WCIRM History

 

The Integrated Resource Management program at Colorado State University was initiated in 1983 after receiving input from five entities: Cooperative Extension, the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, the Colorado Woolgrowers and the American Sheep Industry Association. With a multidisciplinary team approach, faculty worked to enhance the profitability of Colorado's ranchers and farmers. The program was full of success and expanded to include over 15 faculty members from five departments in three colleges working with 19 cooperating ranches.


The results from individual cooperator ranches were shared with over 2,000 livestock producers at workshops and field day events. The Colorado Ranch Management and Ranching Challenge Schools developed as a result of the IRM program and directly benefited over 400 Colorado ranchers. Interactions of IRM team members, cooperators and state and federal land management agencies led to improved resource management on more than 1.5 million acres. The Colorado Ram Breeding Soundness Program resulted in over $750,000 of annual savings for sheep producers.


Perhaps the most important accomplishment of the early IRM program was how it changed what was being taught in classes at CSU. This resulted in formation of the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management, development of an undergraduate interdisciplinary studies program in IRM, continued development of delivery of continuing education courses for landowners and land mangers, and plans for an intensive Master of Agriculture program.

 

 

 
Western Center for Integrated Resource Management , (Campus Delivery 3001) Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-3001 Phone: 970.491.1610, Fax: 970.491.6208 Our url: www.wcirm.colostate.edu Contact Us Apply to CSU | Disclaimer | Equal Opportunity | Privacy Updated April 22, 2008