Progress 08/15/10 to 08/14/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the month of October 2009, the project director and specialist working in the north central target areas conducted meetings with extension county directors in Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart and Sumner County to discuss the goals and objectives of the Outreach and Socially Disadvantage Farmer and Rancher Program in Tennessee. In November 2009, the north central target area specialist along with the Tennessee State University USDA Liaison Officer met with the south target area extension agent to discuss efforts toward the outreach program being carried out in Maury, Giles and Bedford County from August 2008. Conducted meetings with the USDA District and Soil Conservationist in Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Sumner County. Discussed the OASDFR program and the USDA Agricultural Liaison Officer's involvement with the program. In December 2009, met with part-time NRCS employees to discuss past participation of minority farmers in NRCS/USDA programs for Montgomery, Robertson and Sumner Counties. PARTICIPANTS: Virtual Coffee Shop Webinars Take a Virtual Coffee Break We are offering a new innovative way for you to keep up with important and timely topics in Extension educational program areas by presenting the "TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop" monthly public outreach educational webinars. These webinars are offered the second Wednesday of every month and consist of three, fifty minute webinars covering the critical and useful topics in each of the TSU Extension educational program areas. Archived webinars are available in the TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop. The first TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop webinar begins at 9:00 a.m. (CT) and ends at 9:50 a.m. and coves various topics in the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). The second webinar begins at 10:00 a.m. (CT) and concludes at 10:50 a.m., and covers important topics in the area of Family, Community and Nutrition Education. The third webinar will starts at 1:00 p.m. (CT) and ends at 1:50 p.m. It covers topics and issues dealing with 4-H and Youth Development. The topics for the TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop, scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2012 are: 9:00 a.m. CST "Identification and Control of Spring and Summer Weeds in Your Landscape" presented by Dr. Roy Bullock 10:00 a.m. CST " Wills and Estate Planning" presented by Mr. Alvin Wade 1:00 p.m. CST "Encouraging Teens and Building Teen Leadership in Our Communities" presented by Dr. Javiette Samuel and Dr. Tyrone Miller To take part in the webinars, please go to TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop . Note that all first-time users must run the Set-up Wizard and Log-in as a participant. Set the Room ID as guest and enter your name as first_last. For more information contact Dr. Solomon Haile at 615-963-5445 or shaile@tnstate.edu. Archived Webinars Previous presentations can be accessed at TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop room archive section. While you are in the TSU Extension Virtual Coffee Shop room, go to the "lobby", located at lower right corner. Click the "archives" to view a list of links for previously archived presentation. The webinars listed below will be included in the archive section soon. Agriculture and Natural Resources "Natural Playgrounds: Fun, Food and Learning", presented by Dr. George Smith, October 12, 2011 (31.5M PDF) Family, Community and Nutrition Education "AIDS in the Elderly Population", presented by Dr. Barbara Canada, October 12, 2011 (39.5M PDF) 4-H and Youth Development "Spotlighting Teen Issues", presented by Dr. Javiette Samuel, October 12, 2011 (92.4M PDF) TARGET AUDIENCES: 6th National Small Farm Conference Promoting the Successes of Small Farmers and Ranchers Memphis Cook Convention Center September 18 - 20, 2012 Memphis, TN The 6th National Small Farm Conference, "Promoting the Successes of Small Farmers and Ranchers", will be hosted by Tennessee State University, College of Agricultural Human and Natural Sciences and the University of Tennessee. Successes in small farm activities will be shared, as well as innovative ideas in research, extension and outreach to strengthen collaboration and partnership among state specialists who work to ensure that small farmers and ranchers not only survive, but thrive in today's economy. This conference will also serve as a forum to discuss the results of research geared towards addressing challenges facing small farmers and ranchers. Strengthening partnerships created at the five previous National Small Farm Conferences will continue to be a priority for the Memphis meeting. This conference will consist of short courses, oral and poster paper presentations, exhibits, success stories and educational tours within Memphis and vicinity. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results from the meeting in Columbia, TN (Maury Co.) suggests that we work more closely with the local NRCS District Conservationists, FSA County Executive Directors, and recently retired NRCS employees who now work part-time in the north central target areas. Winchester-Franklin County. This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits and vegetables. Murfreesboro-Rutherford County. This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits and vegetables and crafts. Ashland City-Cheatham County. This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits, vegetables and other value added items. Lawrenceburg- Lawrence County. This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits and vegetables, baked breads, crafts and an auction outlet. Memphis-Shelby County . This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits, vegetables, canned goods and cut flowers Nashville-Davidson County. This market is an up-scale outlet for farmers producing fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, international foods and small local restaurants. Dyersburg-Dyer County. This market provides opportunities for farmers producing fruits and vegetables. Franklin-Williamson County. This market specializes in organic fruits and vegetables along with other organically produced and natural foods. Impacts for Lawrence, Hardeman and Rutherford Counties are highlighted with Photo and Impact Statement below . These impacts represents the success of all Small Farm Coops in the State. Impact, Lawrence County: Wendel Smith, Extension Agent at TSU, has excelled in reaching and assisting new audiences in the County. Lawrence County is the home of approximately 200 Amish Families who are heavily involved in vegetable production. Over the last several years Wendel has been instrumental in gaining their respect and building a close working relationship with the Amish and other vegetable producers. From this came an idea to work together on building and operating a produce auction barn. Wendel became a key player as plans unfolded. Most of the growers had raised vegetables but not in that quantity and quality needed for this auction barn. To fill this need, Wendel organized vegetable production meetings where he taught many of the subjects and construction on Plowboy Auction Market began. This effort has great potential for growth. Wendel has become the go to person for the Amish and other vegetable growers in the county for information and assistance. He continues to offer educational meeting, tours and field days to keep growers updated on the latest research-based information. Impact Hardeman County: Through the efforts of Lee and others Rural Development grant was applied for and received to assist in revitalizing, rebuilding of many businesses, purchasing new equipment, and the building of a Farmer's market.
Publications
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Control of Winter broad leaves. ANR -1 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. A Guide to Warm Season Vegetables. ANR -2 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. A Guide to Cool season Vegetable Crops. ANR-3 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. A guide to Harvesting Garden Vegetables. ANR-4 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Weed Control in Peppers. ANR-5 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Weed Control Without Chemicals. ANR-6 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Poison Ivy Identification and Control. ANR-7 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Herbaceous Weed Control in Forestry. ANR-8 TSU Web http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock,F.D. 2010. Lawn Weed Management. ANR-9 http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
- Bullock, F.D. 2010. Understanding and Control of Forest Vegetation. ANR PB- http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/publication_index.aspx.
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Progress 08/15/09 to 08/14/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: As part of the on- going work with the Outreach and Socially Disadvantage Farmer and Rancher Program in Tennessee, the Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Program continue to actively participate in the Lower Middle Tennessee Priority Planning Team meetings. The objective of the team is to develop and enhance program planning, educational outreach, and collaboration among extension agents. The Tennessee State University Outreach and Assistance Socially Disadvantage Farmers and Ranchers Program has been involved is providing educational outreach and assisting grower in many outreach efforts. On September 23 2009, Tennessee State University Small Farm Outreach Program participated in the Giles County Farm City Day. Approximately 350 youth in the Giles County School System attended this event. In Maury and Giles Counties, the Tennessee State University Small Farm Outreach Program in conjunction with Maury County Extension Office and Giles County Extension Office conducted Master Beef School. The Master Beef Program is an educational program designed to provide information to Tennessee cow-calf producers to help them improve their profitability and position in the in the industry to become competitive with other states. The 12 session course included topics such as business planning, genetics, marketing, feeding and forage health management, cattle reproduction and farm security. The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference (SSAWG) held its annual meeting on January 20-23, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN. This was the second year for this event to be held in Tennessee. Over 1200 producers from across the United States attended this conference. The Tennessee Organic Growers Association (T.O.G.A.) held its 6th Annual Organic Conference on March 5th and 6th 2010 at the Marriott Airport Hotel. The Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Program helped with the recruitment of small and limited resource growers to attend conference. The Tennessee State University Small Farm Outreach Program in partnership with the Giles County Extension staff provided an educational workshop titled Basic Gardening: Stretching Your Food Dollar ($) for low-income/socially disadvantage residents of Giles County. The Tennessee State University Small Farm Specialist in conjunction with agents from five counties in the lower middle Tennessee area submitted and received an Innovative Extension Program Grant in the amount of $4,882.85 to address the increased interest in both traditional and non-traditional enterprises. The Program was called Developing Successful Small Farm Enterprises. The program consisted of five sessions with included some of the following topics: Self Assessment for Beginning Agricultural Production, Direct Marketing, Enterprise Selection and Farm Planning, Agri- tourism, Beekeeping Opportunities, Vegetable Production and Small Ruminant Production. In Bedford County, the Tennessee State University Small Farm Specialist participated in Environmental Awareness Week. This event is targets every 1st and 2nd grader in Bedford County Schools. Youth learn information from the History of Tennessee to Environmental Stewardship. PARTICIPANTS: Finis Stribling, III Area Small Farm Management Specailist - Finis role is to provide awareness, activties and educational programs for small and limntied resource farmers and reanchers in Maury, Giles and Bedford Counties. Collaborators/Partner Organization: University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Tennessee Organic Growers Association, Tennessee Farmers Co-op TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: Small Farmers and Ranchers, Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers, and Minority Farmers and Ranchers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of the programming efforts of the Tennessee State University Small Farmer Assistance Program (OASDFR), the following are the results: (1). The Lower Middle Tennessee Priority Team continues to work help meet the goals and objectives of the OASDFR Program in Tennessee. (2). The OASDFR Program in conjunction with Tennessee Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program provided 21 scholarships to Sothern Sustainable Ag Group Conference(SSAWG). This was a dollar value of $1,255.00. This allowed Tennessee Small Farm to network with farmer within the State of Tennessee as well as framers across the United States to gain knowledge of difference sustainable agricultural practices and USDA Farm Programs. (3). As a result, of one farmer attending the SSAWG Conference, he is going start a meat Community Support Agriculture (CSA) with lamb. (4). Eight small farmer received scholarships to participate the Maury/ Giles Master Beef Program. (5). 100% of the small farmers who participated in the Master Beef Program are eligible to receive a 15% cost share increase with the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. (6). Fifty small farmers participated in the Developing Successful Small Farm Enterprises workshops. According to workshop evaluation, 100% of the participants said they gain knowledge on Small Farm Enterprises. Each participate received a resource manual for each session and a flash drive full of resource information and publications for small farm production. (7). Over 2,300 1st and 2nd grade youth increase their knowledge of Environmental Stewardship during Bedford County Environmental Awareness Week. (8). Twenty-five participate took advantage of the Basic Gardening: Stretching You Food
Publications
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Progress 08/15/08 to 08/14/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: I conducted a meeting with Maury, Giles and Bedford County Directors to discuss the goals and objectives of the Outreach and Assistance Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Rancher Program (SDFR). The different counties have shared their county small farmer databases. I have participated and been asked to join the Lower Middle Tennessee Priority Team. The team is comprised of ten lower middle Tennessee counties. The objective of the team is to enhance program planning, educational outreach and collaboration among extension agents. Also, I have met with Rob Holland, Director of the Center for Profitable Agriculture, to discuss how the two programs could collaborate with educational outreach for small and limited resource farmers. The Tennessee State University Outreach and Assistance Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Rancher Program have been involved in assisting growers in many outreach efforts. The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference (SSAWG) held its annual meeting on January 21-24, 2009 in Chattanooga, TN. Over 1100 producers from across the United States attended this conference. 210 of the attending producers were from Tennessee. The Tennessee Organic Growers Association (T.O.G.A.) held their 5th Annual Organic conference on March 14th 2009 at Tennessee State University Downtown Campus. The Small Farm Outreach and Technical Assistance Program helped with the recruitment of small and limited resource growers to attend conference. In Bedford County, the Tennessee Outreach and Assistance Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Rancher Program in conjunction with the Bedford County Extension Service conducted the Tennessee Master Beef Program. The Master Beef Program is an educational program designed to provide information to Tennessee cow-calf producers to help them improve their profitability and position the industry to be competitive with other states. The 12 session course include topics such as business planning, marketing, genetics, feeding and forages health management and cattle reproduction. The Maury Co. Extension Service, Tennessee State University Small Farmer Assistance Program (OASDFR), Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Maury County Co-op conducted a Beef Quality Assurance Training (BQA) for local beef producer. The BQA is a program developed to ensure that beef and dairy cattle are managed in a manner that will result in safe and wholesome beef and milk products for the consumer. The 2009 Tennessee State University Small Farm Expo and Farmer Recognition Program were held July 31, 2009 to recognize Tennessee Small Farmers. The program was designed to address pressing need and concern of our small famers. The educational information included topics on Organics, Marketing, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's), Funding and Finances, Conservation, Alternative Energy, Alternatives in Livestock Production. PARTICIPANTS: Finis Stribling, III, Area Small Farm Management Specalist - Finis role is to provide awareness, activites and educational programs for small and limited resource farmer and ranchers in Maury, Giles and Bedford Counties. Roy Bullock, Small Farm and IPM Specialist - Roy role is to provide leadership to the OASDFR program for Tennessee State University. Collaborators/Parner Organizations University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Servcie Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service,Tennessee Organic Growers Association, and Tennessee Farmers Co-op TARGET AUDIENCES: Small Farmers and Ranchers, Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers, and Minority Farmers and Ranchers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of the programming efforts of the Tennessee State University Small Farmer Assistance Program (OASDFR), the following are the results: (1). Members of The Lower Middle Tennessee Priority Team are more aware of the goals and objective of the OASDFR Program in Tennessee. Members of the team have giving 100% support of program. (2). The OASDFR Program in conjunction with Tennessee SARE Program provided 26 producer scholarships to Southern Sustainable Ag Workers Group Conference (SSAWG). This allowed Tennessee Small Farmer to network with over 1,100 small farmers from across the United States and gain knowledge of difference sustainable agricultural practices. (3). Two Organic Growers are utilizing cover crops on their farm as a result of attending SSAWG. (4). Tennessee Small Farmer increased their knowledge of organic provisions in the Farm Bill. (5). 265 Small Farmer participated in the SSAWG Conference. (6). Four organic growers join the Tennessee Organic Growers Association (T.O.G.A.) as a result of attending the conference. (7). The OASDFR program has shown a ten percent increase in the number of SDFR in educational Workshops. (8). One hundred percent of the SDFR who participated in the Master Beef Program are able to get a 15 percent cost share increase in the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement program. (9). Specialist will monitor Tennessee Ag Statistic data for increase or decrease in organic certified farms number. (10). SDFR are more familiar with agencies and opportunities that support alternative enterprises and small farm operations. (11). The OASSDFR program has shown a ten percent increase in SDFR participation in USDA government Program. (12). The OASDFR program has shown a five percent increase in SDFR participation in the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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