Reflections 4:1, June, 1994, pp.31-33.
by John P. Hewlett and the Wyoming WIRE Team:
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Wire
is usually thought of as something used in building fences. The University of Wyoming
Cooperative Extension program called WIRE is also intended for building. It is used in
constructing sound management systems for western agricultural operators. WIRE helps ag
operators manage resources to achieve their goals. The program teaches a process for
managing in a holistic manner. Focus is on the system, rather than specific problems in
the operation. When resources are managed holistically, the system's weak link is easily
identified. This gives proactive managers a chance to manage the system, rather than react
to system failures.
WIRE was developed from a Texas management course--Total Ranch Management (TRM)--by a
team of Wyoming extension educators and specialists. The WIRE team attended the Texas
program in September of 1991. After returning to Wyoming, the team launched into a
year-long process of rewriting and Wyomingizing the TRM course materials. The resulting
program has been offered several times, beginning in September, 1992.
Cooperative Extension programs have traditionally focused on the latest production
technologies. The underlying assumption was that managers knew which resources were
limiting their operations. Therefore, it also assumed they knew the areas of management
which should receive additional effort.
WIRE teaches management process. It assumes managers want a method for locating the weak links in their management. However, it also covers practical tools for integrating management of all physical, biological, financial and human resources. The WIRE process includes goal setting and prioritizing, inventorying resources, planning, budgeting, exploring alternative enterprises, and decision making. Personal goals, record keeping requirements, and optimal resource use are also kept in mind throughout.
WIRE also covers the specifics for implementing management plans. Scheduling enterprise activities and monitoring resource use are presented. This includes budgeting resource use to insure resources are available when needed. In addition, the need for making mid-course adjustments is also stressed. Keeping management goals always in mind drives the entire system toward those goals.
Finally, replanning for upcoming production cycles is covered. Techniques for
evaluating the performance of each resource are presented. Thus, participants learn a
method for determining which resources are keeping their operations from reaching full
potential. They also gain an understanding of where present management levels are
adequate, as well as areas to intensify management efforts. The WIRE process moves the
whole operation toward reaching its goals.
The management workshops use detailed, six-year case studies, based on an actual Wyoming operations. The case studies illustrate many of the ideas and specifics of the WIRE process. Participants can directly apply many of the planning, record-keeping and analysis tools from the case studies to their own operations.
Since agricultural operations are complex systems involving many different parts,
participant questions don't always follow course outlines. Recognizing this, the WIRE
course is taught by the team of resource specialists and educators who designed the
program. With this team-teaching approach, the right instructor is available to answer
questions when they're asked.
The proof of any system of management is in its usefulness in the field. WIRE gives participants the chance to do just that. The course provides two field trips/labs and various problem sets to put the classroom information to work on the ground. Working in management teams, participants solve real-world problems by applying the WIRE process. With the teaching team always available for help, WIRE management skills are quickly mastered.
WIRE introduces participants to the resources and information available from the
Cooperative Extension system. Extension bulletins, journal articles, professional papers,
and other cutting-edge management information are found in a large reference book provided
as part of the course materials. This reference provides a place for course graduates to
locate additional information, as they intensify the management of their own resources. In
addition, follow-up cooperative extension programs provide even more information. The help
and information available from other private and governmental agencies is also presented.
WIRE's goal is to provide exposure to the best management information available.
The WIRE program has been enthusiastically received by many people from Wyoming, South
Dakota, Montana, Utah and California. Requests for future programs have been received from
within Wyoming and from other western states. Teaching teams have been trained to offer
the program in both Utah and Montana. In addition, the Wyoming team is working with other
interested states to bring the program where it's needed.
WIRE provides the type of education western ag producers are seeking. The course supplies an understanding of the relationships and interactions between soil, water, rangeland, crops, wildlife, livestock, finances, human creativity and labor. All resources are enumerated and budgeted over time, much like the familiar cash flow. The program brings it all together, giving the manager a method for controlling the operation and its resources.
Managing ag operations has never been easy. Today's agricultural managers face an increasing number of variables which must be considered in any management decisions. Just as stout wire helps to build strong fences, the WIRE program helps build strong management systems. The course helps with establishing both personal and business goals and determining available resources. It provides techniques for evaluating alternative enterprises and covers the tools needed to get the job done. There is no substitute for good, strong WIRE. Pickup a roll at an extension office near you!
To contact the WIRE program coordinator: HEWLETT@UWYO.EDU