AoR 191: Sumner Erdman - Cows, Koas, and Wind Turbines on Maui's Ulupalakua Ranch

From Gold Rush–era farming and sugar to today’s diversified operation of cattle, elk, sheep, a winery, and wind turbines, Sumner Erdman, president of Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui, traces the ranch’s history. He explains how the loss of Maui’s sugar and pineapple industries affected ranching, how an explosion of axis deer combined with drought forced herd reductions, and why rainfall records show droughts getting longer since the late 1990s. Sumner also talks through ideas to drought-proofing the ranch, using cattle to reduce fine fuels and fire risk and protect a restored native dryland forest, the trade-offs between wind and solar power, and why he prefers agricultural conservation easements over traditional ones. Pay attention to learn about the unique physiology of koa trees and why they're ecologically important, and not just beautiful wood.

The Art of Range is supported by RanchBot Monitoring Solutions.

Host: Tip Hudson, Washington State University Extension

Producer: Matt Ziegler, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Communications

Music by Lewis Roise

Visit the episode page at artofrange.com for the transcript of this interview and links to other resources mentioned in this episode.