National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program

 

Progress Report-2002

NOTICE
The following is a progress report containing preliminary data and results that may be modified by future research.
Please contact the listed authors
or Extension Coordinator for additional information.

 

1.   TITLE:     National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program Extension Coordinator

2.   PERSONNEL:

      Phillip W. Stahlman          Research Weed Scientist             KSU Agric. Research Center-Hays

      Anthony D. White            Extension Coordinator                 KSU Agric. Research Center-Hays

3.   TIME LINE:  Initiated            -     April 2002
                              Termination       -     Projected completion (FY 2006)

4.   SUMMARY OF PROGRESS: 2002:  The Extension Coordinator continued to expand the technology transfer activities of the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program. A new website was designed and implemented under the unique domain name of www.jointedgoatgrass.org. Homepage information is updated weekly and other information posted when it is received.  The high number of visitors suggests the website is a primary source of jointed goatgrass information.  Several Research Reports and press releases were published to help promote the program and inform producers about jointed goatgrass control issues. The Extension Coordinator assisted in the writing, publication, and distribution of the first two extension bulletins and will be instrumental in the release of the remaining seven bulletins. Various speaking engagements and participation in the KSU Research and Extension booths were important towards increasing visibility of the program and introducing the new Extension Coordinator to the public.

5.      OBJECTIVES: 

  1. Provide national leadership for technology-transfer programs designed to implement the best available strategies for jointed goatgrass management.

  2. Involve all extension and research personnel involved in this program to maximize the effectiveness of technology transfer programs.

  3. Be active in the preparation and publication of the bulletins on “Fundamentals of Jointed Goatgrass Management”.

  4. Serve as ex-officio member of the National Jointed Goatgrass Steering Committee.

6.      PROGRESS:

Website

In spring 2002, the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program website made the jump to a unique domain name to better promote the initiative.  An entirely new site was created to follow the color scheme and layout of a logo originally designed for the extension bulletins.  The new design can be found at www.jointedgoatgrass.org.  The logo was integrated into all pages and was also printed on letterhead for continuity.

The new site contains simplified navigation and better search capabilities than the previous site.  Statistics gathered from the launch of the new site in April 2002 until January 1, 2003 showed that the site attracted over 7,500 visitors or an average of 30 users per day.  Various individuals from over 20 countries on 5 continents have visited our new website! 

Much of the information on the old site was reformatted and placed on the new site.  Currently, the homepage includes hot topics (updated every month), other news, events, and even weather information.  Publication information posted on the new website included items such as jointed goatgrass extension bulletins, field day handouts, Research Reports, abstracts, and progress reports.  Contact information for various scientists involved in the program can be obtained from the new site.  Although search engine information has been updated, users trying to access the homepage of the old site will automatically be directed to the new website.

Press Releases and Articles

In the winter of 2002-2003, Research Reports authored by the Extension Coordinator were published in regional agricultural publications including Successful Farming and the Western Farmer-Stockman magazines.  Various press releases were published in the Oregon Wheat Grower’s League and Kansas Wheat Commission newsletters.  Additional articles about jointed goatgrass and the program appeared in the High Plains Journal.  All articles and press releases created through this initiative are published on the website and can be found under the ‘Publications’ section.

Extension Publications

The Jointed Goatgrass Ecology bulletin was released in July 2002.  The eight-page bulletin contains various jointed goatgrass ecological and biological information.  On the back of the publication a flow chart was included to recognize subsequent jointed goatgrass bulletins.  With additional support from BASF Corporation, we were able to print and distribute 5000 copies to each state involved in the program.  The website has added to the distribution of this bulletin.  Download totals for this publication exceed 380 copies.

The Jointed Goatgrass Introduction bulletin was scheduled for release in early fall 2002.  However, due to unexpected printing delays, the publication was not in print until December 2002.  Since demand for this publication was not as great as the Ecology bulletin, printing was reduced to 3000 copies.  This bulletin is also available on the website.   

The Jointed Goatgrass Control Tactics bulletin is currently being developed.  This bulletin will supplement the BMP bulletins and will focus on explaining components of individual control practices.  The release time of this bulletin is currently unknown due to some data gaps that exist in some of the practices. 

An outline for the BMP bulletins was developed by Alex Ogg, Jr. and the Extension Coordinator.  The outline will be used to maintain a consistent format for the regional BMP bulletins.

Single page jointed goatgrass handouts, developed by Randy Anderson, were reviewed and printed by the Extension Coordinator.  Prints were sent to several scientists for distribution at jointed goatgrass related events.  The brief and simple nature of the handouts has generated over 100 downloads from the website.  

Presentations and Promotions

The extension coordinator spoke to producers about jointed goatgrass management at the KSU Wheat Day, KSU Weed Forum, and the National Wheat Growers Association annual meeting.  A presentation was given at the Oklahoma Ag Expo and was excellent exposure for the program.  A 36” x 48” poster was developed to assist in promoting the program.  The poster was presented at the North Central Weed Science Society annual meeting in 2002 and will be presented at the Western Society of Weed Science annual meeting in 2003.  The poster was printed on high quality paper and laminated so it could be used for future events such as field days and grower meetings. 

The extension coordinator worked in the KSU Research and Extension booth at the 3I Trade Show in April 2002.  The 3I trade show frequently attracts guests from over a four state area and was an excellent opportunity to hand out jointed goatgrass literature and talk to producers about the program.  In addition, radio and television interviews were conducted to discuss what the program is about and some strategies to help control jointed goatgrass. The Extension Coordinator also helped operate the K-State Research and Extension booth at the Kansas State Fair in September 2002.  Jointed goatgrass literature was handed out to countless people and several contacts were made.

The extension coordinator will present at the WSWS annual meeting in 2003. Additional speaking engagements are currently being scheduled throughout various states for the next year.

National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program

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