Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary target audience for this project is beginning farmers. Also targeted are those wanting to farm, and established farms interested in adding another generation to their operation or passing their land/business along to a new generation. Of the participants this year, 52 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 248 qualified as limited resource; 240 were identified as a farm workers; 20 were veterans; and 636 were female. Changes/Problems: No major changes or problems were encountered during this reporting period. Our beginning farmer network is continuing to surge in number and interest, and it is crucial we continue to offer services to this group of farmers. Their needs and interests are vast, and they need a lot of support to create viable businesses. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One staff attended a social media training and improved outreach for the program after this training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through news releases, social media, websites, radio and print news publication, brochures, Practical Farmers' blog, Facebook and Twitter. Numbers for these items are detailed under 'Other Products.' What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This past year, Practical Farmers of Iowa had 2069 attend beginning farmer events, Grow Your Small Market Farm had16 enrolled in their rigorous business planning course, Women, Food and Agriculture Network had 48 attend beginning farmer/landowner events, and Iowa Valley RC&D had 107 attend events. Practical Farmers of Iowa held six beginning farmer field days, twenty-one farminars (webinars), one overnight retreat, two networking events, eight workshops and two on-site demonstrations. Practical Farmers facilitated four trainees for trainer farms, eight land matches for beginning farmers, and twenty-five mentorships. PFI events focused on production and business planning needs identified by beginning farmers. Women, Food and Ag Network held four learning circles to bring together women landowners and beginning farmers. Iowa Valley RC&D held four classroom trainings, two field days and one networking event. Grow Your Small Market Farm held 13 business planning classes. Of those who attended events this past year, 14.8% plan to start farming and 72.2% are farming and continue to do so. Nobody reported they plan to stop farming. 98.8% responded they had a change in knowledge as a result of attending: they rated the change in knowledge on average as 3.48 out of 5, 1 being none and 5 being a great deal. Attendees also rated effectiveness of presentations as 4.2 out of 5, 5 being very effective. As a result of participating in beginning farmer programming, 250 report they plan to start farming, and 1050 reported they plan to coninue. 62.3% of beginners reported they changed farming/land management practices as a result of participation, and 53.7% reported they changed marketing practices as a result of participation. Here are some responses when asked if participating in beginning farmer programming helped them: Oh my yes. I don't know if I'd be starting out on my own if I hadn't been introduced to PFI and all the other young people entering farming. Just meeting and talking to others like myself who didn't study it in college or grow up on a farm, but who are making this life and career work for themselves made me feel like I could do it, too. Also meeting the older generation of growers who paved the way for us in educating their communities, pooling their production knowledge, and coming together to highlight how the next generation can be more successful with marketing, record keeping and more of an emphasis on seeing a farm as a farm business. I have felt so supported by all of the more experienced growers I've met through PFI. Practical Farmers of Iowa has allowed me to see available land which is very hard to come by anymore. PFI has provided great topics of discussion to instigate thought into the direction of the family farm. I have been able to increase my skills with rotational grazing management and grass management. From what I've learned on PFI field days and events, the biggest help was the mentoring from PFI members Dan and Bonnie Beard during my SIP program. Their help really helped me move forward. Also invaluable was the help from Marc Strobbe and others on getting a business plan together and making it work. Shown possibilities for certain avenues I may take my farm. Letting me know I am not alone, others care about the quality of life I do and are battling the same obsticales. To network and see that I'm not the only one in the same shoes!!! Connected me with peers going through similar decision-making, reminds me I'm not alone! Yes in many ways. Yes, by helping me get in contact with farmers who are doing similar things and are willing to share their expertise; field days are very helpful; I've also gotten a lot of good advice from PFI staff Yes. we've been to several places to learn and also watch farminars when able. You do and teach a lot of what we need to learn. Yes. In farming it seemed to be a closed group of people and if you were not in the circle, no one seemed to want to help or give advice, but with PFI I feel that the whole purpose is to share knowledge thus eliminating some of my mistakes. I am really happy that there is a group dedicated to the sharing of farming information. PFI has given me so much knowledge and confidence to be a better farmer Provides access to people and educational activities that would be difficult to experience on ones own, especially on a local basis. Gave us resources in transitioning the family farm to us. PFI has provided many opportunities for me as a farmer to gain in knowledge that is applicable and can improve our farming operation. I am confident that my internship through PFI will be a tremendous help if my wife and I are blessed with the opportunity to start our own operation. I am learning about production methods, marketing, pricing, and finding ways to meet product demand. The accountability to complete business plan has been incredible I feel like a high percentage of your Farminars provide something that I can use. Yes, I learned good advice with planting cover crops and navigating the government programs. As a beginning farmer I knew nothing about all the rules and regulations in the USDA. Yes, the farminars are informative and energizing! Yes, it has given me ideas regarding how to start farming and resources to plan effectively for beginning a farming enterprise. YES. Given m knowledge and courage to get out and get going on my dream. Yes, I have learned a lot of useful things from field days, annual conference, and farminars. 1. Meeting and getting to know other young beginning farmers. Talking to them about challenges, production systems, marketing, etc. Support and inspiration from this community. 2. Savings Incentive Program - mentorship, savings match, incentives to complete business plan. Joining really pushed me in the direction of starting my own farm after working for another farm for several years. 3. Asking questions on the listserve or learning from posts on the listserve 4. Seeing examples of other farms through field days, farm visits facilitated by PFI connections 5. Finding equipment and supplies through PFI connections - straw, onions starts, garlic, tiller, etc. Yes - the farminars are helpful with current and accurate information With the SIP program and the mentorship, the learning potential is limitless. Networking with others who raise the same products to learn both the good and the bad. Absolutely. Especially in motivation, self-confidence. and knowledge about alternative farming. Yes. I watch as many webinars as I can though so don't remember which were which. Certainly pricing, crop scheduling, etc. Yes. I have a NRCS hoop because of info I received from you and use the info from your farminars daily. I LOVE the farminars and especially since I can rewatch them and make notes. Being able to obtain information and ideas from the farminars, the quarterly magazine and the yearly conference. Since we live outside of Iowa we aren't able to attend field days but really wish we could. The primary reason I decided to join PFI was to learn about incorporating cover crops into my corn/soybean crop rotation. I was also curious about grazing the cover crop with my cattle. I have decided after attending a field day this Spring to try seeding a cover crop on the ground I own this fall. You've given me ideas and confidence that some of my ideas WILL work if I can get them started. There seem to be a lot of young and beginning farmers who are doing the same things I am. Its good to have a support group or at least know of others working towards the same goals. Most others are very helpful and generous with questions and information. Yes, I have been exposed to others who have gone through what I plan to do and they give advice. The conferences are very useful for this. In addition, the conferences bring in experts on topics. They are helping me develop a business plan
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Jones, Tamsyn. Fall 2012. The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Jones, Tamsyn, Winter 2013 The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Jones, Tamsyn, Spring 2013 The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Jones, Tamsyn, Summer 2013 The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
|
Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary target audience for this project is beginning farmers. Also targeted are those wanting to farm, and established farms interested in adding another generation to their operation or passing their land/business along to a new generation. Of participants in year one, 570 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 378 qualified as limited resource; 1 was identified as a farm worker; 569 were female; 819 were currently farming; and 100 were farming/ranching less than one year. Of participants in year two, 47 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 248 qualified as limited resource; 299 were identified as a farm workers; 594 were female; 863 were currently farming; and 279 were farming/ranching less than one year. Of participants in year three, 52 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 248 qualified as limited resource; 240 were identified as farm workers; 20 were veterans; and 636 were female. Changes/Problems: There were no major changes/problems in approach. Our beginning farmer network is continuing to surge in number and interest, and it is crucial we continue to offer services to this group of farmers. Their needs and interests are vast, and they need a lot of support to create viable businesses. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Social media and outreach training helped improve the outreach for this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through news releases, social media, websites, radio and print news publication, brochures, Practical Farmers' blog, Facebook and Twitter. Numbers for these items are detailed under 'Other Products.' More than 750,000 were reached with informtion about beginning farmers in Iowa as well as educational events to help these beginners. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Practical Farmers of Iowa held 24 beginning farmer field days, 50 farminars (webinars), three overnight retreats, 7 networking events, 4 pasture walks, 19 workshops and two on-site demonstrations. Practical Farmers facilitated 7 trainees for trainer farms, 8land matches for beginning farmers, and 59 mentorships. PFI events focused on production and business planning needs identified by beginning farmers. Women, Food and Ag Network held 12 learning circles to bring together women landowners and beginning farmers. Iowa Valley RC&D held 15 classroom trainings, 2 field days and one networking event. Grow Your Small Market Farm held 39 business planning classes. Year 3: Of those who attended events this past year, 14.8% plan to start farming and 72.2% are farming and continue to do so. Nobody reported they plan to stop farming. 98.8% responded they had a change in knowledge as a result of attending: they rated the change in knowledge on average as 3.48 out of 5, 1 being none and 5 being a great deal. Attendees also rated effectiveness of presentations as 4.2 out of 5, 5 being very effective. As a result of participating in beginning farmer programming, 250 report they plan to start farming, and 1050 reported they plan to coninue. 62.3% of beginners reported they changed farming/land management practices as a result of participation, and 53.7% reported they changed marketing practices as a result of participation. Year 2: Field day outcomes: Season-long field day data is not yet calculated. Here is an sample of the impact these events have made: Labor Saving field day: 81.8% of attendees (100 total attendees) who filled out a survey reported that they plan to make farm changes due to attending, and 12.1% reported they might make changes. 66.7% of attendees reported that they have incorporated changes due to attending a past event. Retreat outcomes: For the enterprise budgeting session, on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being no change and 5 being great change, 16% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 28% reported 3, 40% reported 4, and 12% reported 5. For the managing paperwork session, 16% reported 1, 8% reported 2, 28% reported 3, 28% reported 4, and 16% reported 5. For the financial tables session, 4.2% reported 1, 8.3% reported 2, 29.3% reported 3, 33.3% reported 4, and 16.7% reported 5. For the employee management session, 8% reported 1, 8% reported 2, 32% reported 3, 12% reported 4, and 24% reported 5. 96% of participants who attended reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being absolutely, without a doubt, 4% reported 1, 12% reported 2, 44% reported 3, 12% reported 4, and 12% reported 5. 100% of those who attended reported a planned change in behavior/approach as result of participating. 33.6% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to start farming as result of participating. 66.7% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Farminar outcomes: 98.8% of those who watched a live farminar reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. 98.7% of participants who participated reported planning to change farming behavior/approach as a result of participating. 28.7% of those who participated reported planning to start farming as result of participating (67.1% who responded were already farming. 97% of those who participated reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Workshop outcomes: 71.4% of attendees to a workshop plan to make changes to their farming practices due to attending, with the remaining 28.6% considering making changes. Three land matches have been confirmed, and six land matches are pending between landowners and beginning farmers due to Practical Farmers’ Find a Farmer website. GYSMF outcomes: As a result of attending the class, 29% plan to start farming. One year after completing the program, 65% have created a farm plan. 65% have changed marketing practices, 80% have changed business practices, and 80% plan to continue participation in the program. Year 1: PFI Outcomes: Field day outcomes: As a result of attending PFI field days, 68.2% are considering changing farming practices. Next Generation Retreat outcomes: 100% 0f those who attended the retreat reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. For the legal structures session, on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being no change and 5 being great change, 4.5% reported 1, 9.1% reported 2, 22.7% reported 3, 36.4% reported 4, and 18.2% reported 5. For the marketing research session, 0% reported 1, 4.5% reported 2, 31.8% reported 3, 31.8% reported 4, and 22.7% reported 5. For the financial projections session, 0% reported 1, 4.8% reported 2, 23.8% reported 3, 38.1% reported 4, and 33.3% reported 5. For the practical farm bookkeeping session, 9.2% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 22.7% reported 3, 40.9% reported 4, and 27.3% reported 5. For the gauge if you are making a living farming session, 0% reported 1, 4.5% reported 2, 9.1% reported 3, 45.5% reported 4, and 40.9% reported 5. For the banking and loans session, 4.5% reported 1, 9.1% reported 2, 27.3% reported 3, 50% reported 4, and 9.1% reported 5. 100% of participants who attended the retreat reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being absolutely, without a doubt, 0% reported 1, 10.5% reported 2, 42.1% reported 3, 31.6% reported 4, and 15.8% reported 5. 100% of those who attended the retreat reported a planned change in behavior/approach as result of participating. 80% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to start farming as result of participating. 100% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 0% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 15.8% reported 3, 31.6% reported 4, and 15.8% reported 5. Farminar outcomes: 99.5% of those who watched a live farminar reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. 82.2% of participants who watched a live farminar reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. 38.6% of those who watched a live farminar reported planning to start farming as result of participating (57.9% who responded were already farming. 83.4% of those who watched a live farminar reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Workshop outcomes: Effectiveness of three workshops was rated at 4.5, 4.14, and 3.88 on a scale from one to five. IVRC&D: As a result of participating in IVRC&D events, 10 % of participlants anticipate changing farming\land management practices, 15% plan to develop a farm plan, 10% plan to start farming, 80% plan to change marketing practices, and 20% plan to change business practices. The beginnig farmer network of each partner has grown, bringing the network to 3500. Media exposure was secured for all outputs of the grant, resulting in exposure to more than 750,000. When asked if participating in beginning farmer programs helped them, here is one response: Oh my yes. I don't know if I'd be starting out on my own if I hadn't been introduced to PFI and all the other young people entering farming. Just meeting and talking to others like myself who didn't study it in college or grow up on a farm, but who are making this life and career work for themselves made me feel like I could do it, too. Also meeting the older generation of growers who paved the way for us in educating their communities, pooling their production knowledge, and coming together to highlight how the next generation can be more successful with marketing, record keeping and more of an emphasis on seeing a farm as a farm business. I have felt so supported by all of the more experienced growers I've met through PFI.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Event flyers and brochures: For this reporting period, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) created and disseminated 2800 annual conference brochures, 3500 field day guides, 280 retreat postcard invitations, 3000 beginning farmer brochures, and 64 Constant Contact email invitations to 1045 contacts. Grow Your Small Market Farm (GYSMF) created and disseminated 250 program brochures. Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (IVRC&D) created and disseminated five flyers. Women, Food, and Agriculture Network (WFAN) sent three letter invitations to unique groups of 400 people. Websites: Each participating organization posted event information on their website as well as those of their partners, for a sum of 48 websites. PFI posted information to promote beginning farmer events heavily on their website, www.practicalfarmers.org, as well as on websites of 20 partner organizations. PFI's Find a Farmer website, www.findafarmer.net, was also used by 315 beginning farmers and landowners to help access land and find a land renter or purchaser. GYSMF posted their relevant information on their website, www.growmarketfarm.com, as well on websites of 18 partner organizations. IVRC&D posted information on their website, http://www.iacorridor-localfood.org/beginningfarmers.htm, as well as six partner organizations. WFAN posted information on their website, www.wfan.org, plus websites of six partner organizations. Media exposure: Twenty-three news releases were sent during year one for this project. PFI created 19 news releases that were distributed to 300 media outlets. WFAN created three news releases that were sent to 95 media outlets. GYSMF created one news release that was sent to 25 media outlets. PFI staff and beginning farmers spoke on six radio shows about the BFRDP project, and WFAN spoke on two radio shows about the project. In addition, PFI conducted extensive social media through Facebook and Twitter. The PFI Facebook page fb.com/practicalfarmers has seen increased traffic, with 1349 likes during the grant period. Average Facebook reach is 323 daily, with a total reach of 132,295 over the report period. Practical Farmers posted 32 beginning farmer blog posts throughout the reporting period. The PFI blog received 50,595 hits during that period. Each of the four organizations shared information about their projects through 15 partner organization email listservs, reaching an audience of 2000. Number of workshops and training programs produced. Fifty face-to-face events occurred in this reporting period. PFI held 29 events (ten field days, four pasture walks, 11 conference workshops, three social meetings, one retreat). GYSMF held 13 workshops. IVRCD held five workshops. WFAN held three events. Internet-based: PFI held 17 webinars (dubbed farminars). Products: Each of the 17 farminars was made into an archived video as well as audio podcast, and are available at http://practicalfarmers.org/events/farminars.html. Business plan and financing resource guides were created and disseminated to beginning farmers, and are available at http://practicalfarmers.org/programs/resources-and-links.phpId=6. PARTICIPANTS: Project Director for this project is Teresa Opheim, executive director at PFI. She provides project oversight. Luke Gran, next generation coordinator at PFI helps organize events, provides technical expertise for farminars, and conducts outreach for the program. Sally Worley, deputy director at PFI, helps organize events, acts as a liaison for partner organizations, and provides 1:1 support for beginning farmers. Suzi Howk, benefits and finances manager at PFI, manages project invoicing and allocation. Partner organization collaborators include: Jason Grimm, food system planner at IVRC&D, organizes and promotes beginning farmer workshops. Leigh Adcock, executive director, and Lynn Heuss, program coordinator, WFAN, organize workshops and provide support to women farmers transitioning land to beginning farmers. Penny Brown-Huber, founder and executive director of GYSMF, coaches beginning farmers through new business development and writing business plans. Other collaborators that assist in promoting events include Iowa State University Extension, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Food Systems Council, Iowa Environmental Council, and the Iowa League of RC&Ds. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience for this project is beginning farmers. Also targeted are those wanting to farm, and established farms interested in adding another generation to their operation or passing their land/business along to a new generation. Of the participants this year, 47 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 248 qualified as limited resource; 299 were identified as a farm workers; 594 were female; 863 were currently farming; and 279 were farming/ranching less than one year. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project has increased the beginning farmer audience of participating organizations from 677 to 1683, increasing the number of beginning farmers who have access to programs to help them succeed. PFI's audience increased from 670 to 1300, IVRC&D's audience increased from 64 to 74, GYSMF's audience increased from 17 to 34, and WFAN's audience increased from 250 to 275. Farminars were viewed 3925 times by people who reach beyond PFI's network. PFI Outcomes: Field day outcomes: Season-long field day data is not yet calculated. Here is an sample of the impact these events have made: Labor Saving field day: 81.8% of attendees (100 total attendees) who filled out a survey reported that they plan to make farm changes due to attending, and 12.1% reported they might make changes. 66.7% of attendees reported that they have incorporated changes due to attending a past event. Retreat outcomes: For the enterprise budgeting session, on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being no change and 5 being great change, 16% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 28% reported 3, 40% reported 4, and 12% reported 5. For the managing paperwork session, 16% reported 1, 8% reported 2, 28% reported 3, 28% reported 4, and 16% reported 5. For the financial tables session, 4.2% reported 1, 8.3% reported 2, 29.3% reported 3, 33.3% reported 4, and 16.7% reported 5. For the employee management session, 8% reported 1, 8% reported 2, 32% reported 3, 12% reported 4, and 24% reported 5. 96% of participants who attended reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being absolutely, without a doubt, 4% reported 1, 12% reported 2, 44% reported 3, 12% reported 4, and 12% reported 5. 100% of those who attended reported a planned change in behavior/approach as result of participating. 33.6% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to start farming as result of participating. 66.7% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Farminar outcomes: 98.8% of those who watched a live farminar reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. 98.7% of participants who participated reported planning to change farming behavior/approach as a result of participating. 28.7% of those who participated reported planning to start farming as result of participating (67.1% who responded were already farming. 97% of those who participated reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Workshop outcomes: 71.4% of attendees to a workshop plan to make changes to their farming practices due to attending, with the remaining 28.6% considering making changes. Three land matches have been confirmed, and six land matches are pending between landowners and beginning farmers due to Practical Farmers' Find a Farmer website. GYSMF outcomes: As a result of attending the class, 29% plan to start farming. One year after completing the program, 65% have created a farm plan. 65% have changed marketing practices, 80% have changed business practices, and 80% plan to continue participation in the program.
Publications
- Newsletters: Seuferer, Ann. Fall 2011. The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Seuferer, Ann. Winter 2012. The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Seuferer, Ann. Spring 2012. The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
- Jones, Tamsyn. Summer 2012. The Practical Farmer. Quarterly. Provides profiles, production , research and business development articles that feature Iowa farmers. Mailed to 1750 constituents, available online at http://practicalfarmers.org/news/index.html.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Newsletters: PFI published four newsletters during this grant period that included features on beginning farmers. Each of these newsletters was disseminated to 1500 people and are available on the PFI website. Event flyers and brochures: Fifty flyers and brochures were distributed to a large audience in year one. For this reporting period, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) created and disseminated 2200 annual conference brochures, 3500 field day guides, 280 retreat postcard invitations, 2000 beginning farmer brochures, and 34 Constant Contact email invitations to 800 contacts. Grow Your Small Market Farm (GYSMF) created and disseminated 500 program brochures. Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (IVRC&D) created and disseminated seven flyers promoting their events to 75 people. Women, Food, and Agriculture Network (WFAN) sent four letter invitations to unique groups of 400 people. Websites: Each participating organization posted event information on their website as well as those of their partners, for a sum of 48 websites. PFI posted information to promote beginning farmer events heavily on their website, www.practicalfarmers.org, as well as on websites of 20 partner organizations. PFI also created a new website, www.practicalfarmers.org/findafarmer to connect landowners and beginning farmers. GYSMF posted their relevant information on their website, www.growmarketfarm.com, as well on websites of 12 partner organizations. IVRC&D posted information on their website, http://www.iacorridor-localfood.org/beginningfarmers.htm, as well as six partner organizations. WFAN posted information on their website, www.wfan.org, plus websites of six partner organizations. Media exposure: Nineteen news releases were sent during year one for this project. PFI created 14 news releases that were distributed to 300 media outlets. WFAN created four news releases that were sent to 95 media outlets. GYSMF created one news release that was sent to 25 media outlets. PFI spoke on two radio shows about the BFRDP project, and WFAN spoke on two radio shows about the project. In addition, PFI conducted extensive social media through Facebook and Twitter, and posted 20 beginning farmer blog posts throughout the reporting period. Each of the four organizations shared information about their projects through 15 partner organization email listservs, reaching an audience of 2000. Number of workshops and training programs produced. Thirty-three face-to-face events occurred in this reporting period. PFI held ten events. GYSMF held 13 workshops. IVRCD held six workshops. WFAN held four events. Internet-based: PFI held 12 webinars (dubbed Farminars). PARTICIPANTS: Project Director for this project is Teresa Opheim, executive director at PFI. She provides project oversight. Luke Gran, next generation coordinator at PFI helps organize events, provides technical expertise for farminars, and conducts outreach for the program. Sally Worley, deputy director at PFI, helps organize events, acts as a liaison for partner organizations, and provides 1:1 support for beginning farmers. Suzi Bernhard, benefits and finances manager at PFI, manages project invoicing and allocation. Partner organization collaborators include: Jason Grimm, food system planner at IVRC&D, organizes and promotes beginning farmer workshops. Leigh Adcock, executive director, and Lynn Heuss, program coordinator, WFAN, organize workshops and provide support to women farmers transitioning land to beginning farmers. Penny Brown-Huber, founder and executive director of GYSMF, coaches beginning farmers through new business development and writing business plans. Other collaborators that assist in promoting events include Iowa State University Extension, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Food Systems Council, Iowa Environmental Council, and the Iowa League of RC&Ds. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience for this project is beginning farmers. Also targeted are those wanting to farm, and established farms interested in adding another generation to their operation or passing their land/business along to a new generation. Of the participants this year, 570 qualified as socially disadvantaged; 378 qualified as limited resource; 1 was identified as a farm worker; 569 were female; 819 were currently farming; and 100 were farming/ranching less than one year. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The first year of this project was highly successful, with no major changes needed. The biggest change each organization involved in this grant plans to make is modifying their feedback protocols to get more useful outcomes and more accurate target audience demographic information. This is not a major change, but will increase the amount of feedback received on the effectiveness of this work.
Impacts
This project has increased the beginning farmer audience of participating organizations from 677 to 984, increasing the number of beginning farmers who have access to programs to help them succeed. PFI's audience increased from 450 to 670, IVRC&D's audience increased from 27 to 64, and WFAN's audience increased from 200 to 250. In addition to the beginning farmer audience PFI has contact information for, webinar archives were viewed 10,000 times. PFI Outcomes: Field day outcomes: As a result of attending PFI field days, 68.2% are considering changing farming practices. Next Generation Retreat outcomes: 100% 0f those who attended the retreat reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. For the legal structures session, on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being no change and 5 being great change, 4.5% reported 1, 9.1% reported 2, 22.7% reported 3, 36.4% reported 4, and 18.2% reported 5. For the marketing research session, 0% reported 1, 4.5% reported 2, 31.8% reported 3, 31.8% reported 4, and 22.7% reported 5. For the financial projections session, 0% reported 1, 4.8% reported 2, 23.8% reported 3, 38.1% reported 4, and 33.3% reported 5. For the practical farm bookkeeping session, 9.2% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 22.7% reported 3, 40.9% reported 4, and 27.3% reported 5. For the gauge if you are making a living farming session, 0% reported 1, 4.5% reported 2, 9.1% reported 3, 45.5% reported 4, and 40.9% reported 5. For the banking and loans session, 4.5% reported 1, 9.1% reported 2, 27.3% reported 3, 50% reported 4, and 9.1% reported 5. 100% of participants who attended the retreat reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being absolutely, without a doubt, 0% reported 1, 10.5% reported 2, 42.1% reported 3, 31.6% reported 4, and 15.8% reported 5. 100% of those who attended the retreat reported a planned change in behavior/approach as result of participating. 80% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to start farming as result of participating. 100% of those who attended the retreat reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. On a scale from 1 to 5, 0% reported 1, 0% reported 2, 15.8% reported 3, 31.6% reported 4, and 15.8% reported 5. Farminar outcomes: 99.5% of those who watched a live farminar reported a change in knowledge as result of participating. 82.2% of participants who watched a live farminar reported a change in attitude about farming as result of participating. 38.6% of those who watched a live farminar reported planning to start farming as result of participating (57.9% who responded were already farming. 83.4% of those who watched a live farminar reported planning to continue farming as result of participating. Workshop outcomes: Effectiveness of three workshops was rated at 4.5, 4.14, and 3.88 on a scale from one to five. IVRC&D: As a result of participating in IVRC&D events, 10 % of participlants anticipate changing farming\land management practices, 15% plan to develop a farm plan, 10% plan to start farming, 80% plan to change marketing practices, and 20% plan to change business practices.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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