Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report describes the activities completed during the 3rd year of a three year project grant. During this 3rd grant year WNNBFR worked with 2089 members of 13 Chapter communities interested in agriculture through direct AG training, materials, plowing and networking. The program recorded 143 activities in total. 53 workshops with flyers and posters; 47 general meetings or introductory workshops on farming and ranching, 13 Roundtables, 25 mentor farmer/rancher visits for clients that included daylong site visits and hands on learning, 25 technology trainings and expert farm financial accounting/ business/ management and personal finance training with free software, all event were open to all 13 chapter communities. 6 community gardens were supported with 149 youth, 45 were paid through the Navajo Nation Workforce Development Act Program putting approximately $26,100 earned workforce dollars back into their communities. NNTAO coordinators have worked diligently in establishing meaningful relationships by listening to Navajo farmers and ranchers and by engaging young agrarians and connecting them to elders (farmers and ranchers) and other resources. By providing systematic program outreach, technology training, and one-on-one support to individual producers this project has succeeded in focusing on enhancing the knowledge of disadvantaged Navajo farmers and ranchers residing in the southwestern Chapter communities. The program produced 10 newsletters. WNNBFR program has maintained a website to provide information on programs, services, calendar of upcoming events, partner links, photos, articles and media press releases of program activities (www.navajofarms.org, and www.nntao.org). WNNBFR also utilized a threefold brochure to describe program mission, goals, funding sources and contact information. WNNBFR produced the second annual nationwide indigenous agricultural awards contest, the "Justin Boyd Willie Agricultural Humanitarian of the Year Award 2012". 4 nominees were received; WNNBFR clients selected and honored the winner and 2nd runner-up at the Mother Earth Gathering on May 5th, 2012 in Cameron, Arizona, WNNBFR also co-hosted 1- 2 day Equine Wellness Conference and 1-1 day Equine Wellness Event with the University of Arizona, Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture and Dr, Adrienne Ruby. The program has had 3 articles published this second year in the local paper, the Navajo times and Indian Country Today. In-Kind services and contributions from community agencies and individuals were valued this year at $57,846.00. PARTICIPANTS: WNNBFR staff are 4 traditional Navajo locals of varying ages and educational background. All are bilingual, fluent in Navajo, and culturally sensitive to the target groups history and challenges. Participants of partner organizations were a diverse group consisting of knowledgeable traditional elders to Doctorate Professors from accredited universities within the United States. WNNBFR worked with partner organizations within our vast geographic land area for proper outreach to take place within the 13 chapters. Communication and our support network are a vital part of the resources WNNBFR provides to clients and the greater communities in the Western Navajo Nation. NNTAO networks with these collaborators and contacts: 1. Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture 2. Navajo Nation Department of Natural Resources 3. Taos County Economic Development Corporation 4. University of Minnesota/Center for Financial Management 5. The Navajo Nation Church of the Nazarene, Dilkon, Arizona 6. United States Department of Agriculture, branch offices in Coconino County and Navajo County 7. Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation and Environmental Health 8. Native Movement, Inc. 9. Hard Rock Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. 10. Navajo Nation Program for Self Reliance (NNTANF). 11. University of Arizona 12. Navajo Nation Department of Special Diabetes 13. John Hopkins University Research Centers 14. Dine Southwest High School 15. Greyhills Academy High School 16. Coconino County Libraries 17. National Relief Charities 18. Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development 19. Southwest Marketing Network 20. St. Judes Catholic Church, Tuba City, Arizona 21. Navajo Nation Department of Veterans Services 22. Dilkon School District 23. Tuba City Unified School District. 24. Navajo Nation Food Policy Council 25. Navajo Nation Department of Workforce Development 26. Navajo Nation Division of Water Resources 27. Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture 28. Little Colorado River Soil and Water Conservation District. WNNBFR staff were trained by DSDA and private consultants with expertise in Farm Service Agency programs, Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education programs, Emergency Conservation Programs, Direct and Counter Cyclical Payments Programs, Conservation Reserve Programs, Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs, and Rural Development programs. Consistent communication and weekly workshops and classes support enrolled client farmers. The University of Minnesota and Colorado State University presented on grant required technology support services. Continuing outreach for USDA agencies has occurred and NRCS, FSA, and RMA field coordinators presented on services for client farmers. NNTAO's continues best AG practices, classroom activities on FINPACK and Value added products and marketing concepts. TARGET AUDIENCES: WNNBFR's target audience for efforts are Navajo Nation tribal members residing on the Navajo Nation reservation within 13 chapter communities located within the Western, Chinle and Fort Defiance Agencies. These community members are also Coconino and Navajo County citizens within the state of Arizona. The target audience are considered socially disadvantaged, Monolingual in the traditional Navajo language (mentor farmers), but many are bilingual and some of the younger generation (potential farmers) are now finding they are only English speaking. These producing farmers and potential farmers are of multi-generations, genders, and traditional or urban Indians taking a look into agriculture as a new or ongoing endeavor. NNTAO finds schools, Senior Centers and churches are the most welcoming of partners for outreach efforts. Targeted participants include elementary age school children to the elderly. NTAO focuses on the Western Navajo Nation area in Northern Arizona, i.e. Coconino, Navajo and occasionally Apache counties. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
WNNBF size of target beginning farmer audience: 60 Beginning Farmers and Ranchers is the grant target number. The WNNBFR has 149 participants enrolled for the 2nd year. 80 are potential beginning farmers/ranchers. They were identified and signed Memorandums of Understandings to participate in the WNNBFR program. 55 producing farmers/ranchers were identified for participation and also signed MOUs as mentors. c. Year 2- 20 d. Year 3- 35. Of those who complete a Workshop & training program: The WNNBFR program had workshop participants complete assessments (117 for the year). 90 percent of workshop participants responded workshops offered new and relevant information. 100 percent of workshop participants responded positively to program services and WNNBFR staff have experienced positive attitudes in participants and community members that take part in program services. Attendance of workshops has continued to increase overtime and community knowledge of WNNBFR is evident in requests from community agencies to participate as a partner and collaborator of events and programs. The WNNBFR program is still ascertaining the percentage of planned change in behaviors in program participants. At this time 100 percent of participants are engaging in positive behavior. 100 percent of potential beginning farmers/ranchers have plans to start farming/ranching in the future. 100 percent of participants appreciate the value of farming/ranching and are dedicated to traditional and sustainable agriculture. 6. Three years after those who completed a workshop and training program: WNNBFR did not attempt to collect this data. However all clients are continuing and will be given a questionnaire to ascertain these changes.
Publications
- 3/27/2012 Williams-Grand Canyon News http://grandcanyonnews.com/Main.aspSectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&Art icleID=9824 4/4/2012 Navajo Hopi -Observer http://nhonews.com/Main.aspSectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=1 4374 5/9/2012 Indian Country Today http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/tag/justin-boyd-willie-agri cultural-humanitarian-of-the-year-award Fall 2011 Jason Houston Photography http://jasonhouston.photoshelter.com/gallery/DINE-Inc-cultural-herita ge/G0000FkmqpClxs.o/
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report describes the activities completed during the 2nd year of a three year project grant. Major activities included: general presentations, workshops, mentor visits, roundtables and USDA outreach. The Western Navajo Nation Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Project is located in Northern Arizona and targets rural Native Americans of the Navajo tribe living on the Navajo reservation. During this 2nd grant year WNNBFR worked with 3049 members of 13 Chapter communities interested in agriculture through direct AG training, materials, plowing and networking. The program produced 81 workshops with flyers and posters ; 8 general meetings or introductory workshops on farming and ranching to 252 participants, 10 Roundtables with 360 client participants at 6 chapter communities, 10 mentor farmer/rancher visits for clients that included daylong site visits and hands on learning, 17 technology trainings at 7 Chapter communities, trainings were attended by 151 client participants for expert farm financial accounting/ business/ management and personal finance training with free software, all event were open to all 13 chapter communities. 7 community gardens were supported 2 were site supervised with 19 youth. The program produced 9 newsletters. WNNBFR program has maintained a website to provide information on programs, services, calendar of upcoming events, partner links, photos, articles and media press releases of program activities (www.navajofarms.org). WNNBFR also utilized a threefold brochure to describe program mission, goals, funding sources and contact information. WNNBFR produced a nationwide indigenous agricultural awards contest, the "Justin Boyd Willie Agricultural Humanitarian of the Year Award". 10 nominees were received; WNNBFR clients selected and honored the winner and 2nd runner-up at a Southwest Marketing Annual Conference in March 2011. WNNBFR also produced 1 Sheep/Wool Conference that also honored the Unsung Hero- the Navajo Sheepdog, co-hosted 2- 2 day Equine Wellness Conferences with the University of Arizona, and has begun the resurrection of an agricultural produce contest for the Western Navajo Nation Fair. The program has had 3 articles published this second year in the local paper and in the Navajo times. 1 additional article was published in a national magazine, and program staff and clients were featured in a book published in 2011. Due to limited technology infrastructure, language, and sensitivity to cultural appropriateness, education in-person workshops were the most effective. The program continued prior year's internet based videos. 100 percent of participants are socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 100 percent of participants are limited resource either in technological, educational, familial, bureaucratic and natural resources. 45 percent of participants are women, participants sign up as couples or due to the Navajo being a matrilineal society many Grazing Permit holders are women. Roughly 5 percent of participants are Grazing, Farm, Land permit holders, yet 25 percent are currently farming or ranching. 10 percent of total participants are youth, 30 percent are elders. PARTICIPANTS: WNNBFR staff are traditional Navajo locals of varying ages and educational background. All are bilingual, fluent in Navajo, and culturally sensitive to the target groups history and challenges. WNNBFR also has a community advisory council of local directors, leaders and government officials to guide outreach efforts. Participants of partner organizations were a diverse group consisting of knowledgeable traditional elders to Doctorate Professors from accredited universities within the United States. WNNBFR worked with partner organizations within our vast geographic land area for proper outreach to take place. Communication and our support network are a vital part of the resources WNNBFR provides to clients and the greater communities in the Western Navajo Nation. NNTAO networks with these collaborators and contacts: 1. Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture 2. Navajo Nation Department of Natural Resources 3. Taos County Economic Development Corporation 4. University of Minnesota/Center for Financial Management 5. The Navajo Nation Church of the Nazarene, Dilkon, Arizona 6. United States Department of Agriculture, branch offices in Coconino County and Navajo County 7. Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation and Environmental Health 8. Native Movement, Inc. 9. Hard Rock Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. 10. Navajo Nation Program for Self Reliance (NNTANF). 11. University of Arizona 12. Navajo Nation Department of Special Diabetes 13. John Hopkins University Research Centers 14. Dine Southwest High School 15. Greyhills Academy High School 16. Coconino County Libraries 17. National Relief Charities 18. Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development 19. Southwest Marketing Network 20. St. Judes Catholic Church, Tuba City, Arizona 21. Navajo Nation Department of Veterans Services 22. Dilkon School District 23. Tuba City Unified School District. 24. Western Navajo Nation Food Policy Council 25. Navajo Nation Department of Workforce Development 26. Navajo Nation Food Policy Council. TARGET AUDIENCES: WNNBFR's target audience for efforts are Navajo Nation tribal members residing on the Navajo Nation reservation within 13 chapter communities located within the Western, Chinle and Fort Defiance Agencies. These community members are also Coconino and Navajo County citizens within the state of Arizona. The target audience are considered socially disadvantaged, Monolingual in the traditional Navajo language (mentor farmers), but many are bilingual and some of the younger generation (potential farmers) are now finding they are only English speaking. These producing farmers and potential farmers are of multi-generations, genders, and traditional or urban Indians taking a look into agriculture as a new or ongoing endeavor. NNTAO finds schools, Senior Centers and churches are the most welcoming of partners for outreach efforts. Targeted participants include elementary age school children to the elderly. NTAO focuses on the Western Navajo Nation area in Northern Arizona, i.e. Coconino, Navajo and occasionally Apache counties. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
WNNBF size of target beginning farmer audience: 60 Beginning Farmers and Ranchers is the grant target number. The WNNBFR has 114 participants enrolled for the 2nd year. 60 are potential beginning farmers/ranchers. They were identified and signed Memorandums of Understandings to participate in the WNNBFR program. 20 producing farmers/ranchers were identified for participation and also signed MOUs as mentors. c. Year 2- 20 d. Year 3- NA 5. Of those who complete a Workshop & training program: The WNNBFR program had workshop participants complete assessments (94 for the year). 90 percent of workshop participants responded workshops offered new and relevant information. 100 percent of workshop participants responded positively to program services and WNNBFR staff have experienced positive attitudes in participants and community members that take part in program services. Attendance of workshops has continued to increase overtime and community knowledge of WNNBFR is evident in requests from community agencies to participate as a partner and collaborator of events and programs. The WNNBFR program is still ascertaining the percentage of planned change in behaviors in program participants. At this time 100 percent of participants are engaging in positive behavior. 100 percent of potential beginning farmers/ranchers have plans to start farming/ranching in the future. 100 percent of participants appreciate the value of farming/ranching and are dedicated to traditional and sustainable agriculture. 6. One-year after those who completed a workshop and training program: WNNBFR did not attempt to collect this data. However all clients are continuing and will be given a questionnaire to ascertain these changes. 7. Two-years after those who completed a workshop & training program: N/A, WNNBFR just completed second year. 8. Three years after those completed a workshop & training program: N/A, WNNBFR just completed the second year.
Publications
- February 2011 www.navajohopiobserver.com/m/Articles.aspxArticleID=13310
- April 2011 www.navajohopiobserver.com/main.aspSectionID=74...114...13501
- May 2011 www.navajohopiobserver.com/main.aspSectionID=74...111...13572
- June 2011 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/06/back-to-the-earth-f ood-movement-leads-to-more-healthful-diets/
- August 2011 Tanya Denckla Cobb; Reclaiming Our Food: How the Grassroots Food Movement Is Changing the Way We Eat (pub 2011).
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The program is located on the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona. Clients reside within a remote and economically depressed area, the undeveloped environment and lack of infrastructure adds to the challenges facing beginning farmers/ranchers. WNNBFR is working to teach ancestral traditional ways and introduce participants to farming or ranching as a lifeway. WNNBFR leads participants through training to create a business/career in agriculture. This first grant year WNNBFR worked with13 Chapter regions youth and members interested in agriculture through direct AG training, materials, plowing and networking. WNNBFR conducted 2 Roundtables (120 participants), 2 conferences (160 participants) a minimum of 280 client participants as well as weekly classes in either technology, business or introductory workshops on farming and ranching to 1000 plus participants. Activity Measures: The program produced 6 newsletters over the 12 month period. Workshop & related event flyers/brochures: The program produced 76 workshops with flyers and posters over the 12 month period. WNNBFR also utilized a threefold brochure to describe program mission, goals, funding sources and contact information. WNNBFR organized 4mentor farmer/rancher visits for clients that included daylong site visits and hands on learning. The program produced presentations, roundtable discussions, and workshops highlighting expert presenters engaging clients in hands on activities. WNNBFR also participated in a documentary produced by John Hopkins University Center for American Indian Health that provided one on one interviews pertaining to cultural preservation in the agricultural field to address health issues of American Indians. The program has maintained a website to provide information on programs, services, calendar of upcoming events, partner links, photos, articles and media press releases of program activities. (www.navajofarms.org) The program has 4 articles published this first year in the local paper and in the Navajo times. 1 additional article was published in a university newspaper. The program produced all workshops face to face. Due to limited technology infrastructure, language, and sensitivity to cultural appropriateness, education in person workshops were the most effective. The program did 3internet based workshops, no self study courses or college credit workshops. 100% of participants are socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 100% of participants are limited resource either in technological, educational, familial, bureaucratic and natural resources. Participants are not farm workers, however live on potential farming land on the Navajo reservation. 50% of participants are women, participants sign up as couples or due to the Navajo being a matrilineal society many Grazing Permit holders are women. Roughly 5% of participants are Grazing, Farm, Land permit holders, yet 25% are currently farming or ranching. Non-farming/ranching participants have childhood and family ties to farming or ranching. This makes potential return to agriculture highly likely. 70% are farming or ranching less than one year, or do not farm/ranch currently. PARTICIPANTS: WNNBFR staff are 4 traditional Navajo locals of varying ages and educational background. All are bilingual,fluent in Navajo, and culturally sensitive to the target groups history and challenges. Participants of partner organizations were a diverse group consisting of knowledgeable traditional elders to Doctorate Professors from accredited universities within the United States. WNNBFR worked with partner organizations within our vast geographic land area for proper outreach to take place. Communication and our support network are a vital part of the resources WNNBFR provides to clients and the greater communities in the Western Navajo Nation. NNTAO networks with these collaborators and contacts: 1. Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture 2. Navajo Nation Department of Natural Resources 3. Taos County Economic Development Corporation 4. University of Minnesota/Center for Financial Management 5. The Navajo Nation Church of the Nazarene, Dilkon, Arizona 6. United States Department of Agriculture, branch offices in Coconino County and Navajo County 7. Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation and Environmental Health 8. Native Movement, Inc. 9. Hard Rock Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. 10. Navajo Nation Program for Self Reliance (NNTANF). 11. University of Arizona 12. Navajo Nation Department of Special Diabetes 13. John Hopkins University Research Centers 14. Dine Southwest High School 15. Greyhills Academy High School 16. Coconino County Libraries 17. National Relief Charities 18. Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development 19. Southwest Marketing Network 20. St. Judes Catholic Church, Tuba City, Arizona 21. Navajo Nation Department of Veterans Services 22. Dilkon School District 23. Tuba City Unified School District. 24. Navajo Nation Food Policy Council 25. Navajo Nation Department of Workforce Development TARGET AUDIENCES: WNNBFR's target audience for efforts are Navajo Nation tribal members residing on the Navajo Nation reservation within 13 chapter communities located within the Western, Chinle and Fort Defiance Agencies. These community members are also Coconino and Navajo County citizens within the state of Arizona. The target audience are considered socially disadvantaged, Monolingual in the traditional Navajo language (mentor farmers), but many are bilingual and some of the younger generation (potential farmers) are now finding they are only English speaking. These producing farmers and potential farmers are of multi-generations, genders, and traditional or urban Indians taking a look into agriculture as a new or ongoing endeavor. NNTAO finds schools, Senior Centers and churches are the most welcoming of partners for outreach efforts. Targeted participants include elementary age school children to the elderly. NTAO focuses on the Western Navajo Nation area in Northern Arizona, i.e. Coconino, Navajo and occasionally Apache counties. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Outcomes: 4. WNNBF size of target beginning farmer audience: 60 Beginning Farmers and Ranchers is the grant target number. The WNNBFR has 70 participants enrolled for the 1st year. 50 are potential beginning farmers/ranchers. They were identified and signed Memorandums of Understandings to participate in the WNNBFR program. 20 producing farmers/ranchers were identified for participation and also signed MOUs as mentors. c. Year 2- NA d. Year 3- NA 5. Of those who complete a Workshop & training program: The WNNBFR program had workshop participants complete assessments and asked for information on farming activities. 70% of WNNBFR participants are farming or ranching less than one year, or do not farm/ranch currently. 90% of workshop participants responded workshops offered new and relevant information. 100% of workshop participants responded positively to program services and WNNBFR staff have experienced positive attitudes in participants and community members that take part in program services. Attendance of workshops has continued to increase overtime and community knowledge of WNNBFR is evident in requests from community agencies to participate as a partner and collaborator of events and programs. The WNNBFR program is still ascertaining the percentage of planned change in behaviors in program participants. At this time 100% of participants are engaging in positive behavior. 100% of potential beginning farmers/ranchers have plan to start farming/ranching in the future. One young man, Mr. Al Yazzie, started immediately and was so successful he was selected by a partner agency, John Hopkins University, to represent young traditional farmers from the Navajo Nation to attend JHU's annual conference in New York City in December 2010. 100% of participants appreciate the value of farming/ranching and are dedicated to traditional and sustainable agriculture. 6. One-year after those who completed a workshop and training program: WNNBFR did not attempt to collect this data. However all clients are continuing and will be given a questionnaire to ascertain these changes. 7. Two-years after those who completed a workshop & training program: N/A, WNNBFR just completed first year. 8. Three years after those completed a workshop & training program: N/A, WNNBFR just completed first year.
Publications
- In March 2010 Lead Coordinator, Jamescita Peshlakai and Mentor Farmer, RoseMarie Williams travelled to the National Women in Agriculture Conference in Washington DC and participated in two additional presentations in Virginia that were published in university and local newspapers.
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