Progress 01/01/24 to 12/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The ARPTAI Program for Southwest Indian Farmers and Ranchers is specifically designed to reach tribal communities throughout Arizona. As such, efforts have been made to connect with the target audience via mailed paper flyers, social media campaigns and promotions, in-person and virtual outreach events, and through annual conference gatherings. The team also developed a page for the program that can be found at https://www.swindianag.com/swiaa-grant-programs. Audience Emphasis ?Livestock producers ?Small farms or ranches ?Underserved agricultural producers?Beginning producers ?Underserved agricultural producers Participants Served Current Quarterly Reporting Period Number of Participants: 152 Total Cumulative Number of Participants: 719 Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 13 Total Meeting Participants: 681 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 3 Total Website Visits: 1723 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Total One-to-one Meeting Entries: 12 Total One-to-one Meeting Participants: 27 Meetings 6/27/2023: Pinetop, AZ -- Number of Attendees 80 10/11/2023: Virtual, AZ -- Number of Attendees 8 11/30/2023: Crystal (attended virtually), NM -- Number of Attendees 3 10/7/2023: Sif Oidak, AZ -- Number of Attendees 9 1/15/2024: Las Vegas, NV -- Number of Attendees 235 3/6/2024: Flagstaff, AZ -- Number of Attendees 89 4/25/2024: Crystal, NM -- Number of Attendees 88 6/19/2024: Prescott, AZ -- Number of Attendees 23 9/25/2024: Sells, AZ -- Number of Attendees 35 9/14/2024: Tucson, AZ -- Number of Attendees 39 8/9/2024: Sells, AZ -- Number of Attendees 24 8/31/2024: Sells, AZ -- Number of Attendees 25 9/6/2024: Shiprock, NM -- Number of Attendees 23 Webinars 10/20/2023: Number of Attendees 3 One-to-one Meetings 04/25-5/24/24 Meeting with Zachariah and Mary Ben of Bidii Baby Foods: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Number of Attendees 2 06/03/24 Meeting at Baboquivari High School with Gabriel Davila: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Number of Attendees 1 06/25/24 Meeting with Aletha Johnson and Adrianna Taptto of Tolani Lake Enterprises: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Cooperative development, Number of Attendees 2 05/02/24 Meeting with Vernon Willie of Tsah Bii Kin Chapter: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Number of Attendees 1 07-27-24 Meeting with Mary Ben and Intern of Bidii Baby Foods: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Market planning and access, Land access and planning, Business planning, Number of Attendees 2 06-25-24 Meeting with Aletha Johnson and Adrianna Taptto of Tolani Lake Enterprises: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Food security, Number of Attendees 2 10/9/24 Teesto BIA Review: Topics Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Number of Attendees 2 10/16/24 Teesto EPA Grant Exploration : Topics Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Cooperative development, Conservation practices, Number of Attendees 2 10/25/24 Grant Discussion with Chris Shin of Homestead Coop: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Cooperative development, Market planning and access, Business planning, Number of Attendees 3 10/30/24 Teesto Follow up meeting on EPA Grant: Topics Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Number of Attendees 2 11/12/24 Teesto EPA Grant Discussion: Topics Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Number of Attendees 5 12/31/24 Grant Discussion with Chris Shin of Homestead Coop: Topics Accessing USDA programs and services, Rural development / Rural community strengthening, Market planning and access, Number of Attendees 3 ? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Outreach efforts have included social media campaigns, paper flyers and postcards mailed to 65 separate community offices throughout tribal lands in Arizona, promotion at SWIAA conference events, and in-person and virtual outreach events. The project team will continue to work to engage stakeholders and ensure program delivery aligns with community needs. Promotional Materials Project Team Presentation for 2023 Livestock Field Days Event Last Uploaded: 7/28/2023 Flyer distributed during 2023 Livestock Field Days Event Last Uploaded: 7/28/2023 Navajo Nation Outreach Meeting Last Uploaded: 10/26/2023 Summary Sheet Last Uploaded: 10/26/2023 SWIAA Facebook needs assessment post Last Uploaded: 10/26/2023 Email Flyer for Sif Oidak Grant Writing Workshop Last Uploaded: 1/24/2024 Printed Flyer Mailed Out Last Uploaded: 1/24/2024 SWIAA ARPTAI Printed Postcard Last Uploaded: 4/30/2024 Farming and Ranching Business Development Workshop Last Uploaded: 10/30/2024 2024 USDA Partnership Showcase Flyer Last Uploaded: 10/30/2024 Email Flyer Regenerative Agriculture Workshop Last Uploaded: 1/16/2025 SWIAA 37th Annual Conference Facebook Post Flyer Last Uploaded: 1/28/2025 SWIAA 37th Annual Conference Final Agenda Last Uploaded: 1/28/2025 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project team hopes to implement training, curriculum, and workshops based on community input gathered from the last year, including the Community Needs Survey. This includes events at the 2025 SWIAA Annual Conference and 2025Livestock Field Days event, as well as frequent in-community events and workshops to help communities identify USDA programs that could assist them in further developing their own goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? ? Task 1 - Outreach: Enhance Community Outreach, Remove Communication Barriers, and Improve USDA Program Standardization and Transparency (Obj. 1 and 2) Subtask 1.1: Launch Program Website and Prepare Outreach Materials and Social Media Contents - The websitecan be found at https://www.swindianag.com/swiaa-grant-programs Subtask 1.2: Conduct Tribal Community Outreach and ARPTAI Needs Assessment Among Small Native Producers in the Southwest - There are 100 responses logged for the needs assessment at this time. - A feedback form was developed by AATech in collaboration with Kevin Fort of RBI. - The project team attended the monthly District Chairperson's Meeting in the Chukut Kuk District of the Tohono O'odham Nation onSeptember 25, 2024. -The project team attended a community meeting at the San Lucy District of the Tohono O'odham Nation onApril 18, 2024. They completed a brief presentation on the program and handed out outreach materials to the District Council as well as the community attendees. - The project team attended the 2024 Ag Expo in Crystal, NM, onApril 25, 2024. The team completed a presentation on the basics of grant writing and an overview of the project. - The project team presented on the SWIAA ARPTAI program at the 36th Annual Conference. They shared program resources and printed flyers were included in conference packets. - The project team attended a St. Mary's Food Bank Agency Partner Conference in Flagstaff, AZ, onMarch 6, 2024. They set up a table with flyers and information on the SWIAA ARPTAI program and resources available through the program. Subtask 1.3: Maintain Ongoing Communication with USDA and Other Cooperators -The project team has been connecting with USDA officials when appropriate to request expertise and support as the program continues. -The project team invited USDA officials to attend the 37th Annual SWIAA Conference in Laughlin, Nevada onJanuary 20-23, 2025. The following agencies were invited to present at the conference:NRCS, NIFA, FSA, APHIS - The project team invited USDA officials to attend the 2024 USDA Partnership Showcase in Tucson, AZ. Subtask 1.4: Build/Strengthen Connections Between Native Producers and USDA Agencies - USDA officials will participate in activities planned for the 37th SWIAA conference, which will appear in the next reporting period. - The project team held a USDA Partnership Showcase event in Tucson, AZ, on September 14, 2024. AUSDA roundtable featured APHIS, FRTEP, FSA, RD, NRCS, Western Extension Risk Management Education Center, NIFA. - Various USDA representatives and officials attended the 36th Annual SWIAA Conference. This includes Southwest Climate Hub, NIFA, APHIS, Agricultural Research Service. Task 2 - USDA Grant Assistance: Increase Native American Producers' Equitable Access to the Full-range of USDA Programs and Services (Obj. 3 and 4) Task 2 Notes: Subtask 2.1: Organize Specialty Workshops at SWIAA Regional Conferences Featuring USDA Programs - The project team developed a preconference workshop on USDA Grants and Loans for the 2025 SWIAA Annual Conference onJanuary 20-23, 2025. - The project team presented at the 36th Annual SWIAA Livestock Field Days event. The presentation was on USDA grant application basics. Subtask 2.2: Provide Targeted Technical Support to Assist Native Producers with USDA Program Application, Program Management, and Federal Reporting - The project team assisted Native Producers with the development and submission of the following grant applications in this reporting period: Farm Loan Program: Technical Assistance Provider Network. Our proposed Technical Assistance Provider Network (TAPN) project will focus on Northern Arizona, specifically targeting the Navajo and Hopi Reservations within Navajo and Coconino County. This region faces unique agricultural challenges, including limited access to traditional lending options, financial literacy barriers, and a need for capacity building to ensure effective utilization of USDA Farm Loan Programs (FLPs). The target audience will include Native American farmers and ranchers who face hurdles in accessing credit and loan services, particularly those whose applications have been previously rejected or withdrawn. The application was submitted onOctober 16, 2024. Teesto Development Corporation Regional Climate Resilience Planning -BIA Tribal Climate Resilience Grant Proposal. The overarching goal of this initiative is to collaborate with the residents of Teesto Chapter in the Navajo Nation in developing a comprehensive, community-wide, and culturally sensitive climate adaptation plan. The application was submitted onOctober 17, 2024. Kaibab Band of Paiute Climate Change Adaptation Planning to Support Tribal Climate Resilience - Application to the 2024 BIA Funding to Support Tribal Climate Resilience.The goal of this project is to enhance the climate resilience of the Kaibab Band of Paiute by developing a comprehensive Tribal Climate Change Adaptation Plan that identifies vulnerabilities, prioritizes needs, and outlines actionable strategies to mitigate the impacts of current or anticipated climate change threats on the Tribe's people, lands, and cultural heritage. The application was submitted onOctober 17, 2024. Teesto and Birdsprings Climate Resilience and Water Utility Advocacy Program For U.S EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program.The Overarching Goal of the Teesto and Birdsprings Climate Resilience and Water Utility Advocacy Program is to empower disadvantaged tribal communities to participate in tribal government's decision-making on environmental issues. The application was submitted onNovember 20, 2024. Task 3 - Agribusiness Assistance: Build Tribal Capacity, Improve Community Resiliency, and Improve Native Producers' Skillsets to Successfully Compete USDA Programs and Services (Obj. 5 and 6) Task 3 Notes: Subtask 3.1: Provide In-Community Agriculture Financial and Capacity Building Training - A SWIAA Farming and Ranching Business development workshop was held at Tohono O'odham Community College onAugust 9, 2024. - The project team put together a workshop for The Sells Livestock Association on accessing grant resources and using drone technology of range management and held it on August 31, 2024. - A strategic planning meeting was held in partnership with Bidii Baby Foods onSeptember 6, 2024 in Shiprock, NM, and included stakeholders from the region who are committed to developing the local food system in the area. - The project team attended the 2024 Ag Expo at Crystal, NM. They presented on how to utilize drip irrigation for home and market gardens for more efficient water use. Subtask 3.2: Deliver Technical Assistance to Improve Community Resiliency and Self-reliance Against Social and Natural Disasters - The project team met with Vernon Willie of the Tsah Bii Kin Chapter onMay 2, 2024. They discussed the needs of the Chapter and how federal resources could be utilized. - The project team helped develop a business plan for Sunset Gardens, a small community-based farm in the Leupp Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Task 4: Program Management and Federal Reporting (Obj. 7) Task 4 Notes: Subtask 4.1: Program Meetings/Communications - One-on-one meetings were held throughout this period between members of the project team. Project meetings will continue to be scheduled regularly with the SWIAA board and the project team. -A project meeting was held onJuly 29, 2024, at 9 am. It was held through Zoom and there were 8 members of the project team present. -A project meeting was held onJanuary 26, 2024. Subtask 4.2: Program Evaluation and Control - The second pay request was submitted onJuly 8, 2024. - The third pay request was submittedNov. 21, 2024. Subtask 4.3: Data Management and Federal Reporting -Eight quarterly reports have been prepared and submitted to USDA. Subtask 4.4: Information Sharing and Program Closeout No action yet

Publications

Progress 01/01/23 to 12/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The ARPTAI Program for Southwest Indian Farmers and Ranchers is specifically designed to reach tribal communities throughout Arizona. As such, efforts have been made to connect with the target audience via mailed paper flyers, social media campaigns and promotions, in-person and virtual outreach events, and through annual conference gatherings. The team also developed a page for the program that can be found at https://www.swindianag.com/swiaa-arptai-program. Efforts continue to keep connecting with target audiences and incorporate feedback into program implementation. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A grant writing workshop at the Sif Oidak District was held on October 7, 2023, based on requests from the community. In addition, direct technical assistance was offered to KARMA in the Navajo Nation. The project team has been focusing on outreach efforts this past year and hopes to develop more workshops and educational events in the coming months. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Outreach efforts have included social media campaigns, paper flyers and postcards mailed to 65 separate community offices throughout tribal lands in Arizona, promotion at SWIAA conference events, and in-person and virtual outreach events. The project team will continue to work to engage stakeholders and ensure program delivery aligns with community needs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project team hopes to implement training, curriculum, and workshops based on community input gathered from the last year. This includes events at the 2024 Annual Conference and 2024 Livestock Field Days event, as well as separate in-community events. The goal is to help communities identify USDA programs that could assist them in further developing their own goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Task 1 - Outreach: Enhance Community Outreach, Remove Communication Barriers, and Improve USDA Program Standardization and Transparency (Obj. 1 and 2) Subtask 1.1: Launch Program Website and Prepare Outreach Materials and Social Media Contents The program website can be found at https://www.swindianag.com/swiaa-arptai-program. It includes information on how to get involved and how to get in contact. Consistent outreach efforts have occurred through the SWIAA Facebook page which has 499 followers. The team will continue to use the page to disseminate information on upcoming events and needs assessments. Subtask 1.2: Conduct Tribal Community Outreach and ARPTAI Needs Assessment Among Small Native Producers in the Southwest A tribal grant resources survey was developed and disseminated at in-person events and through online channels. There are 73 logged responses. The team will continue to disseminate the needs assessment to determine future programming. The project team attended a meeting of the Bikooh Cooperative outside of Tuba City on October 11, 2023. The Bikooh Cooperative is a farmer cooperative with 800 acres of potential land. The project team connected with them and is hoping to continue working with them. The project team presented at the USDA Partnership Showcase that was organized by SWIAA in partnership with NRCS on September 30, 2023. They shared details of the program to the 25 attendees. The project team mailed out letters and flyers about the program to 65 separate Chapters, Districts, and community centers in Tribal nations throughout Arizona in October, 2023. The project team hosted a virtual community information session specifically for the Navajo Nation on November 20, 2023. This was an opportunity to let people know what resources are available through this program and how the team can help Navajo communities. The project team virtually met with the Farm Board of Crystal, NM, a community on the Navajo Nation and shared information about the program on November 30, 2023. Subtask 1.3: Maintain Ongoing Communication with USDA and Other Cooperators The project team communicates regularly with USDA staff in regards to ongoing programs and opportunities for stakeholders. Subtask 1.4: Build/Strengthen Connections Between Native Producers and USDA Agencies No action this reporting period. Task 2 - USDA Grant Assistance: Increase Native American Producers' Equitable Access to the Full-range of USDA Programs and Services (Obj. 3 and 4) Subtask 2.1: Organize Specialty Workshops at SWIAA Regional Conferences Featuring USDA Programs The project team held a workshop at the SWIAA Livestock Field Days Event in June 27-28. Participants were handed colored cards and asked for feedback on a variety of questions. The event helped share information on the program and gathered input that will shape the implementation. The SWIAA Annual Conference is scheduled for January 15-18. The project team is working to have USDA officials present and will also present on the specifics of this program. Subtask 2.2: Provide Targeted Technical Support to Assist Native Producers with USDA Program Application, Program Management, and Federal Reporting No action this reporting period. Task 3 - Agribusiness Assistance: Build Tribal Capacity, Improve Community Resiliency, and Improve Native Producers' Skillsets to Successfully Compete USDA Programs and Services (Obj. 5 and 6) Subtask 3.1: Provide In-Community Agriculture Financial and Capacity Building Training A grant writing workshop was held at the Sif Oidak District of the Tohono O'odham Nation on October 7, 2023. There were 9 participants. The project team is working to identify a tribal community that would benefit from a strategic planning meeting. At this time, a potential community is the Teesto Chapter on the Navajo Nation. Subtask 3.2: Deliver Technical Assistance to Improve Community Resiliency and Self-reliance Against Social and Natural Disasters The project team met with the Ke'yah Advanced Rural Manufacturing Alliance (KARMA) in the Navajo Nation to discuss their work using rural manufacturing to develop agricultural businesses. Support is ongoing. Task 4: Program Management and Federal Reporting (Obj. 7) Subtask 4.1: Program Meetings/Communications A kickoff meeting for the program was held on May 20, 2023. There were 8 attendees from the project team. An outline of the program was discussed and roles and responsibilities. A separate meeting was held at the SWIAA Board Meeting on July 29, 2023, to ensure the Board is engaged and can guide program development. A project meeting was held on August 5, 2023. There were 12 project team members present. A project meeting was held on September 2, 2023. There were 7 project team members present. Subtask 4.2: Program Evaluation and Control The first pay request was submitted on November 27, 2023. Subtask 4.3: Data Management and Federal Reporting Program reporting has been submitted quarterly through the RVS portal. Subtask 4.4: Information Sharing and Program Closeout No action yet.

Publications