the experience in the US, and the current reliance on offering producers money as the main way of getting producers to make practice change,” says Chrapko. Nowak believes that extension staff should be more problem solvers and change agents rather than just program managers. “He challenged the RES and ourselves as AESA Program managers to be more flexible in our expectations for programming for practice change.”

Nowak believes that the market rule of disproportionality is also true for watershed or resource management programs, where 80 percent of the problems are caused by 20 percent of the landowners. “He believes that we should be targeting our work with the land owners who are engaged in poor behavior and making bad management decisions in landscape areas that are at the highest risk of environmental damage,” notes Chrapko.

“Both the managers and RES felt it was a really good presentation and brought out some good points we need to think seriously about,” says Chrapko. “We have to realize it will take time to build relationships with these clients, and once they have developed a sense of trust and have enough information, they may make the practice changes.” Chrapko adds that they are currently reviewing the Farm-Based component of AESA and are looking at how they might incorporate some of these ideas into the programs.

“I heard from many of the RES that the training provided a renewed sense of energy,” says Chrapko. Gerard Aldridge, RES with the Municipal Districts of Clear Hills, Fairview and Peace (MDCHFP) found the presentations to be very useful. “However, I also found the networking with other RES to be particularly useful,” says Aldridge. “It’s a big province, and the training session gave us an opportunity to meet and talk with others from other regions.”

Aldridge noted that Nowak’s presentation was good, but somewhat controversial and certainly sparked debate. “It’s good to bring in someone with new ideas, because it raises the level of debate and gets people thinking of other ideas,” says Aldridge. “I’ve made an effort to come back and think of ways to try and reach out to some of those producers who may not be as accessible to our programs.”

Aldridge sees several challenges and unique demographics in the Peace region that he needs to address. “Over the next three years we’re going to try including some events that provide elements of learning, but are less formal and more entertaining,” says Aldridge. “We’re trying to draw in larger crowds and hopefully some of those clients in that 20 percent category, and get them to leave the event with an idea that might get them to change their actions.”

At a recent Peace Country Roast and Toast event held in conjunction with the 11th Annual Municipal District of Clear Hills Agricultural Trade Show, a Cowboy poet with lots of practical experience in riparian management entertained the participants. This concept is planned for other events. “We also have a more formal banquet planned with local Ag Societies, and plan to bring in a keynote speaker with an environmental background,” adds Aldridge. “We’re trying to take up the challenge of getting more people out to our events, to build relationships with them, and hopefully get them to go away with ideas and information to make practice change.”

Chrapko is already working on planning the RES training for next year. “We’re pleased to be able to open up this training to other extension partners as well next year.” The training will continue with soft skills areas, an update on nutrient management, with a second day focusing on environmental law and related regulations. Watch for more information later in the year.

For more information, contact Dale Chrapko or Gerard Aldridge