Last Updated on September 2, 2022 by
Understanding Production Under Native American Cropping Systems
Langston University and a group of institutions serving Native Americans have begun to study the “sisters” model of crop production in order to educate and improve the ability of tribal and other socially disadvantaged farmers to produce culturally appropriate crops using a systems approach.
The three-year project, funded by a $300,000 Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant (SSARE), is focused on validating and testing soil moisture, and weed and pest management within the three or four sisters Native American production systems. The “sisters” system involves planting a perimeter trap crop in addition to corn, a legume (generally beans), and a cucurbit (generally squash).
This project aims to evaluate the marketability, production characteristics, and nutritional profile of traditional Native American crops. This work will give a better understanding of which crops have potential usefulness in traditional polycultures.
SARE in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is a program for professional development sponsored by the Southern Region SARE, and coordinated by Oklahoma State and Langston Universities. They are dedicated to working towards the sustainability of agriculture through economic viability, sound environmental and natural resources management, and awareness and recognition of social acceptability.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers technical information and educational programs to assist farmers and agricultural producers in Oklahoma in implementing strategies and practices that will increase the sustainability of their agriculture operations.
Most of the technical information comes from the research-based knowledge generated at Oklahoma State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station and Langston University Research Program, and the Land Grant University network across the country. These institutions use a variety of methods to support the sustainability of agriculture. These include basic and applied research projects, training for cooperative extension field staff and personnel from several agencies and non-governmental organizations working with agricultural producers. Moreover, it involves educational programs and demonstrations for producers, written information, one-on-one assistance for producers, business development and planning, pilot plant operations, and a lot more.
What We Do
COORDINATE
The Southern SARE professional development mandates the Oklahoma SARE to coordinate the state’s sustainable agriculture professional development efforts. To accomplish its mission, the program collaborates with other sustainable agricultural entities.
EDUCATE
Oklahoma SARE is dedicated to spreading sustainable agriculture principles and practices through education in different channels. This includes workshops, demonstrations, travel workshops, and classroom education.
INFORM
They share information on sustainable agriculture research, extension and education opportunities with extension, NRCS, NGOs, growers and community groups that would like to support sustainable agriculture in the state. Oklahoma SARE works to ensure that all agricultural communities across the state are informed about grant opportunities through SARE and other sources in a timely manner.
Two faculty members from each institution coordinate the OkSARE program, and an assistant extension specialist oversees the program’s day-to-day activities.
You can also read more about Farm Certifications – SARE Southern.
Oklahoma Impacts
- $3.4 million in funding since 1988
- 48 projects funded since 1988
You can also read about the North Carolina – SARE Southern and the Puerto Rico – SARE Southern.
Professional Development Program
In each state, agricultural educators work directly alongside farmers and ranchers to promote sustainable agriculture production and marketing. SARE state agricultural coordinators offer support in sustainable agriculture education and outreach strategies through a program called “The Professional Development Program” (PDP).
Fellows Program
The Sustainable Agriculture Fellows Program is offered by SARE and NACAA. It enhances Cooperative Extension staff’s knowledge of sustainable agriculture and gives them broad-based national exposure to unique and successful sustainable agriculture programs.
State Contacts
SARE State Coordinators play a vital role in expanding sustainable agriculture training for Extension, NRCS and other agricultural professionals. This will help producers transition to a more sustainable farming system.
Terry Gipson
Interim Goat Extension Leader
Langston University
Email | (405) 466-6126
Jason Warren
Asst Prof/Soil & Water Conservation/Mgmt, Extension Specialist
Oklahoma State University
Email | (405) 744-1721
You can see more Farm Grants for Females elsewhere on this website.
