TURNER INSTITUTE OF ECOAGRICULTURE INC

Programs

1. 1. Evaluation of cougar predation and bear kleptoparasitism on vermejo, new mexico. Over the last 15 years, in response to drought, declining range and riparian conditions, and projected dry conditions in the future, vermejo has worked to determine the carrying capacity for large ungulates (e.g., elk and american bison) on the ranch during an average dry year. While ecological balance with forage resources is the driving factor in setting elk population objectives at vermejo, a sustainable elk hunting program, wildlife viewing opportunities, and overall ecological function, including healthy populations of predators, are also important considerations. Understanding large predator populations and their role in regulating elk (and other ungulate) populations is an important, but relatively unexplored question at vermejo. Black bear predation can be a major source of mortality on elk calves. Similarly, cougars, especially males, select for elk calves during summer months. Black bears may benefit from cougar kills through kleptoparasitism, thereby negatively affecting cougars. The institute is undertaking this study to document cougar prey selection on vermejo and the influence of…

   $112,063 spent
   7% of program spending

2. 2. Influence of finishing system and finishing location on the carcass traits, sensory attributes, and phytochemical richness of bison meat. Recent work by the institute demonstrated that pasture-finished bison concentrated higher levels of compounds considered favorable for human health in their meat when compared to pen-finished animals. Pasture-finished bison also appeared to have better metabolic health than pen-finished bison. Adaptive grazing of bison on rangelands has the potential to be regenerative and produce positive ecosystem effects. This outcome, coupled with growing consumer demand for sustainably raised, healthier meat products has led to an increase in livestock producers implementing agro-ecological management, including rotational grazing and pasture-finishing of animals, to improve ecological, animal, and human health. This study aims to compare the effect of forage diversity (on pasture), finishing system (pasture versus pen), finishing location (geographic), and feed type (free choice versus total mixed ration) on animal metabolic health and meat nutrient density. Analysis will be completed on the following: crude fat, metabolomics, fatty acid composition and…

   $182,369 spentof which $100,000 as grants$1,751,343 earned by the program
   11% of program spending

3. 3. Movement and habitat use of reintroduced bolson tortoises in southern new mexico. The bolson tortoise is the largest and rarest of the six gopherus species native to north america. Today, however, fewer than 2,500 individuals remain in the wild, all of which are restricted to discontinuous basins in the mapim sub-province of north-central mexico, representing >90% extirpation from their pleistocene range. The turner conservation trust operates the only large-scale ex situ breeding program aimed at conserving bolson tortoises and establishing assurance populations within their pleistocene range in the united states. B the specific objectives of our research includes:a. Compare vital rates and survivorship between released and captive juvenile tortoises as a function of size, environmental factors, and habitat characteristicsb. Evaluate habitat use and movement patterns as a function of environmental conditions and habitat featuresc. Provide recommendations to the bolson tortoise recovery project and the usfws for future tortoise reintroductions.4. Population dynamics and life history characteristics of rio grande cutthroat trout (rgct) in the upper rio costilla watershed, new…

   $55,000 spent
   3% of program spending

4. Other program services, not described on the e-filed return.

   $1,301,898 spent
   79% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $1,651,330.