Progress 09/15/24 to 09/14/25

Outputs
Target Audience:This project has been designed to serve new and beginning urban and small-scale farmers (Category 1, 2, 3), living in the St. Louis metropolitan area and newly designated USDA St. Louis Urban Hub. The Beginning Farmers and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) in Missouri will educate, mentor, and provide technical assistance for begining farmers and ranchers to enter and/or improve their success in farming and ranching through educating, mentoring, and technical assistance. We will provide beginning farmers and ranchers with the knowledge skills and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability. Changes/Problems:In 2025, a new presidential administration initiated significant federal restructuring through the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), leading to unforeseen staff turnovers, hiring freezes, and financial losses, as well as service interruptions affecting USDA staff members and programs. The introduction of new federal mandates complicated the implementation of programs while striving to meet objectives on a somewhat altered timeline, utilizing innovative delivery methods and formats. Changes in delivery approaches were also adopted to facilitate programs, events, and activities that catered to the needs of Missouri's agricultural operators. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Professional staff members from the University of Missouri Extension and A Red Circle attended the 2024 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Develop Program Project Director Meeting. A programmatic impact and outcome poster was presented and resources about our program handed out. Key personnel, including the Project Director and Co-Project Directors, along with MU Extension State and Field Specialists, regularly meet each month with stakeholders and agricultural support groups. They discuss region-specific BFRDP activities as detailed in the federally approved grant deliverables.Additional professional training initiatives for individuals at both the University of Missouri Extension and A Red Circle encompassed courses such as 1) construction of high tunnel cold frames, 2) beekeeping, 3) digital marketing, 4) new tools, 5) farm safety and health, 6) mental well-being in rural areas, 7) grant writing, along with personalized technical assistance through mentorship in beekeeping, woodland management, budget planning, and economic development. Additionally, faculty members from the campus and field specialists from the University of Missouri Extension, along with staff at A Red Circle, engaged in Professional Development (PD) activities that enhanced their knowledge and skills in their respective programmatic areas of expertise (Ag Business, Workforce Development, Agricultural Safety and Health, Population Health, Horticulture, Natural Resources and Conservation, Food Safety, Non-Profit Management, and Farm Management). PD activities comprised workshops, conferences, seminars, study groups, and online training for individual study. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The University of Missouri Extension and A Red Circle attended the 2024 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Develop Program Project Director Meeting. A programmatic impact and outcome poster was presented and Missouri resources handed out.Additionally, educational resources and/or curricula created by the ARC and UME with NIFA BFRDP funding were made available for public access. The newly developed materials were disseminated to project partners, stakeholders, and through pertinent working groups, as well as at local, state, regional, and national conferences. Outcomes were communicated via Public Service Announcements, both in-person and virtual interviews or meetings, program newsletters, and during formal and informal workshops, seminars, in-services, and journal publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During Year 3, UME, A Red Circle and its collaborative/cooperative will scale up existing outreach programs coupled with providing technical learning circles, technical one-on-one assistance, and resources to address the priority areas using a multi-faceted approachto facilitate regional outreach initiatives and training opportunities to achieve the overall goal of the BFRDP - to assist beginning farmers in owning and operating farms.Project's goals will enhance the capacity of urban and small-scale agricultural workforce in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Goal 1: Increase capability to acquire farm loans, USDA programs and grants. Goal 2: Enter or expand existing market outlets to increase income. Goal 3: Use small-scale equipment safely while protecting their bodies with ergonomic and holistic wellness strategies. Goal 4: Adopt new farm production practices and techniques to increase income on the farm.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Each collaborator leveraged their distinct qualities to execute the Year 2 Project Activities. Throughout this grant period, UME and A Red Circle expanded their current programs and offered technical learning circles, personalized one-on-one support, and resources to tackle key focus areas. We adopted a strategy to promote regional initiatives and training opportunities aimed at helping new and beginning farmers manage and operate their farms. The team used Qualtrics to conduct pre- and post-surveys, utilized QR bar codes, Google Forms, PhotoVoice Methods, and Geographic Information System (GIS) to assess the effectiveness of the project and ensure equitable responses to priority needs. The evaluations of the project also measured Activities and Outcomes. Missouri concentrated its achievements on enhancing 1) the quality of life for BFRs, which includes improving their work productivity, and 2) the ability of its partners to effectively provide virtual, web-based, and in-person programs or services to BFRs promptly and satisfactorily. 79 participants engaged through 20 FLCs, while 29 took advantage of One-on-One technical assistance, enhancing their ability to secure farm loans, USDA programs, and grants by guiding them in developing farm and marketing business plans. 37 participants joined one of two FLCs and one TLC. 37 participants analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of various direct-to-consumer and intermediary marketing channels to identify which markets would best align with their farm business objectives. 27 participants attended one of two FLCs. During the workshop, 27 participants began formulating their farm safety and health plans. 32 participants took part in one of 3 TLCs. 32 participants effectively demonstrated their ability to safely operate small-scale equipment, including a tractor, BCS walk-behind tractor, implements, attachments, and small hand tools. 12 participants were present at the FLC. 12 participants engaged in discussions and assembled a first aid kit. 9 participants attended the FLC. Nine participants reported successfully implementing food safety compliance for specialty crops. 10 individuals participated in one TLC. 10 participants indicated that they commenced the production of value-added honey products. 32 individuals attended one FLC and one FWA. 32 participants reported the adoption of suitable natural resources and climate-smart practices. 45 individuals participated in one FLC. 45 participants embraced a new technique for specialty crop production. 15 individuals attended the FWA. 15 participants integrated a new farming concept into their operations, inspired by farm tours to urban and small-scale producers beyond the St. Louis area. 260 beginning farmers and ranchers, 74 veterans farmers, and 222 undetermined farmers were served.

Publications

• Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Other Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., J. Zhou, K. E. Funkenbusch and M. C. Shannon. 2025. Ergonomic evaluation of auxiliary handles for long-handled farming tools
• Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Other Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., Shannon, M., Aloysius N., & Teng Teeh L. 2025. Development and Optimization of an Upgraded Walk-Behind Electric Tiller for Enhanced Farming Efficiency and Safety
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F. M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., & Shannon, M. Fitting the Farmer: Ergonomics for Women - A practical guide to shovels and pitchforks for researchers, educators, and toolmakers. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Extension; supported by USDANIFA and North Central SARE, 2025.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F. M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., & Shannon, M. Protect Yourself and Work Safer - Double gatefold flyer on ergonomic tool use, posture correction, and injury prevention. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Extension; USDANIFA; North Central SARE, 2025
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F. M. (Lead Author). Fitting the Farmer: Ergonomics for Women - A practical guide to shovels and pitchforks). Stop Back and Wrist Pain! Farm Smarter, Hurt Less - One-page outreach flyer illustrating correct and incorrect tool use postures with practical tips for farmers. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Extension; USDANIFA; North Central SARE, 2025.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., Shannon, M., Aloysius N., & Teng Teeh L. (2025). Design and fabrication of Ergonomic Auxiliary Handles for Long-Handled Agricultural Tools. ASABE Annual International Meeting, Toronto, Canada.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., & Shannon, M. (2025). Ergonomic and Performance Optimization of a Smart Electric Auger Tiller: Comparative Evaluation with Rear- and Front-Tine Models. ISASH Annual Conference, Portland, Mane.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., Shannon, M. (2025). Design and Anticipated Benefits of Ergonomic Auxiliary Handles for Agricultural Tools. MRASH Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health Conference Ames, Iowa.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Oguche, F.M., Zhou, J., Funkenbusch, K., Shannon, M. (2025). Making Farming Safer & Easier.

Progress 09/15/23 to 09/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Projec servednew and beginning urban and small-scale farmers (Category 1, 2, 3), living in the St. Louis metropolitan area and newly designated USDA St. Louis Urban Hub. Activities were set up to meet the needs of three USDA special populations: "Socially Disadvantaged Farmers" (SDFs), including those who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) with less than 10 years of experience in urban and small-scale farming. "Limited Resource Farmers" (LRFs), to include operators of a farm that hasbothlow levels of farm sales and low household income in sales and government payments. "Veteran Farmers" (VFs),included recently returning war veterans. During the past 10 years, farmers with disabilities requesting services from Missouri AgrAbility self-identify from this population. Military veterans returning home with traumatic brain injuries as well as physical and emotional wounds of war, found it difficult to reintegrate back into a traditional job and daily life. We reached military veteran farmers and planted a seed about a career in urban and small-scale farming and connected them with trainings, resources, and programs. The AgrAbility project in Missouri and its diverse partners were in an excellent position in the St. Louis metropolitan area to help these military veterans with BFRDP 7 U.S.C. 2279(d) Priority programs and services 1) farm safety and awareness, 2) resources and referrals, and 3) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veteran farmers. Changes/Problems:Due to unexpected staff turnovers, illnesses, deaths, and hiring freezes in Missouri, stated goals were achieved on a slightly different time frame using innovative delivery styles and formats. Adjustments in delivery methodologies were also implemented to provide equitable programs, events, and activities that addressed Missouri's diverse agricultural operators. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activitiesfor professionals at the University of Missouri Extension and A Red Circle included courses such as 1) high tunnel cold frame construction, 2) beekeeping, 3) digital marketing, 4) emergering tools, 5) farm safety and health, 6) rural mental health, 7) grant writing, and one-on-one technical assistance working with a mentor in beekeeping, woodland, budget planning, and economic development. Campus faculty and field specialist from the University of Missouri Extension and staff members at A Red Circle also participated in Professional Development(PD) activities resulting in an increased knowledge and skill sets in their programmatic content area (Ag Business, Workforce Development, Agricultural Safety and Health, Population Health, Horticulture, Natural Resoures and Conservation, Food Safety, Non-Profit, Managing A Farm) of expertise. PD activities included workshops, conferences, seminars, study groups, and individual study online trainings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Learning materials and/or curriculum produced by the ARC and UME using NIFA BFRDP funds were offered for public use. Open-source materials were submitted to FarmAnswers.org for dissemination. Additionally, new materials developed were shared with Project partners, stakeholders, through relevant working groups, and local, state, regional, and national conference opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?UME, A Red Circle and its collaborative/cooperative will scale up existing outreach programs coupled with providing technical learning circles, technical one-on-one assistance, and resources to address the priority areas using a multi-faceted approach to facilitate regional outreach initiatives and training opportunities to achieve the overall goal of the BFRDP - to assist beginning farmers in owning and operating farms. Project's goals will enhance the capacity of urban and small-scale agricultural workforce in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Goal 1: Increase capability to acquire farm loans, USDA programs and grants. Goal 2: Enter or expand existing market outlets to increase income. Goal 3: Use small-scale equipment safety while protecting their bodies with ergonomic and holistic wellness strategies. Goal 4: Adopt new farm production practices and techniques to increase income on the farm.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Each partner used their unique attributes to successful implement Year 1Project Activities.During this grant cycle, UME and A Red Circle scaled up existing programs coupled with providing technical learning circles, technical one-on-one assistance, and resources to address the priority areas using a multi-faceted approach to facilitate regional initiatives and training opportunities to assist new and beginning farmers in owning and operating farms. A total of 80 participants, through 20 FLC while 15 utilized One-on-One technical assistance increased capability to acquire farm loans, USDA programs and grants by assisting participants with developing farm and marketing business plans. A total of 60 participants attended one of two FLC and one TLC. Participants deciphered the pros and cons of the different direct to consumer and intermediary marketing outlets to determine which markets will best meet their farm business goals. A total of 60 participants attended one of two FLCs. 12 participants created farm safety and health plan for their farm. A total of 45 participants attended one of 3 TLCs. Participants safely used small scale equipment such as a tractor, BCS walk behind tractor, implements, attachments, and small hand tools. A total of 30 participants attended a FLC. Participants discussed and created a beekeeping first aid kit. A total of 15 participants attended one FLC. Participants executed food safety compliance with specialty crops. A total of 15 individuals attended one TLC. Participants began producing value-added honey products. A total of 50 individuals attended one FLC and one FWA. Participants implemented appropriate natural resources/climate smart practices. A total of 15 individuals attended one FLC. Participants adopted a new specialty crop production technique. A total of 50 individuals attended the FWA. Participants adopted a new farm idea on their farm they learned through farm tours to urban and small-scale producers outside the St. Louis area. Qualtrics pre- and post-surveys, QR bar codes, Goggle forms, PhotoVoice Methods, and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to evaluate project efficacy and promote equity in responding to priority needs. Project evaluations also quantified stated Activities and Outcomes. Missouri also focused accomplishments on improving 1) BFRs quality of life, including desired work productivity, and 2) the capacity of its partnerto efficiently deliver virtual, web-based, and in-person programs or services to BFRs in a timely and satisfying manner.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Funkenbusch, K.E., Patillo, A., Liu, P., Kelly, D., Williams, E., Lang, V., (2023, October 24). Breaking Down Barriers to St. Louis Metropolitan Area New and Beginning Urban and Small-Scale Farms Grow Success. (Poster Abstract). 2023 BFRDP Project Directors Meeting. Denver, CO, United States.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 2023, Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program, https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/beginning-farmers-ranchers, University of Missouri Extension