Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1) An eight-credit Organic Agricultural Practices Certificate was developed and offered. Participants can choose from the following certificate courses: Organic Food and Ag: Practices and Issues (2 credits); Organic Soils, Nutrients and Composting (1 credit); Organic Agronomic Crops (1 credit); Organic Ruminant Livestock (1 credit); Organic Produce (1 credit); Organic Specialty Animals (1 credit); Organic Ag and Food Marketing (1 credit); Organic Farm: Applied (1 credit); Organic Ag: Independent Study (1 credit); Managed Grazing (1 credit); Permaculture, Edible Landscapes (1 credit); Organic Poultry (1 credit); Small Farm Machinery and Tools (1 credit); and Food Nutrition and Preservation (1 credit). 2) Throughout the grant period, the Organic Program Coordinator facilitated/co-hosted seminar/workshop events with an organic agriculture or local food focus. The Organic Program Coordinator provided presentations on different aspects of organic farming and information about NWTC's Organic Agriculture Certificate Program at events throughout northeast Wisconsin. NWTC also hosted several workshops including one for the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educators, another for farmers focused on grant programs, and a third for entrepreneurs focused on food safety. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Valerie Dantoin, NWTC Faculty, in conjunction with the NWTC Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee, developed program curriculum and reviewed outreach strategies. Additionally, Ms. Dantoin worked collaborative with a number of individuals to develop and organize trainings/workshops. These individuals include: Kevin Erb, Land Conservation Professional Development Coordinator (EPA Region 5); Kevin Kiehnau, Field Representative (Organic Valley Cooperative); Harriet Behar, NOP Coordinator (Midwest Organic Services); Fred Depies, (Trust Local Foods); Lynn Walters, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Professor Emeriti (Healthy Local Foods Initiative); Teresa Engel (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture); Diane Mayerfield (USDA-SARE); Laura Paine (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture); Bridgett Neu (Wisconsin Association of Ag Educators); Joe Tomandl, GrassWorks Apprenticeship Coordinator; Rhonda Gildersleeve, University of Wisconsin Extension Grazing Specialist; and Bridget O'Mera, GrassWorks Conference Planner. TARGET AUDIENCES: Participants in the presentations/events and courses included college students, re-trained unemployed workers, general public, farmers, high school agriculture teachers, Technical College Instructors, UW-Extension staff, and County Land Conservation Professionals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Between December 2009 and June 2012 there were a total of 267 enrollments in certificate course offerings. 2) NWTC has become a local and regional resource for answering farmers and Regional University Land Grant Extension staff's questions about organic agriculture. The College also provides a focal point for working farmers in this region to network. 3) The College recently received approval from the Wisconsin Technical College System office for its "indication of interest" to pursue investigation of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sustainable Food & Agriculture Systems. 4) NWTC is in the process of contextualizing the organic curriculum for English Language Learners (ELL). 5) The Wisconsin State Technical College System is interested in exploring ways to expand the organic course offerings at NWTC to other technical colleges in the system. 6) An increase in the number of organic farms in the Northeast region of Wisconsin cannot be directly attributed to this program; however, there were two instances of landowners able to secure FSA loans as a direct result of their participation in organic coursework. 7) Organic Coordinator worked with about 38 individual landowners through the "Applied on-farm" course. Many have developed plans for creating new small farm ventures on their land as a direct result of this course. 8) Organic Coordinator mentored three people planning to become NRCS technical service providers so they have the knowledge to write Organic Farm Plans for eligible farmers who wish to transition to organic farming.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/01/10 to 06/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. Two additional courses were added to the Organic Agricultural Practices Certificate: Organic Poultry and Permaculture, Edible Landscapes. These courses will be offered in 2012. 2. On-line versions of three courses were developed: Organic Produce (formerly Organic Hort: Fruits, Veg); Organic Ag and Food Marketing; and Organic Specialty Animals. 3. All ten of the organic certificate program courses were offered during the 2009-2010 school year. Only three of the ten did not run due to low enrollments. 4. NWTC offered an awareness seminar with Dr. Don Huber. 5. Two professional development workshops were offered, but had to be cancelled due to a lack of enrollment. 6. The Organic Program Coordinator provided presentations on different aspects of organic farming and information about NWTC's Organic Agriculture Certificate Program at 15 events throughout northeast Wisconsin. 7. NWTC hosted several workshops including one for the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educators, another for farmers focused on grant programs, and a third for entrepreneurs focused on food safety. 8. NWTC coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection to develop and train grazing educators. 9. Offered Learning in Retirement Seminar on Issues and Practices in Organic Agriculture. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Valerie Dantoin, NWTC Faculty, in conjunction with the NWTC Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee, has developed program curriculum and reviewed outreach strategies. Additionally, Ms. Dantoin has worked collaborative with a number of individuals to develop and organize trainings/workshops. These individuals include: Kevin Erb, Land Conservation Professional Development Coordinator (EPA Region 5); Kevin Shelley; Soils Professor (University of WI - Madison); Kevin Kiehnau, Field Representative (Organic Valley Cooperative); Harriet Behar, NOP Coordinator (Midwest Organic Services); Fred Depies, (True Foods); Lynn Walters, University Professor (Healthy Local Foods Initiative); Paul Linzmeyer (NEW North); Teresa Engel (WI Department of Agriculture); and Diane Mayerfield (USDA-SARE) TARGET AUDIENCES: Participants in the presentations/events and courses included: college students, re-training unemployed workers, farmers, high school agricultural teachers, UW-Extension staff, and County Land Conservation Professionals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Because of lower than desired enrollments, the industry advisory committee recommended adding courses to appeal to a broader audience, the courses include: Edible Landscapes and Permaculture, Organic Ag Issues and Practices, Organic Poultry, and Produce, Cook and Preserve with Style. Also to address low enrollment in the Professional Development Workshop series, NWTC plans to work with the American Society of Agronomy to get the associate level courses certified for CEU's for land conservation professionals.
Impacts
1. The courses in the Organic Certificate program had combined enrollments of 88. 2. Nineteen (19) students are enrolled in the Organic Agriculture Certificate Program and three have completed. 3. Over a dozen women have enrolled in the Applied On-Farm course. Many say it is just the tool they needed to have the confidence to keep or convert their farm to an organic system. 4. Over 100 people attended Dr. Huber's presentation. 5. NWTC is hosting a regional forum where the goal is to connect local foods to jobs and health. 6. Twenty people from the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Association attended on-farm training. 7. Forty people attended a train the trainer workshop focused on managed grazing. 8. Ten retired people attended the Issues and Practice in Organic Agriculture seminar. 9. One student received a USDA- FSA loan to purchase a 40-acre organic farm. 10. Two international students (one from Cameroon and one from El Salvador) specifically came to NWTC to complete the Organic Certificate. 11. Fifty people participated in the organic pasture walk, including Congressman Reid Ribble. 12. The on-line "Soils" course is required for the new Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program.
Publications
- Organic Ag can Help New Farmers Succeed Gives Existing Farmers a Second Chance 2011 was published in various Wisconsin farm papers Hungry for Change 2011 was published in a local food magazine.
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Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. Two additional courses were added to the Organic Agricultural Practices Certificate: "Managed Grazing" and "Independent Study." The "Independent Study" course was designed as an alternative to the "On-Farm" course for students who do not currently own a farm. 2. On-line versions of three courses were developed: "Introduction to Organic Ag Systems;" "Organic Soils,Nutrients and Composting;" and "Organic Horticulture." 3. Eight of the nine organic certificate program courses were offered during the 2009-2010 school year. 4. NWTC offered an awareness seminar with Dr. Temple Grandin. 5. Two professional development workshops were offered but had to be cancelled due to a lack of enrollment. 6. The Organic Program Coordinator provided presentations on different aspects of organic farming and information about NWTC's Organic Agriculture Certificate Program at 15 events throughout northeast Wisconsin. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Valerie Dantoin, NWTC Faculty and Organic Program Coordinator, in conjunction with NWTC's 20-Member Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee, has developed program curriculum and reviewed outreach strategies. Additionally, Ms. Dantoin has worked collaboratively with a number of individuals to develop and organize trainings/workshops, review curriculum, and schedule events like "Field Days." These individuals include: Kevin Erb, Land Conservation Professional Development Coordinator (EPA Region 5); Kevin Shelley, Soils Professor (University of WI - Madison); Kevin Kiehnau, Field Representative (Organic Valley Cooperative); Harriet Behar, NOP Coordinator (Midwest Organic Services); Fred Depies, Grazing Educator (Glacierland Resource Conservation District); Lynn Walters, University Professor (Healthy Local Foods Initiative); Paul Linzmeyer (NEW North); Anne Pfieffer (WI Department of Agriculture); and Diane Mayerfield (USDA-SARE). TARGET AUDIENCES: Participants in the presentations/events and courses included college students, re-training unemployed workers, farmers, high school agricultural teachers, UW-Extension staff, and County Land Conservation Professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: As mentioned above, NWTC struggled with enrollment in its Professional Development Workshop series. As a result, the Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee and staff plan to continue to explore different strategies to increase enrollment and interest in the subject matter. Delivery mode, length of session, location, and timing are just a few of the factors that are being explored. Additionally, NWTC will be looking at developing some additional entry-level courses for farmers of 20 acres or fewer, as well as urban farmers, based on the recommendations of its Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee. Possible course offerings may include "Intro to Urban Farming;" "Evolution of Food and Farming Systems;" and/or "Produce, Cook and Preserve with Style."
Impacts
1. The courses offered in the Organic Certificate had a combined enrollment of 61. 2. Fourteen students are enrolled in the Organic Agriculture Certificate. 3. Eighty people attended Dr. Grandin's seminar. 4. NWTC is seeing a strong interest in the audience of "concerned consumers" and is looking at developing some new outreach materials to encourage this population to participate in the courses and/or professional development workshops. 5. To address the low enrollment in NWTC's professional development workshops, the College plans to collaborate with professional associations, like the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Association, to provide professional development workshops at statewide/regional conferences. This method has proven to be effective in the past, so the College will continue to identify partners until stand alone workshops can be offered. Additionally, NWTC plans to explore offering professional development webinars.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1.Organic curriculum outline was developed at a 2 day DACUM process on Oct 25-26, 2008. 15 organic agriculture experts brainstormed/organized content for organic ag courses. Results were distributed through NWTC's Organic Advisory Comm and e-mailed to other organic community leaders. Results were disseminated to staff at North Central region SARE offices and EPA region V prof development coordinators. DACUM output was presented to the WI Dept of Ag Organic Advisory Comm. Outline is also available on NWTC's internal website. 2.NWTC Advisory Committee and faculty member developed the Organic Agricultural Practices Certificate (http://www.nwtc.edu/academics/ProgTeamSites/OSAFE/Pages/Home.aspx) comprising 8 organic ag courses to prepare students for jobs in this field. A brochure was distributed at the MOSES Organic Conf in LaCrosse, WI in March 2009 attracting 1,500 attendees. The brochure was also distributed at other events, reaching. an estimated 4000 people. 3.8-course curriculum was completed using the Worldwide Instructional Design System and is disseminated through the WI Tech College System. The first 2 courses, Intro to Organic Ag Systems and Soils, Nutrients, and Composting were distributed to advisory committee members in Sept 2009. 4.An Agricultural Entrepreneurship workshop was taught in March 2009 with 8 students. 5.Two summer 2009 trainings for professional development were taught in collaboration with EPA Region V with 32 attendees, most USDA Natural Resources Conservation Svc employees. Training was very timely due to implementation of Organic Transition Plans as a cost share practice available for the first time through the Federal Farm bill. WI had the second highest number of sign ups in the nation for this practice. Training offered by NWTC for NRCS staff was perhaps the only one in the nation available before the signup period closed June 30, 2009. Several other state professional development coordinators contacted NWTC for assistance in creating their own training workshops. Similar workshops for University Extension and County Land Conservation Professionals will be taught Dec 15,, 2009. The grant originally provided for a 2-day professional development workshop; due to agency restrictions on travel and overnight stay, this format was not possible. 6.Tools for Teaching the Science & Art of Organic Agriculture was presented at the WI. Assn. Of Agricultural Educators annual conference on July 2, 2009 with 15 attendees. Workshop for High School Ag teachers is scheduled for Nov 18, 2009. Again, due to school budget cuts, one-day rather than two-day events are scheduled. 7.A 1-credit Applied on Farm Management course was offered in summer 2009 with 3 enrollees. The first course in the certificate series is being presented ahead of schedule in fall 2009. Four more courses are scheduled to run in January 2010. The last 2 courses will begin in summer 2010. 8.Currently working to deliver courses via distance learning options available in fall of 2010. 9.A resource center is available to the general public at NWTC. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Valerie Dantoin, NWTC Faculty, in conjunction with the NWTC Organic Agriculture Advisory Committee, has developed curriculum for Organic Agriculture Certificate and facilitated/delivered workshops and professional development events. Partner Organizations: n/a Collaborators and contacts: Vicki Csida and Valerie Bielinski, NWTC Instructional Designers, helped facilitate the DACUM process in conjunction with representatives from Eastern Kentucky University. Fifteen organic agriculture experts also brainstormed/organized content for organic ag curriculum. Training or professional development: An Agricultural Entrepreneurship workshop was taught in March 2009 with 8 students. Two summer 2009 trainings for professional development were taught in collaboration with EPA Region V with 32 attendees, most USDA Natural Resources Conservation Svc employees. Tools for Teaching the Science & Art of Organic Agriculture was presented at the WI Assn. Of Agricultural Educators annual conference on July 2, 2009 with 15 attendees. Workshop for High School Ag teachers is scheduled for Nov 18, 2009. TARGET AUDIENCES: Workshop and professional development event audiences have included USDA Natural Resources Conservation Svc employees; University Extension and County Land Conservation Professionals; and members of WI. Assn. Of Agricultural Educators. Target audience also includes farmers wishing to convert to organic farming. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The grant originally provided for a 2-day professional development workshop; due to agency restrictions on travel and overnight stay, this format was not possible. A one-day session will be offered. Workshop for High School Ag teachers is scheduled for Nov 18, 2009; again, due to school budget cuts, one-day rather than two-day events are scheduled.
Impacts
1.Wisconsin signups for the Federal Farm Bill EQIP conservation practice "Organic Transition Plans" were the second highest (behind California) in the U.S. The high response may be attributed to our training of conservation professionals and the awareness it created. Five farmers who have been working with NWTC faculty signed up for the Organic Transition Plan practice. 2.Participation on the State Organic Advisory Committee resulted directly in a modification of the letter submitted by Wisconsin's Secretary of Agriculture to the National Organic Program (NOP) regarding the rule on pastured livestock. 3.Other faculty in the Wisconsin Technical College system have curriculum available and have begun incorporating it into their courses. Other outcomes/Impacts will accrue as courses are delivered.
Publications
- DACUM results, October 2008 Organic Agricultural Practices Certificate Brochure - link available from NWTC; this field cannot accept the percent sign in the link. Organic Agriculture Certificate Flyer - link available from NWTC; this field cannot accept the percent sign in the link. Documentation of curriculum in the Worldwide Instructional Design System
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