Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12
Outputs
Target Audience:The goal of Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program (SFOT&TAP) is to enhance the viability and profitability of small farmers and ranchers in rural Eastern Mississippi by providing information on federal and state agricultural programs; technical and managerial assistance and to encourage small and limited resource farmers to own and operate farms and ranches. Therefore, in 2009 WCSHC partnered with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agencies, Land Grant Universities and other local agencies to address the needs of small farmers and ranchers in the targeted areas. Hence, a series of educational conferences, field days, rallies, on-hand training workshops and radio talk shows were conducted for program participants. The goal of the events was to help increase their overall farm income, maintain ownership, and enhance their farms and ranches operation thereby improving their quality of life. Thus, between 2009 and 2012 WCSHC project staff and USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conducted fifteen (15) workshops/outreach meetings. Specialists from Alcorn State, Mississippi State and WCSHC staff conducted vegetable production and livestock management workshops for over a thousand small farmers and ranchers on sustainable crop and livestock production practices. There were a total of eight (8) farm field days and farm tours held on designated demonstration sites within the targeted areas. The field days and tours exposed farmers to latest technology in regards to agricultural production practices. Additionally, WCSHC rented forty (40) acres of land to be used for hands-on demonstration site for land grazing and other conservation initiatives. Two (2) farm field days was conducted on this site to educate small farmers and ranchers on the importance of rotational grazing and ] land management. Small farmers/ranchers were enable to gain a wealth of hands-on experiences in crop and livestock production; forestry and land management; harvesting and marketing of alternative crops and value-added of fruits and vegetables at the field days. WCSHC Staff provided other assistance to small farmers and ranchers which included credit counseling, market development, land and equipment purchases and estate planning. The WCSHC project staff-Agribusiness Consultants also provided one-on-one farm visits to assist program participants with record-keeping, land and soil preparation, development of farm business plans, completion of loan applications, crop and livestock production, marketing and whole farm planning. In 2010 the project launched its on-line Farmer's Market Bulletin (www.wcshc.com/fmb.). The market bulletin highlights small producers in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana who generates income from alternative crops and livestock sales. This web based marketing opportunity allowed small farmers/ranchers an opportunity to sell their products through the internet. It also gave customers an opportunity to spend their dollars with local farmers/ranchers to create sustainability in rural communities. In 2011 the program hosted six (6) online talk show radio programs. The programs aired every Monday@www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica. These radio talk shows allowed USDA Officials, Extension ]'s to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers and natural resources enthusiasts. Thus, within 2009 to 2012 WCSHC hosted three (3) Saving Rural America and Youth Conferences. The conferences focused on educating small farmers and ranchers of USDA Programs availability, improving farm management practices and increasing farm income possibilities. Approximately twelve hundred (1200) small farmers, ranchers and youth were in attendance. The program also piloted one (1) Saving Rural America Rally. The goal for the rally was to engage farmers, consumers, service providers, stake holders, extension staff to communicate, share ideas, collaborate and to disseminate credible information to rural America which will assist in engaging in sustainable production practices. Changes/Problems:Results from the training workshops on sustainable crop and animal production practices indicated that 65% changed farming/land management practices; 70% developed farm plans; 35% changed in marketing practices; 60% changed in business practice such as keeping farm records and 90% planned to continue farming. The on-line Farmer's Market Bulletin (www.wcshc.com/fmb.) assisted in promoting small producers in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Thus, this web based marketing opportunity provided small farmers/ranchers the opportunity to sell their products through the internet. The online talk show radio programs also provided the opportunity for USDA Officials, Extension and NGO's to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers and natural resources enthusiasts. [TT1] Finally, the project three (3) Saving Rural America and Youth Conferences and one (1) Saving Rural America Rally allowed farmers, consumers, federal and states agricultural agencies, extension staff to communicate, share ideas, collaborate and disseminate credible information to rural America which will assist them in their overall farm operations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?NEWS ARTICLES, WEBSITES, TOWN HALL MEETINGS, FARM VISITS, ETC What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project staff worked directly with program participants through one-on-one meetings to assist in preparation of acceptable loan applications for submission to USDA FSA and local lending institutions. This included farm operating loans, farm ownership and youth loans. A total of fifty two (52) loans were approved totaling two million six hundred seventy thousand dollars ($2,670,000) during the grant operating period. Results from the series of USDA Program Awareness Workshops indicated that there was a 15% increase in participation in USDA Programs. Nineteen (19) program participants were able to take advantage of NRCS Cost Share Programs, whereas, fourteen (14) small farmers and ranchers received cost share assistance for fence repairs and pasture maintenance and five (5) was able to obtain irrigation systems. Additionally, twenty five (25) youths participated in the agriculture youth mentor program. As a result of the mentor training program, five (5) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment and three (3) youth were awarded scholarships to Alcorn State University to major in Agriculture.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
Target Audience:Outputs The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) East Central Mississippi Small Farms Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program began its third year of the project on September 1, 2011. WCSHC partnered with Land Grant Institutions, USDA Offices and other local and state organizations to identify, educate and provide technical and managerial training to small farmers and ranchers in targeted areas. Training included workshops, field days, educational classes and one-on-one farm visits. Training consisted of livestock and crop production, forestry and land management, financial and farm business management, credit counseling, estate planning, record- keeping, year-end analysis and whole farm planning. Over seven hundred and eight (708) small farmers and ranchers participated in these training sessions. WCSHC Outreach and Assistance Program conducted twelve (12) outreach meetings/workshops. Six (6)of those meetings/workshops main objective were to inform small farmers/ranchers in East Mississippi of the varieties of Programs offered through the USDA that could enhance their farm operations and increase farm income. Our program staff worked closely with NRCS, FSA, RD, and other partners to conduct those informational meetings/workshops. Approximately three hundred and fifty (350) small farmers/ ranchers and public citizens were in attendance. Six (6) additional meetings/workshops were conducted which included vegetable production, development of farmer's markets, harvesting and marketing of alternative enterprises, credit counseling, estate planning and forestry management. Approximately six hundred and forty (640) small farmers/ ranchers and others were in attendance. Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted two hundred and twenty-one (221) one-on-one farm visits to small farmers/ ranchers in targeted counties. Program participants were advised on record keeping, farm business finance/management, fall crop / livestock production, land preparation and marketing of alternative enterprises. WCSHC Outreach and Assistance Program hosted six (6) talk show radio programs. These shows allowed USDA Officials, Extension, and non-profit organizations personnel to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers, and natural resources enthusiasts. WCSHC's radio program listening audience is targeted in the southeastern states with exponential growth throughout the United States. Visit us online every Monday at 6:00 pm CST @ www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica or call 323-580-5735 to speak to the host[TT1]. The WCSHC's Outreach and Assistance Training Program Staff partnered with the Wayne County Self Help Organization located in Waynesboro, MS to host a series of workshops and educational programs for the organization members and other small farmers and ranchers in the surrounding counties. As results, Wayne County Self Help Organization held its first small farm conference. Speakers included representatives from USDA, Land Grant Institutions, farmers and ranchers and other local and state representatives. Approximately two hundred (200) individuals were in attendance. WCSHC sponsored two (2) SAVING RURAL AMERICA & YOUTH CONFERENCES. Theme: Building Healthy Communities through Healthy Food. Approximately four hundred and sixty (460) small farmers/ranchers were in attendance. WCSHC also provides information to small farmers/ranchers through its monthly newsletters, which include USDA programs, crop production, extension upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters at the website www.wcshc.com. Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted three hundred and twenty (320) one-on-one farm visits, whereas small farmers/ranchers were provided assistance on crops and seed selections; crop/livestock production; IPM and cultural practices; whole farm planning and risk management. There was a total of eight (8) farm field days and farm tours held on designated demonstration sites within our targeted areas. Small farmers/ranchers were able to gain a wealth of hands-on experiences in crop and livestock production; forestry and land management; harvesting and marketing of alternative crops and value-added of fruits and vegetables. WCSHC Outreach and Assistance Program piloted one (1) Saving Rural America Rallies. The goal for the rally was to engage farmers, consumers, service providers, stakeholders, extension and other continents raise awareness of teamwork and to disseminate credible information to rural America which will propel end user to develop successful farm enterprises. The rally took place at the Florida Paris Arena in Amite City, LA and ended at Robert Robinson's Farm at 353 Greenwich Drive in Brookhaven, MS. On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, rallies began at the Extension Office Auditorium in Grenada, MS and ended at the Tractor Supply Company in Batesville, MS. Approximately three hundred and thirty (330) small farmers/ranchers, USDA Officials, state and local officials, extension personnel's, consumers and others continents attended these rallies. [TT1]Should you omit this portion? Changes/Problems:At fiscal year- end 2012 an evaluation plan was implemented to establish the overall effectiveness and quality of outreach activities conducted by the Winston County Self Help Cooperative SFOT&TAP to increase farm income and improve the quality of life of one hundred and nine (109) small farmers / ranchers located in East Central Mississippi. Evaluation methods for the third year of the project included, written and verbal surveys at the end of each event; interviews post-events; yearly business assessment; and follow-up face-to-face technical assistance. Findings indicated 75% had a change in knowledge of operating a farm; 85% had a change in attitude; 75% had a change in behavior/approach and 90% planned to continue farming. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?News letters, pamphlets brochures, conferences, townhall meetings, farm visits. etc What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Outcomes WCSHC's Agribusiness Management Specialists (Allen McReynolds, and Ronald Spears) worked closely with Farm Service Agency and other lending institutions in assisting small farmers and ranchers in obtaining financing for their farm operations. A series of training sessions was conducted to assist small farmers and ranchers with the completion of farm loan applications. A total of 19 farm loan applications were submitted which included loans for farm operating, farm ownership, and youth loans. A total of 16 were approved totaling over an amount of one million and three hundred thousand dollars ($1,300.00). Approximately twenty-one (21) small farmers and ranchers were able to receive financial assistance through NRCS with the construction of hoop houses, fencing, development of ponds, land grazing, and irrigation. There was a total of seven (7) farm field days and farm tours held on designated demonstration sites within our targeted areas. Small farmers/ranchers were able to gain a wealth of hands-on experiences in crop and livestock production; forestry and land management; harvesting and marketing of alternative crops and value-added of fruits and vegetables. Agribusiness Management Specialists assisted forty-two (42) small farmers with the planting, production, marketing, and value-added of alternative crops. Approximately two hundred and ten (210) acres of vegetable crops were being grown and harvested by program participants. These alternative crops include greens, watermelons, sweet corn, okra, peas and others. Several market outlets were identified for program participants to sale their produce. These outlets included farmer's markets, roadside stands, and local supermarkets.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
marketing bulletin
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: On September 1, 2010 The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program (SFOT&TAP) began its second year of providing major support to one hundred and five (105) small farmers/ranchers in rural East Central Mississippi. WCSHC main thrust is to ensure small farmers/ranchers received the education and training necessary to compete in today's agriculture arena. WCSHC and its partners which include (USDA State Agencies, Land Grant Institutions, Extension Services and other organizations) conducted numerous of outreach educational and training programs. These programs were designed to empower small farmers/ranchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt changes in their farm operations, increase farm income and become more sustainable. Our outreach staff along with USDA Representatives held ten (10) Program Awareness Workshops. These events were developed to promote USDA Programs and Services and increase participation among small farmers/ranchers in our targeted areas. WCSHC Outreach Staff along with assistance from Alcorn State and Mississippi State University's Extension Staff conducted fourteen (14) educational workshops for programs participants which included credit counseling; record-keeping; business and financial management; estate planning and land loss prevention. There were a total of eight (8) farm field days and farm tours held on designated demonstration sites within our targeted areas. Small farmers/ranchers were able to gain a wealth of hands-on experiences in crop and livestock production; forestry and land management; harvesting and marketing of alternative crops and value-added of fruits and vegetables. Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted seven hundred and forty (740) one-on-one farm visits, whereas small farmers/ranchers were provided assistance on crops and seed selections; crop/livestock production; IPM and cultural practices; whole farm planning and risk management. WCSHC SFOT&TAP launched its on-line Farmer's Market Bulletin. The market bulletin highlights small producers in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana who generates income from alternative crops and livestock sales. This marketing strategy allowed small farmers/ranchers an opportunity to sell their products through the internet. It also gave customers an opportunity to spend their dollars with local farmers/ranchers to create sustainability in rural communities. Please visit our website at www.wcshc.com/fmb. WCSHC sponsored two (2) SAVING RURAL AMERICA & YOUTH CONFERENCES. One was held on February 25 & 26, 2011 at the Louisville Coliseum in Louisville MS. Theme: Building Healthy Communities through Healthy Food. Approximately three hundred and ten (310) small farmers/ranchers were in attendance. The second conference was held on April 9, 2011 in Wayneboro, MS. Approximately one hundred and thirty (130) small farmers/ranchers were in attendance. WCSHC also provides information to small farmers/ranchers through its monthly newsletters which include USDA Programs, crop production, extension upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters at the website www.wcshc.com. PARTICIPANTS: To maximize the overall effectiveness of the SFOT&TAP, Winston County Self Help Cooperative collaborated with a vast number of organizations. The program worked closely with USDA Agencies, Alcorn State and Mississippi State University's Extension Services, Federation of Southern Cooperatives and other state and local organizations to provide educational training and managerial assistance to small farmers and ranchers in Eastern Mississippi. NRCS Officials conducted program awareness workshops and co-sponsored field days and farm demonstrations for program participants. FSA provided financial assistance to help small farmers and ranchers obtain farm loans to purchase land, livestock, equipment and general operating cost. RD assisted farm families with credit counseling and conducted workshops on affordable housing. Extension Personals conducted educational and training workshops on business and financial management; vegetable and livestock production; land management; whole farm planning and record keeping. The Mississippi Forestry Commission donated seedlings and small trees to land owners to increase their farm income through forestry production. The Federation of Southern Cooperative assisted with the establishing of farmer's markets and also conducted cooperative development training. Contact Frank Taylor Project Director Winston County Self Help Cooperative P.O.Box 774 Louisville, MS 39339 Phone: 662-779-2400 Email: winstoncshc@att.net TARGET AUDIENCES: At fiscal year- end 2011 an evaluation plan was implemented to establish the overall effectiveness and quality of outreach activities conducted by the Winston County Self Help Cooperative SFOT&TAP to increase farm income and improve the quality of life of one hundred and five (105) small farmers / ranchers located in East Central Mississippi. Evaluation methods for the second year of the project included, written and verbal surveys at the end of each event; interviews post-events; yearly business assessment; and follow-up face-to face technical assistance. Findings indicated 70% had a change in knowledge of operating a farm; 85% had a change in attitude; 75% had a change in behavior/approach and 90% planned to continue farming. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
During the course of the year, program participants received ongoing intensive educational training, technical assistance and managerial developmental skills. This was accomplished through workshops, field-days, face-to-face meetings and other training methods to increase the sustainability of small farmers / ranchers in target areas. Results of those who participated in the program after two years indicated that 65% changed farming/land management practices; 70% developed farm plans; 35% changed in marketing practices; 60% changed in business practices. Results from our financial management and credit counseling courses indicates that twelve (12) program participants applied for farm operating loans, eight (8) loans were approved totaling over six hundred and thirty thousand dollars ($630,000). Four (4) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment. Program participants participated in a series of USDA Program Awareness Workshops, sixteen (16) small farmers/ranchers were able to take advantage of NRCS Cost Share Programs, one (1) received funding to construct a hoop house, eight (8) received assistance for fence repairs and pasture maintenance and seven (7) were able to obtain irrigation or some other type of water system. WCSHC and its partners conducted numerous livestock production and management training workshops for program participants. Six (6) small farmers/ranchers were each given five (5) bred cows to enlarge their farm operations. Forty (40) acres of land was also available for use to those who did not own or lease land. Due to an overwhelming number of requests from small farmers/ranchers outside our targeted areas, WCSHC SFOT&TAP received additional funding from USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach in the amount of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to extend our program to an additional twelve (12) counties located within East Mississippi and West Alabama.
Publications
- Taylor, F. 2011. The Greensboro Echo. Quarterly. Provides information to small farmers/ranchers and program participants through its quarterly newsletters which include USDA Programs, crop / livestock production, extension services activities, upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters @ www.wcshc.com/.
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) initiated its Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program (SFOT&TAP) on September 1, 2009. The main goal of the program is to enhance the viability and profitability of small farmers and ranchers in rural Eastern Mississippi by providing technical and managerial assistance to our targeted audience. At the start of the program our targeted audience consisted of seventy five (75) small farmers and ranchers who owned or leased land for agricultural production. WCSHC partnered with USDA Agencies, Land Grant Universities and other local agencies to address the needs of small farmers and ranchers in our targeted areas. A series of educational and training workshops were conducted to program participants to help increase their overall farm income and improve their quality of life. WCSHC and its partners conducted fifteen (15) USDA Program Availability Workshops, seven (7) vegetable production workshops and three (3) livestock management workshops. WCSHC Staff provided other assistance to small farmers and ranchers which included credit counseling, market development, land and equipment purchases and estate planning. Agribusiness Consultants conducted six hundred and twenty (620) one-on-one farm visits to assist program participants with record-keeping, land and soil preparation, development of farm business plans, completion of loan applications, crop and livestock production, marketing and whole farm planning. WCSHC staff developed a wide array of materials that small farmers and ranchers could utilize to help increase their participation in USDA and other programs that would enhance their farm operations and become more sustainable. The most effective materials created were the WCSHC Quarterly Newsletters, informational brochures and promotional flyers. WCSHC hosted a Saving Rural America and Youth Conference which was held in Louisville, Mississippi. The conference focused on educating small farmers and ranchers of USDA Programs availability, improving farm management practices and increasing farm income. Approximately three hundred and ten (310) small farmers, ranchers and youth were in attendance. WCSHC, Mississippi Forestry Commissioner Personals and Natural Resources Conservation Personals conducted two (2) on farm demonstrations. Small farmers and ranchers in attendance received information and training on establishing new enterprises and production methods to improve productivity and reduce cost to be more efficient with their farm operations. WCSHC rented forty (40) acres of land to be used as a demonstration site for land grazing and other conservation initiatives. Two (2) farm field days was conducted on this site to educate small farmers and ranchers on the important of rotational grazing and better land management. PARTICIPANTS: The Project Director was responsible for the overall administration and implementation of the Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program. The Associate Project Director was responsible for the day to day supervision of all Agricultural Business Management Specialists and the overall implementation of all field programs. The Farm Management Specialist was responsible for the implementation of the Program at the county level. Two (2) Farm Management Specialists were employed. The WCSHC worked closely with Alcorn State University, USDA, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund and other agencies as needed in identifying small farmers and ranchers within the state. A promotional program was conducted statewide, utilizing publications, leaflets, videotapes and other available media to make small farmers and ranchers aware of programs and services available through these agencies. WCSHC is a member of the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives; National Wildlife Federation; National Network of Private Forest Landowners and National Network of Forest Practitioners; additionally, the cooperative also has positive working relationships with- Federal, State, and County Agencies, 1890 & 1862 Universities, Churches, Foundations and other nongovernmental organizations. WCSHC utilized the best possible resources necessary to provide educational and training to its program participants. TARGET AUDIENCES: The number of Black operated farms declined from a high of 100,000 in 1950 to about 12,000 today, and each year more limited resource farmers and ranchers stop production. The average farm income in targeted areas is approximately $29,000. For the limited resource small farmers and ranchers that number is reduced to approximately $14,000. There are approximately 1,500 small farmers and ranchers in Eastern Mississippi. The selected counties have high concentration of small and limited resource farmers and ranchers. Additionally, the unemployment rate has hover around 15 percent with a predictable increase with continuing job lost. WCSHC assisted one hundred and fifty (150) small farmers and ranchers to expand, promote and improve their farm income. Counties targeted for services have not been included in previous outreach program; therefore, these counties are prime areas to provide technical and managerial assistance. All of our targeted counties contain incidences of high unemployment, low per capita personal income levels as compared to the national median household income. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
After one year of operation WCSHC SFOT&TAP surveyed seventy five (75) program participants. Findings indicated 65% had a change in knowledge; 70% had a change in attitude; 75% had a change in behavior/ approach. During the course of a year, program participants received ongoing educational training and technical / managerial assistance. This was accomplished through workshops, field-days, face-to-face meetings and other training methods to increase the sustainability and profitability of small farmers and ranchers in target areas. Results of those who participated in the program after one year indicated that 45% has a change in farm/ land management practices; 64% developed farm plans; 35% changed in marketing practices; 40% changed business practices; 95% of program participants still operate their farm and 5% have discontinued farming. Results from our financial and business workshops indicated that there was an overall increase of 8% farm income for program participants. Results from our credit counseling courses indicated that thirteen (13) program participants applied for farm operating loans and that ten (10) loans were approved totaling over ($740,000). Program participants participated in a series of USDA Program Awareness Workshops. Results of those workshops show that there was a 15% increase in participation in USDA Programs. Nineteen (19) program participants were able to take advantage of NRCS Cost Share Programs, whereas, fourteen (14) small farmers and ranchers received cost share assistance for fence repairs and pasture maintenance and five (5) was able to obtain irrigation systems. WCSHC Youth Group consists of sixty five (65) youth, ages ranged from ten (10) to eighteen (18) years old. Twenty five (25) youth participated in our agriculture youth mentor program. As a result of the mentor training program, five (5) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment and three (3) youth were awarded scholarships from Alcorn State University to major in Agriculture. The WCSHC SFOT&TAP received requests from three other counties outside our target area to provide technical and managerial assistance to their small farmers and ranchers. Approximately thirty six (36) small farmers and ranchers were identified. These farmers will be included in our next year plan of work.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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