By Darren McAvoy, Extension Forestry Associate

Kresha Eastman is known for teaching people about the benefits of trees, at least as far as the coffee shop regulars in Elmo, Utah are concerned. Kresha and her husband Blair Eastman are ranchers on this small community south of Price, and recipients of the 2005 Agro-Forest Landowner of the Year, awarded by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. They are award winners not only because their 76 acre ranch is a showcase on the benefits of blending agricultural production and natural resource management, but also because they are enthusiastic proponents of agroforestry principles.

The Eastmans, along with their son Clint, own and operate the ranch, producing alfalfa, corn, and small grains, they over-winter a 25-head cow/calf herd. Soon after purchasing the property in 1996, they contacted the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands and the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for help. They have since developed a plan to protect their property from the high velocity, cold winds that frequent this part of Emery County. With the help of Area Forester Bill Zanotti, and folks from the NRCS, they planned windbreak locations, design, and species selection with an eye toward improving wildlife habitat. One of their windbreaks is now five years old, and both rows of 100 trees are alive and growing vigorously. This is resulting in better crop production with less crop damage. They have also identified and set aside several areas for upland game birds and waterfowl. The Eastmans are leaders in balancing production agriculture with wildlife habitat improvement.