Extension agents take center stage in the race to save livestock

 

Cooperative Extension agricultural agents were on the front lines of southern Colorado’s response to livestock emergencies during and after the recent snow storm disaster. From Prowers, Kiowa, Baca, and Bent to Huerfano and Pueblo counties Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research Station staff provided their outstanding local connections, communications capabilities and agricultural knowledge to meet critical emergency resource demands.

 

Activation of the Extension Disaster Emergency Network (EDEN) began early on New Year’s Day with a call from Bill Bennett, Director of Homeland Security Colorado Department of Agriculture, to Dr. Marc Johnson, Interim Director of Cooperative Extension asking for immediate EDEN mobilization. After a subsequent call to Tom McBride, EDEN Director, calls went out to reach agricultural Extension agents in the hardest hit areas using home or cell phone numbers.

Hay is airlifted to stranded cattle, January 4, 2006 (Larry W. Smith / AP)

 

According to Tom McBride and Bill Bennett, the goal was to engage a local Extension agent with agricultural experience and knowledge to serve in each county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to gather information, needs, locations and access to livestock feed, water and delivery capabilities and provide the information to the central command post in Lamar for prioritization. As integral community members, local Extension agents are uniquely positioned to identify both the needs and available community resources and communication within the broader emergency response network.

 

Leading the charge was Leonard Pruett, Southeast Area Cooperative Extension Director and 38 year veteran of CSU Cooperative Extension. Leonard, coordinating National Guard helicopter hay drops from local area producers to livestock in Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, Bent, Cheyenne and Las Animas Counties. Approximately 2,000 bales were dropped to 18,000 cattle. Scott Brase, Prowers County Extension agent worked directly loading helicopters, transporting bales of hay to the airport, and even flying on one helicopter to evaluate the condition of livestock in the area. Bruce Fickensher, Kiowa County Leader, supported the crucial Lamar central command coordination efforts.

 

“Leonard Pruett was one heck of an asset,” said Bill Bennett, Director of Homeland Security Colorado Department of Agriculture.

 

“He knows the local people and the local government. Bruce filled in for him and Kaye Kasza backed them up with information. We need this in every county in Colorado for agricultural emergency response,” Bill said.

 

Colorado National Guard troops unload hay in Huerfano County in collaboration with Colorado State Cooperative Extension

Cooperative Extension contributions in Huerfano and Las Animas counties were equally tenacious. Jim Conley, Director of Cooperative Extension in Huerfano County immediately offered his office as the coordination center for livestock emergencies. He gathered and prioritized the ranch requirements and coordinated among the central Lamar command, the National Guard troops and the Division of Wildlife (DOW) snow cat and snowmobile resources as they became available. Working through the weekend they delivered hay to livestock.

 

While the days of the storm were dramatic the efforts do not stop there. Every day remains a challenge with continuing smaller storms, winds and frigid temperatures threatening livestock throughout southeastern Colorado. Cooperative Extension agents continue to assist in locating sources of feed as seven years of drought have driven supplies frightfully low. Agents and Cooperative Extension specialists continue to work with the USDA Farm service to collect data on livestock losses and inform producers about the proper manner for carcass disposal.

 

“Emergencies happen locally and emergency response must be driven locally,” claimed Bill Bennett.

 

Colorado State Cooperative Extension and friends brought their high value knowledge, their local and area communication connections and their deep commitment to bear in support of their communities during the recent weather crisis.

 

Many beyond those mentioned here contributed time energy and knowledge and continue to be deeply engaged in supporting their communities during this crisis. Appreciation and recognition are due to all.

 

 

College of Agricultural Sciences 121 Shepardson, (Campus Delivery 1101) Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1101 Phone: 970-491-6274, Fax: 970-491-4895 Our url: www.agsci.colostate.edu Comments: CAS_webmaster@mail.colostate.edu Apply to CSU | Disclaimer | Equal Opportunity | Privacy Updated May 2, 2008