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Agriculture as Economic Development (Harding County)

Plan Goal

Sustain a viable population for rural Harding County by increasing community and economic devleopment through agritourism and niche marketing.

Situation Statement

Harding county is the least populated county in the state and the population is declining. Once youth leave our school systems, there is very little to come back to as far as the job market. The county is dependent on agriculture in the form of ranching for economic stability. Unfortunately, with the rising costs of production and limited rainfall, family ranches cannot afford to support the next generation. Ranchers and residents must find alternative means of income. Solutions are utilizing what we do have (beauty, quiet, stars, wildlife) to bring in more income and commerce.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience is composed of ranchers, farmers, and land owners in Harding County and the ecotourism industry. Information will be distributed through extension publications, published scientific studies, workshops, presentations and individual verbal communication with anyone interested in creating or enhancing a wildlife or agritourism enterprise. Assistance will be provided through individual verbal communication and/or site inspection of the area being considered for management. Additionally, management recommendations will be incorporated into Extension publications, event proceedings, and popular press.

Short-Term Objectives

Increase awareness for economic opportunity via nature and agritourism by 10% county wide.
Illustrate to at least 5 producers the opportunities available from people wanting to see wildlife and the great outdoors.
Articulate to at least 5 producers the opportunites available for producing organic or natural beef.
Update 50% of the county on the status of our declining population.

Medium-Term Objectives

After 2 years:
Have at least 5 producers making contacts with people for agritourism events at their ranches and neighbors ranches.
Have at least 5 producers making inquiries into the natural and organic beef markets.
Improve the level of producers making additional revenue from alternative recourses by 5%.

Long-Term Objectives

After 4 years:
Producers are maintaining revenue streams from other sources on their ranch other than cattle.
Niche beef production has increased by 5% and of these 5%, producers are bringing in 10% more revenue.
The influx of agritourists have increased the need for cafes, gas stations and bed and breakfasts by 10%.
The influx has caused a need for the local highways to be fixed and repaved so folks can actually get to our county.
Families moving into the county has increased by 1%.
5% more youth are getting back to family ranches to make a difference and the income to get them there is not derived from the cattle production.

Evaluation Plan

Personal observation of youth not leaving the community, schools with good enrollments, healthy 4-H clubs, and a strong county tax base.
Communication with local economic development group about the status of the county.
One on one diologue with county residents.