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Producing Sustainable Agronomic Crops in New Mexico (San Juan County)

Plan Goal

The goal of this project is to design and test a dissemination/education/training strategy for model farmers to reduce agricultural-related injury due to unsafe pesticide handling practices.

Situation Statement

According to the most recent survey in the Shiprock Agency by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 12,186 acres of irrigatable land in three canal systems (Hogback, Cudei, and Fruitland). Of this; 4,621 acres lay idle, 2,930 acres have been abandoned, and 4,635 acres are being farmed. The over 12,000 acres of irrigated farm land is permitted to 803 farmers for an average farm size of 15 acres. Due to the small size of the farms, crops being raised are limited because of equipment expense. The majority of the farms raise traditional Navajo crops for their own food production. These include white corn for steaming and for kneel down bread, blue corn for blue corn mush, vegetables and melons, alfalfa for feeding their livestock and irrigated pasture for livestock grazing (sheep, horses and cattle). Production practices are antiquated in comparison to off reservation farms. For example, very few farms use fertilizers or any type of pesticides to control pests and weeds, thus production is below county, state and national averages.
In 2001 through the SW Center, NIOSH funded a research study to develop culturally appropriate agricultural injury prevention interventions in the Shiprock Area of the Navajo Nation. To achieve these aims we implemented a set of community-based research methods designed to enhance stakeholder capacity to plan, implement and evaluate culturally appropriate agricultural injury prevention interventions. These methods included: (1) forming a stakeholder group; (2) reviewing the literature and available data sources to prioritize agricultural injury causes in need of further investigation; (3) development of a research plan to investigate these issues; (4) designing and implementing research activities; (5) using research data to inform program development; and (6) implementing and evaluating the intervention strategies.
The stakeholder group was composed of 16-20 individuals, representing: grazing and ranching committee members from each of the 20 chapters in the Shiprock Agency; representatives from local government agencies (Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture, Navajo Nation Department of Environmental Health) and local agencies (Farm Board, Water Board); university faculty from two universities (University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University); and Shiprock Agricultural Extension Service staff, (under the aegis of the University of Arizona). The average age of the members was 55 years, and all members spoke English and everyone but the university faculty spoke Navajo. Over the four year period of the study, the larger group met between 4 and 8 times per year. In addition, smaller sub-groups met to work on specific aspects of the project, such as the survey translation, development of the survey sample, and development of specific intervention materials.
The stakeholder group designed, translated, and implemented a community-based survey of farming and ranching knowledge, attitudes and practices. One hundred and ninety-five farmers and ranchers were randomly selected as respondents, using the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ list of farm and ranch permittee holders. Proportional sampling was utilized, based on the number of farms (estimated at 1200 total) per chapter. There are 20 chapters (clusters). Within each chapter, farmers and ranchers were randomly selected, until the desired proportion was reached.
The survey included a section on pesticide knowledge, attitudes and practices. Eighty-eight percent of producers surveyed said they needed training in applying pesticides. Forty nine percent of participants reported they felt they were very likely to get hurt or sick when mixing or applying pesticides: reasons given include the following: pesticides are poisonous; fumes are dangerous (may cause headaches, dizziness, fainting, nausea); pesticides are harmful to skin, eyes; and spills are likely to occur. Twenty-four percent had already attended a pesticide handling training (applicator license), 19% had attended a noxious weeds training course and 15% had attended pest management training.
After the survey results were presented to the community, the stakeholder group identified chemicals and their uses to be the number one intervention needed for the producers in the Shiprock Agency of the Navajo Nation.
It is important to use traditional methods to increase capacity of farmers to use pesticides and herbicides safely and properly. Our experience on the Navajo Nation over the last four years has provided us with the preliminary data to build a theoretically derived intervention, based on traditional methods of adult learning. We have an actively participating cohort of farmers and ranchers who have asked us to continue working with them to improve their health and safety on their farms.
The spread of invasive non-native plant species is one of the greatest threats to the long-term environmental stability and health in the Shiprock Agency of the Navajo nation. A noxious weed mapping project over the past three years, well documents the problem. Bindweed and Russian Knapweed are the most prevalent species followed by Musk Thistle, Canada Thistle, Hoary Cress, and Halogeton respectfully. Isolated spots of Camel thorn and Spotted Knapweed were also identified. Many of these weeds, like Russian Knapweed and Leafy Spurge, have caused serious ecological and economic damage in other areas of the country and threaten the Four Corners if action is not taken.
The recent weed mapping project finished this year (2006) by San Juan County Extension Service shows that over 90% of farm plots in the Shiprock Agency contain one or more invasive weeds. In some instances chemical control is the only weapon of control with invasive weeds. When used properly, pesticides offer a variety of benefits to society. They increase crop production, preserve produce, combat insect infestations, and control exotic species. However, pesticides also have the potential for causing harm. Approximately one billion pounds of pesticide active ingredient are used annually in the U.S., and over 16,000 pesticide products are being marketed in the U.S.
The Navajo farmers in the Shiprock Agency are interested in modern production practices and are open to change and new ideas. Due to the Navajo culture and their ways, change sometimes comes slow. From the recent survey mentioned above, it is apparent they are seeking the safe and effective use of pesticides on their farms.

Target Audience and Actions

Year One:
I.R.B. board approval. In order to conduct research on the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Nation has a required process that must be followed. The first activity is to achieve approval from each of the six Chapters in which the project proposes to work. Once each chapter has approved the project, then a resolution can be presented and voted upon by the Navajo Nation Health Board. Once the health board has approved the resolution, the Navajo Nation IRB will entertain an application to approve the project.
Training for individuals (change agents) and Model farmers (opinion leaders). One individual who has sufficient time and leadership qualities will be employed and trained in each of the six chapters participating in the project. Many of these persons have participated in the stakeholder group of the current study; they have already expressed an interest in participating and a willingness to be trained as model farmers. These stakeholders are already considered local opinion leaders as many of them are farming committee chairmen, San Juan Water Board representatives or Farm Board representatives.
Training. Opinion Leaders will receive extensive training to become Model farmers to enable them to successfully advise their group of farmers in years two-four: Environmental, Safety & Regulatory Components to Crop Production; Integrated Pest Management; Crop Management; Nutrient Management; Concepts of Soil Fertility; Soil Testing and Plant Analysis; Nutrient Sources and Applications; Soil pH and Amendments; Organic Waste Management; Basic Soil Properties; Irrigation Management; Soil Erosion; Water Quality; Weeds; Insect Management; Diseases Management; Pesticides Regulation; Organic Farming; Crop Adaptation; Cropping Systems; Planting Factors; Crop Growth and Development; and Harvest Factors. Included in this training will be extensive training on Pesticide Safety and the use of chemicals. This training will include the following components:
Years Two through Four:
Beginning in Year Two, 120 farmers will be recruited for the program. Sixty farmers who have applied for pesticide applicator licenses in the recent past and who have failed the test will be recruited to be in the intensified training group (intervention group). Sixty other farmers who have applied for pesticide applicator licenses and passed the test will be in the standard group (control group). Sample size calculations have been conducted. A sample of 60 in each group is sufficient to detect a difference of 30% with an power of .80.
Baseline Knowledge Test: The entire group will be tested and scored individually on their knowledge of chemicals and their uses, pesticide safety, calibration of sprayers.
Both the intervention and control group will continue to participate in the following standard workshops and educational activities: Shiprock Ag Days, Four Corners Weed Symposium, Alfalfa Pasture and Irrigated Pasture Workshop. All members will receive stipends for attendance of the meetings.
Both groups will also participate in a complete inventory of their farm on current pesticide safety practices. This inventory will be conducted by the model farmers. Model farmers will collect these data from farmers whose farms are NOT in their intervention group area. For example, the model farmer from Hogback will collect these data from farmers in Fruitland, and the Fruitland model farmer will collect these data from farms in Cudei. These data, including crop production data, will be considered “baseline” data from which to judge the effectiveness of the intervention.

The intensified training group (intervention group) will go through the following program:
1. Complete inventory of their farm on current crop pests (weeds, insects, rodents, etc.) and current production practices.
2. Upon completion of the inventory, a farm plan will be developed for each individual farm. This plan will take into consideration cultural, biological and chemical control opinions of the individual farmers. The plan will consist of where they want to be by the end of year 4 of the project. The plan will consist of their individual goals such as crop yields and skills they would like to possess. Each individual plan will be reviewed with Model farmers and feasibility of implementation will be discussed before plans are approved.
3. Individually trained on chemicals and their uses, calibration of sprayers, pesticide safety, integrated pest management, application of pesticides, applications of fertilizers, and rates. They will be trained on integrated pest management and this approach will be demonstrated on their individual farms by using cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. From the results of these demonstrations, these producers will make pest management decisions.
4. Model farmers will meet quarterly for further training, instructions and to discuss problems
5. Chemical, biological insects, fertilizers, and supplies will be purchased to accommodate each individual’s farm plan.
6. Yield records on each crop will be evaluated by an independent or outside group. Yield records will be based on subplot samples that are taken, based on crop and year for seasonal growth, that can be used to determine yield and quality. Where possible final yields based on a per area basis will also be figured at the time of harvest or at market sale. Each situation will be evaluated for a standardized system with which to review yield as compared to regional and state expected yields.
7. On-site consultation during the year will occur as needed.

The standard group (control group)
1. Complete inventory of their farm on current crop pests (weeds, insects, rodents, etc.) and current production practices.
2. The standard group will be offered educational workshops on chemicals and their uses, calibration of sprayers, pesticide safety, and application of pesticides, but will not receive individual instruction.
3. Each individual will be paid a stipend for attending each meeting or conference.

Year Three:
Intensified Training Group
1. Model farmers will revisit each individual’s farm plan and with consultation make appropriate changes based on experiences from the previous year. Farm plans will then be reviewed with intervention group farmers for feasibility prior to implementation.
2. With the assistance of the Model Farmers, intervention group farmers will apply pesticides and fertilizers to their crops during the year.
3. Yield records on each crop will be evaluated by an independent or outside group as described above.
4. On-site consultation from experts during the year will occur as needed.
5. Chemical, biological insects, fertilizers, and supplies will be purchased to accommodate each individual’s farm plan.
6. Model farmers will meet quarterly for further training, instructions and to discuss problems.
7. Each individual will be paid a stipend for attending each meeting or conference.

The standard group (control group)
1. The standard group will be offered educational workshops on chemicals and their uses, calibration of sprayers, pesticide safety, and application of pesticides, but will not receive individual instruction.
2. Each individual will be paid a stipend for attending each meeting or conference.

Year Four:
Intensified Training Group
1. Model farmers will revisit each individual’s farm plan and with consultation make appropriate changes based on experiences from the previous year. Farm plans will then be review with Model farmers for feasibility prior to implementation.
2. With the assistance of the farm advisers, farmers will apply pesticides and fertilizers to their crops during the year.
3. Yield records on each crop will be evaluated by an independent or outside group, as described above.
4. On-site consultation from experts during the year will occur as needed.
5. Chemical, biological insects, fertilizers, and supplies will be purchased to accommodate each individual’s farm plan.
6. Model farmers will meet quarterly for further training, instructions and to discuss problems.
7. Each individual will be paid a stipend for attending each meeting or conference.

The standard group (control group)
1. The standard group will be offered educational workshops on chemicals and their uses, calibration of sprayers, pesticide safety, and application of pesticides, but will not receive individual instruction.
2. Each individual will be paid a stipend for attending each meeting or conference.

Year Five:
1. Administer knowledge, attitudes, behavior post-test to both groups to determine if there have been changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to training topics.
2. Re-inventory all producer farms to evaluate adopted integrated pesticide management practices.
3. Assess data on crop productivity over the four year intervention period.

Short-Term Objectives

Short term objectives:
 Train 5-6 "model farmers" in integrated pest management techniques by
 December 31, 2007.
 Gain NMSU IRB approval for research funded by NIOSH.
 Use GIS techniques to map the farms in the three ditch system, identifying acreage in use and that currently lying fallow.
 Supervise the recruitment of 120 early adopters of integrated pest management techniques and the collection of baseline water samples to estimate pesticide exposure of population in three ditch system areas.

Medium-Term Objectives

Medium Term Objectives:
 Determine whether a "model farmer" approach, based on the Theory of
 Diffusion of Innovations, will be effective in increasing integrated pest management skills, knowledge, and attitudes from baseline levels.
 Determine whether improved integrated pest management use will be effective in increasing the yield of acreage already in production from baseline levels.
 Determine whether improved integrated pest management techniques will change the pesticide levels in the three ditch water systems to levels considered unacceptable by the EPA.

Long-Term Objectives

Long Term Objectives:
 Contribute to the literature and expert knowledge about the safest and most effective way to improve farm yield and integrated pest management knowledge, attitudes and practices.
 Contribute to the literature and expert knowledge about the most culturally appropriate ways to disseminate new safety behaviors to diverse populations, especially those currently experiences significant health disparities.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluation
Administer knowledge, attitudes, behavior pre and post test to both groups to determine if there have been changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to training topics.

Pre and post inventory of all producer farms will be done in order to evaluate adopted integrated pesticide management practices.

Assess data on crop productivity over the four year intervention period.