| Successes and Current Activities: |
Mr. Hart provides educational programming in crop production for producers in Lewis and Idaho Counties, and in farm financial management for a five county area (North Central Idaho area). He works closely with crops specialists at the University of Idaho and Washington State University as well as with industry and agency representatives to provide the latest information on variety selection, pest management and soil fertility. He holds crops schools, tours, and shares information through newsletters, news articles, and reports. He works with other crops faculty in North Central Idaho to provide pesticide applicator training, pasture management short courses, and Master Gardener training. In the area of farm financial management Mr. Hart has focused on education for Farm Service Agency borrowers and agricultural entrepreneurs. His “Tilling the Soil” course has provided the opportunity for both borrowers and entrepreneurs to complete a business plan. So far over eighty percent of those taking the course have completed a business plan. Mr. Hart organized a team of nine other faculty from UI and WSU to write weekly news articles for the Lewiston Tribune. These articles have been highly rated by readers. He also conducts educational programming for youth through the 4-H program, and works with his 4-H program assistant to provide support for 4-H leaders. The completion rate for Lewis County 4-H projects has been consistently above 80%. |
