Source: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS submitted to
INTEGRATED POULTRY, LIVESTOCK AND AGROFORESTRY PRODUCTION AND TRAINING FOR NEW AND BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0223749
Grant No.
2010-49400-21752
Project No.
ARK02294
Proposal No.
2010-03143
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
BFRDP
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2010
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2013
Grant Year
2010
Project Director
Donoghue, D. J.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
(N/A)
FAYETTEVILLE,AR 72703
Performing Department
Poultry Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Unfortunately, few new and beginning farmers have adequate farm skills and background to initiate and maintain viable agricultural ventures. To address this need we have created a unique learning and production program that uses elements and strategies that are easy and inexpensive to implement, keep and manage while providing fast returns, multiple marketing opportunities (poultry, small ruminants and agroforestry) and using ecologically and financially sustainable strategies. To this end we gathered a team of educational and research institutions, non governmental agencies and local farmers to develop: 1) versatile training materials that can be used through multiple delivery strategies, including bilingual offerings of online educational modules, and printable materials (English and Spanish); 2) experiential opportunities at workshops, demonstration farms and internship programs; and 3) custom networking and mentoring systems to effectively support the new generation of farmers and ranchers in the Southern region of the country, particularly in Arkansas and Oklahoma. This project will particularly target minority farmers that are highly relevant to the structure of rural Arkansas: women, African American and Latino farmers, and military veterans. In Arkansas about 28% of farm operators are women and most of them are the principal or only operator in the farm, while the rest have significant participation in the activities of the farm while having a second job outside the farm and raising a family. These women have needs and priorities that are mostly different from their male peers and thus require programs that address their special characteristics. Two growing minorities in the state are the African American and Latino population. Both of these groups generally come from rural backgrounds and are interested in developing their own agricultural enterprises. Since 2004, the number of Latino farm operators grew by 10% and currently own and operate over 55,000 farms in the country. Unfortunately, despite their interest in this type of jobs, most of them have language and cultural barriers that hinder their success by limiting their enrollment in agricultural courses, their understanding of American agricultural laws and regulatory requirements, as well as teaching, advising and financing opportunities. Studies have shown that a large percentage of enlisted young adults come from rural America, and at the end of their military service they would likely try to return to their place of origin and reincorporate to traditional local activities, if given the opportunity. Although many returning veterans would like to farm, there has not been the opportunity to learn these skill because of lack of internship opportunities or educational programs tailored to the need of returning serviceman and women. All of these distinct population groups require training opportunities that are specifically created to overcome cultural, language and physical hurdles. This dynamic program allows creating specific training opportunities and networking systems, for these and other populations of new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
Animal Health Component
90%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
100%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
9013910302020%
9023910302020%
9033910302060%
Knowledge Area
901 - Program and Project Design, and Statistics; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery; 902 - Administration of Projects and Programs;

Subject Of Investigation
3910 - Cross-commodity research--multiple animal species;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
The long term goal of this project is to develop a personalized comprehensive and integrated educational program that provides new and beginning farmers and ranchers with relevant information and practical skills to create an individual plan to initiate, maintain, advance, diversify and succeed in their new or beginning agricultural enterprises. We have created a unique learning and production program that uses elements and strategies that are easy and inexpensive to implement, keep and manage while providing fast returns, multiple marketing opportunities (poultry, small ruminants and agroforestry) and using ecologically and financially sustainable and profitable strategies . Our specific objectives are to: 1) develop a comprehensive modular outreach/training program that provides new and beginning farmers with relevant knowledge and tools to operate efficient and sustainable farms and ranches, focused primarily on integrated poultry, livestock and agroforestry systems; including specialized materials for the Spanish speaking community and returning veterans; 2) implement various delivery strategies for our program including a permanently available asynchronous eLearning system, publications, factsheets and worksheets; including specialized strategies to satisfy the specific needs of the Spanish speaking community and returning veterans; 3) offer unique experiential learning opportunities (such as workshops, webinars, conferences and internships) for new and beginning farmers in demonstration and production farms located throughout the state of Arkansas at the participating institutions; and 4) offer custom networking and mentoring strategies to provide an effective support system for new and beginning farmers, particularly for the subpopulations targeted in this grant. We expect that through the combination of an educational system, experiential opportunities and a support system, we will provide enough information, experience and skills so that nearly all participants in the project can make informed decisions and modifications relating to their agricultural business to improve its sustainability and profitability. We expect that the majority of the new and beginning farmers and ranchers that use the online materials will participate in online forums and online mentoring activities and benefit from the creation of a support network system of participants. Also we expect that the majority of the participants will be able to create a personalized farm plan to initiate, improve and/or diversify their agricultural enterprises using the specific strategies promoted in this program. Of all the new and beginning farmers and ranchers that participate in the internship, mentorship and networking components of our program, we anticipate that the majority of those participants will observe a direct increase in the efficiency, diversity and sustainability of their enterprise. We anticipate that our efforts to serve minority producers such as African Americans, Latinos and returning veterans in this program will also improve significantly their incorporation to their communities and networks of farmers and ranchers in their localities.
Project Methods
The first aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive modular training program that provides new and beginning farmers with relevant knowledge and tools to operate efficient and sustainable farms and ranches, focused primarily on integrated poultry, livestock and agroforestry systems; including specialized materials for Spanish speaking community and returning veterans. Specific modules will discuss topics such as: whole farm planning, specific types of agricultural practices, livestock farming practices and agroforestry, conservation assistance, diversification and marketing strategies. All materials will be created in both English and Spanish. Once the modular program has been developed then we will implement various delivery strategies such as an online asynchronous eLearning system, printed technical publications, factsheets and worksheets, webinars, conferences, workshops and others to suit the specific needs of the targeted populations. Participating members of this project will participate in established conferences attended by new and beginning farmers and extension agents to increase the dispersal of our training materials and maximize our outreach efforts. Additionally, we will participate in specific events organized by our collaborators, the Arkansas Women in Agriculture organization, the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the National Center for Appropriate Technology's (NCAT). In addition, we will link our program to the eXtension Communities of Practice to ensure that these materials are available nation-wide. One unique aspect of our program is the incorporation of internship and mentorship learning opportunities. We will have several available internship sites for participants to visit and have real hands-on learning opportunities, including those in the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, AR (specialized in small ruminant production, agroforestry, conservation strategies) and the USDA-ARS Organic and Specialty or Pasture Poultry Research Facility located in Fayetteville, AR (the only ARS certified organic facility for poultry production research and training in the country), as well as through the wide-ranging internship opportunities provided by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Arkansas Women in Agriculture. Finally, through the participation in this project, and by linking this service with those offered by our collaborators and other institutions, we will create a database of educational events that take place in the region, as well as promote mentoring programs with experienced farmers and ranchers. We will link beginning farmers and ranchers using our on-line coursework and participating in our training programs with established producers or farmer/researchers or other experts. We will also utilize eXtension capabilities for listing profiles for mentoring purposes, including a specific focus on networking opportunities in Spanish. We will work with military connections to assist veteran networking in agriculture, as well as through NCAT's established relationships with the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Our project was concentrated on serving military veterans who had served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Over the course of the project we have trained approximately 300 veterans in the Southern region, including Arkansas and Missouri, through workshops, internships, research and training and an additional 650 veterans nationally through the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). Goal 1- Online Farmer Training Course Through our online Small Farm Training Course a total of 26,823 individuals participated in this program. This program is open to all individuals however we targeted the training and promoted the course to veterans, Latino and Spanish speaking individuals, women in agriculture, African Americans and economically and educationally disadvantaged groups. To date 16,059 individuals have accessed the course in English and 10,764 in Spanish. Goal 2- Internships and On-Farm Training Through our veteran intern program we totaled 4,900 hours of internship training hours. We believe military veteran mentorship was essential to the success of our intern program. Interns focused on poultry and livestock production, with some specialty crop and horticulture experiences based on need. We had multiple internship opportunities on research farms, university sites and working small farms. Veteransinterned on 3 local farms-Across the Creek Farm (Terrell Spencer); Ames Orchard and Nursery (Kim Daniels) and Dickey Farms (David and Deanna Dickey). There is interest from private companies to continue the internship program after the completion of this award. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Internships and On-Farm Training Through our veteran intern program we totaled 4,900 hours of internship training hours. We believe military veteran mentorship was essential to the success of our intern program.Interns focused on poultry and livestock production, with some specialty crop and horticulture experiences based on need. We have multiple internship opportunities on research farms, university sites and working small farms. Vetrans interned on 3 local farms-Across the Creek Farm (Terrell Spencer); Ames Orchard and Nursery (Kim Daniels) and Dickey Farms (David and Deanna Dickey). There is interest from private companies to continue the internship program after the completion of this award. Veteran Networking Programs- Armed to Farm Veteran Sustainable Livestock Workshop, May 20-22, 2011, Fayetteville, AR. Participants: 15 war veterans, 2 active duty, 5 women and 2 Latinos (5 brought family members). In collaboration with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) we participated in 2 workshops that specifically included military veterans Farm foundations: Planning for success April 2012 and May 2012; (91 participants; 16 veterans) and one for the National Guard (45 active military personnel). We sponsored 2 female military veterans to attend the First National Conference for Women Veterans in Agriculture (June 2012); led a veteran networking session and sponsored 55 veterans to attend the Southern Sustainable Working Group Small Farms Meeting in Little Rock Jan. 2013; and hosted an Armed to Farm Boot Camp on the University of Arkansas Campus June 17-21, 2013 (28 veterans from 14 states). Veterans were housed in dorms on campus and participated in classroom lectures, on farm demonstrations and hands on training at local farms.Activities were covered by NPR station (KUAF). Small Farm Events: Over the course of the project we have hosted numerous workshops, seminars and conferences including: Small flock poultry production, presented to the National Guard, Fayetteville AR, Nov. 2010, (50 participants); Bird Health Awareness Seminar presented Nov. 2011 to beginning farmers and small poultry producers on topics regarding bird health/biosecurity, (Est. 75-100 participants); Poultry Slaughter Regulations presentedSept. 2011 at the Blue Ridge Workshop for Women in Ag. (40 participants); presentation on Pastured Poultry Nutrition and Breed Selection for Small Farm Production: Matching genetics to production systems. 18th Ann. Organic Farmers School, March 2011; Extension workshops in Pine Bluff, Marianna, and Hope, AR: (10-20 participants/workshop; mostly African American farmers). Farm level biosecurity practices to minimize animal disease; Small farm livestock production in the South US, Sept. 2011, (100 participants); Hair sheep production in the Southeastern US; Workshop on Small Ruminant Production, Oct. 2011, (40 attendees/talk); Selecting the right sheep for your operation; Parasite management and organic practices for small ruminants; Organic sheep and goat production; Backyard poultry flock meeting (June 2012; 45 participants). We joined efforts with the Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ArWiA) group to organize 4 different workshops around the state of Arkansas to serve women farmers (total 150 participants). Manure Science Review and Cooperative Extension Field Days, OH (196 participants). At University of Arkansas Pine Bluff: a field day for 50 small limited resource producers was held at the UAPB farm; on-farmconsulting (15 farms - 5 of which were beginning poultry and goat producers);and 75 phone consultations to minority and at risk farmers in area. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Development of self-study educational farming course in English and Spanish A total of 35 independent training modules have been prepared as part of a self-study educational program to provide information on topics such as Business development (8 modules), Farm safety (4 modules), Poultry production (11 modules), Livestock production (4 modules), Agroforestry (3 modules) and Sustainable agriculture (5 modules). New farmers and ranchers can develop their own training program or work with the team to customize their program. All these modules are available at https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/ and have been edited and improved based on feedback from users, during this project. All these same modules have been translated to Spanish and are available in the Spanish page of ATTRA (https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/uofa/). We have promoted the course with all collaborators, extension personnel and their networks and among the different networks of beginning farmers involved in the project and other organizations that serve small and beginning farmers and ranchers. The Small Farms Training Course is also available through the Farmer Veteran Coalition website. Through our online Small Farm Training Course a total of 26,823 individuals participated in this program with 16,059 accessions in English and 10,764 in Spanish. Data from users of our online farmer educational program showed that participants are interested and utilizing all of our training modules with poultry production and business development modules having the largest number of students. Courses on sustainable production, small ruminant, agroforestry and specialty crops are also in high demand in both languages. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Our project was concentrated on serving military veterans who had served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Over the course of the project we have trained approximately 300 veterans in the Southern region, including Arkansas and Missouri, through workshops, internships, research and training and an additional 650 veterans nationally through the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). Goal 1- Online Farmer Training Course Through our online Small Farm Training Course a total of 26,823 individuals participated in this program. This program is open to all individuals however we targeted the training and promoted the course to veterans, Latino and Spanish speaking individuals, women in agriculture, African Americans and economically and educationally disadvantaged groups. To date 16,059 individuals have accessed the course in English and 10,764 in Spanish. Goal 2- Internships and On-Farm Training Through our veteran intern program we totaled 4,900 hours of internship training hours. We believe military veteran mentorship was essential to the success of our intern program.Interns focused on poultry and livestock production, with some specialty crop and horticulture experiences based on need. We have multiple internship opportunities on research farms, university sites and working small farms. Veteransinterned on 3 local farms-Across the Creek Farm (Terrell Spencer); Ames Orchard and Nursery (Kim Daniels) and Dickey Farms (David and Deanna Dickey). There is interest from private companies to continue the internship program after the completion of this award. Training Materials Development of self-study educational farming course in English and Spanish A total of 35 independent training modules have been prepared as part of a self-study educational program to provide information on topics such as Business development (8 modules), Farm safety (4 modules), Poultry production (11 modules), Livestock production (4 modules), Agroforestry (3 modules) and Sustainable agriculture (5 modules). New farmers and ranchers can develop their own training program or work with the team to customize their program. All these modules are available at https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/ and have been edited and improved based on feedback from users, during this project. All these same modules have been translated to Spanish and are available in the Spanish page of ATTRA (https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/uofa/). We have promoted the course with all collaborators, extension personnel and their networks and among the different networks of beginning farmers involved in the project and other organizations that serve small and beginning farmers and ranchers. The Small Farms Training Course is also available through the Farmer Veteran Coalition website. Through our online Small Farm Training Course a total of 26,823 individuals participated in this program with 16,059 accessions in English and 10,764 in Spanish. Data from users of our online farmer educational program showed that participants are interested and utilizing all of our training modules with poultry production and business development modules having the largest number of students. Courses on sustainable production, small ruminant, agroforestry and specialty crops are also in high demand in both languages.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2012 Citation: Burner, B.M. and J. M. Burke. 2012. Survival of bristly locust (Robinia hispida L.) in an emulated organic silvopasture. Native Plants J., 24 in press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ross, D.E., D.M. Burner, and D.K. Brauer. 2012. Tolerance of honeyberries to extreme low spring temperatures in the south central United States., submitted to Int. J. Fruit Sci., 8.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gekara, O., T. Dokes, and R. Marshall. 2013. Diet modification to reduce fecal excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus in growing-finishing pigs. Amer. J. Anim. Vet. Sci. 8(4):197-202.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Donoghue, D.J., A. R. Mays; H. L. Goodwin; M. Hale; T. Spencer; M. OGorman; S. Jose; J. Burke; A. M. Donoghue. 2013. Armed to Farm: Developing training programs for military veterans in agriculture.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Moyle, J.R., A.M. Donoghue, I. Reyes-Herrera, H.L. Goodwin, J.M. Burke, D.M. Burner, R.L.Raper, A.C. Fanatico, O.J. Gekara, G. Kuepper, A.Wells, T. Spencer, M. Hale, and D.J. Donoghue. 2011. Opportunities for veterans in agriculture: Development of an integrated educational and training program for new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Poultry Sci. 90:122.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Reyes-Herrera, I., A.M. Donoghue, J.R. Moyle, H.L. Goodwin, J.M. Burke, D.M. Burner, R.L. Raper, A.C. Fanatico, O.J. Gekara, G. Kuepper, A. Wells, T. Spencer, M. Hale, and D.J. Donoghue, 2011. Development of a comprehensive and integrated educational program for beginning farmers and ranchers. Poultry Sci. 90 (E-Suppl. 1):47.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Reyes Herrera, I., D.J. Donoghue, H.L. Goodwin, A.C. Fanatico, O. Gekara, A.M. Donoghue, J. Burke, D. Burner, R. Raper, G. Kuepper, A. Wells, and M. Hale. 2011. An educational program for training beginning farmers in sustainable poultry, livestock and agroforestry production Presented at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group conference (January 19-22, 2011, Chattanooga, TN).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Donoghue, D.J., H.L. Goodwin, I. Reyes-Herrera, A.M. Donoghue, A.C. Fanatico, R.L. Raper, J.M. Burke, D.M. Burner, O.J. Gekara, M. Hale, G. Kuepper. Integrated poultry, livestock and agroforestry production and training for new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Beginners Farmers and Ranchers Development Program, Project Director Meeting, Fort Collins, CO. Pgs. 60-62, 2011.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Reyes-Herrera, I., D.J. Donoghue, P. Goeringer, H.L. Goodwin, A.C. Fanatico, T. Spencer, M. Hale, J.R. Moyle, J. Burke, D. Burner, R. Raper and A.M. Donoghue. 2012. Development of an online training course on sustainable livestock production (poultry, sheep and goats), agroforestry and integrated operation for beginning farmers. Presented at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group conference (January 18-21, 2012, Little Rock, AR).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Burke, J. 2012. Organic and grass fed sheep and goat production in the Southeastern US. Presented at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group conference (January 18-21, 2012, Little Rock, AR).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Burner, D. 2012. Bristly locust: Successful establishment in an emulated organic silvopasture. Presented at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group conference (January 18-21, 2012, Little Rock, AR).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Burner, D. 2012. Preliminary assessment of dual use bioenergy-forage potential of exotic and native grasses in Arkansas. Southern Branch American Society of Agronomy (February 5-7, 2012, Birmingham, AL)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Dokes, T., and O. Gekara. J. 2013. Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed brewers rice and dried distillers brewers yeast. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91 (E-Suppl. 2):373. 2.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Dokes, T., and O. Gekara. 2013. Replacing corn with brewers rice in swine diets and effect on performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs. Pp. 3. In: American Society of Animal Science Southern Section, Orlando, FL. February 3-5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Clark, D. and J.R. Moyle. 2013. Dealing with summer heat in free range poultry. Technical Report.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Clark, D., J.R. Moyle; K. Bramwell and T. Tabler. 2013. Winterization suggestions for the poultry farm. Technical Report.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Small Farm Course English access: https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Spanish access: https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/uofa/ Modules total of 68 (34 English/34 Spanish)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Farm Safety Modules Part One: Tools, Equipment and Electricity; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FarmSafetyPT1.pptx Part Two: Livestock, Chemicals and Gases; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FarmSafetyPT2.pptx Part Three: Weather and Fire; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FarmSafetyPT3.pptx Part Four: Miscellaneous; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FarmSafetyPT4.pptx Seguridad en la Granja Seguiridad en la granja 1: Herramientas, equipo y electricidad; https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/uofa/; Seguridad_en_la_granja_1.pptx Seguridad en la granja 2: Animales, sustancias qu�micas y gases; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Seguridad_en_la_granja_2.pptx Seguridad en la granja 3; Clima y fuego; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Seguridad_en_la_granja_3.pptx Sequridad en la granja 4; Varios; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Seguridad_en_la_granja_4pptx
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Poultry Production Chicken Breeds for Small Farms; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SmallFarmsChickenBreeds.pptx Meet Chicken Breeds for Small Farms; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SmallFarmsMeatChickenBreeds.pptx Egg Layer Breeds for Small Farms; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SmallFarmsEggLayerBreeds.pptx Safe Egg Handling; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SafeEggHandling.pptx Home Poultry Processing, Part One; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; HomePoultryProcessingPT1.pptx Home Poultry Processing, Part Two; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; HomePoultryProcessingPT2.pptx Pastured Poultry; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; PasturedPoultry.pptx Molting in Layers; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; MoltingInLayers.pptx Pastured Layers; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; PasturedLayers.pptx Pastured Duck Production; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Pasture_duck_production.pptx Producci�n avicola Manejo sanitario del huevo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Manejo_sanitario_del_huevo.pptx Proteja la salud de sus aves; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Proteja_la_salud_de_sus_aves.pptx Razas de pollo para productores peque�os; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Razas_de_pollo_para_productores_peque�os.pptx Razas de pollo para producci�n de carne; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Razas_de_pollo_para_producci�n_de_carne.pptx Producci�n de pollo en pastoreo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Produccion_de_pollo_en_pastoreo.pptx Razas de pollo para producci�n de huevo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Razas_de_pollo_para_produccion_de_huevo.pptx Gallinas ponedoras de huevo en pastoreo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Gallinas_ponedoras_de_huevo_en_pastoreo.pptx Producci�n de patos en pastored; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Produccion_de_patos_en_pastored.pptx Procesamiento casero de canals de pollo Parte 1; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Procesamiento_casero_de_canals_de_pollo_Parte1.pptx Procesamiento casero de canals de pollo Parte 2; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Procesamiento_casero_de_canals_de_pollo_Parte2.pptx Pelecha o desplume en gallinas para huevo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Pelecha_o_desplume_en_gallinas_para_huevo.pptx
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Agroforestry What is Agroforestry?; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; WhatIsAgroforestry.pptx Agroforestry Practices; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; AgroforestryPractices.pptx Agroforestry Riparian Buffers and Planning; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Agroforestry_iparian_buffers_and_planning Agroforesteria Principios de agroforesteria; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Principios_de_agroforesteria.pptx Practicas de agroforesteria; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Practicas_de_agroforesteria.pptx Producci�n en silvopastoreo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Produccion_en_silvopastoreo.pptx
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Business Development Start a Farm; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; StateAFarm.pptx Developing a Business Plan; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; DevelopingBusinessPlan.pptx Developing a Personal Plan; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; DevelopingPersonalPlan.pptx Financial Record Keeping; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FinancialRecordKeeping.pptx The Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; BalanceSheetStatements.pptx Arkansass Right-to-Farm Law; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Right2Farm_Arkansas.pptx Legal Issues in Food Safety; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; FoodSafety_Legal.pptx Contracting Issues in Agriculture; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Contracting_issues_in_Agriculture.pptx Desarrollo de Negocios Aspectos legales sobre sanidad alimenticia en la granja; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Aspectos_legales_sobre_sanidad_alimenticia_en_la_granja.pptx El derecho a la producci�n Agricola en Arkansas; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; El_derecho_a_la_produccion_Agricola_en_Arkansas.pptx El plan de negocios; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; El_plan_ de_negocios.pptx Contratos en agricultura; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Contratos_ en_agricultura.pptx Como empezar un negocio Agricola; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Como_empezar_un_negocio_Agricola.pptx El desarrollo de un plan personal; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; El_desarrollo_de_un_plan_personal.pptx La hoja de balance y flujos de capital; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; La_hoja_de_balance_y_flujos_de_capital.pptx Registros financieros; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Registros_financieros.pptx
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Livestock The Basics of Goat Production; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; GoatProductionsBasics.pptx Goat Production and in Pasture; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; GoatProductionPasture.pptx Common Health in Goats and Sheep https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Common_health_problems_in_small_ruminants.pptx Sheep Production; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Sheep_production.pptx Producci�n de cabras y borregos Producci�n de cabras en pastoreo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Producci�n_de_cabras_en_pastoreo.pptx Producci�n de cabras; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Producci�n_de_cabras.pptx Producci�n de ovejas; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Producci�n_de_ovejas.pptx Problemas de salud communes en peque�os ruminates; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Problemas_de_salud_communes_en_peque�os_ruminates.pptx
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online Course Modules in English and Spanish Sustainable Agriculture Water; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SustainableAgricultureWater.pptx Soil; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; SustainableAgricultureSoil.pptx Integrated Pest Management Principles; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; IntegratedPestManagementPrinciples.pptx Sustainable Agriculture; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Sustainable_agriculture.pptx Integrated Farms; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Integrated_farms.pptx Agriculture Sustentable Agricultura sustentable  Suelo; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; AgriculturaSustentableSuelo.pptx Agricultura sustentable  Agua; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; AgriculturaSustentableAgue.pptx Principios de manejo integrado de plagas; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Principios_de_manejo_integrado_de_plagas.pptx Agriculture sustentable; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/; Agriculture_sustentable.pptx Granjas integradas; https://attra.ncat.org/uofa/


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Obj. 1. Develop a comprehensive modular training program that provides new/beginning farmers/ranchers with relevant knowledge and tools to operate efficient and sustainable farms/ranches, including specialized materials for the Spanish speaking community and veterans Development of educational modules in English and Spanish- 35 modules complete. These were launched in 2012. We are tracking the number of potential farmers who access this education program and will continue to collect this data in Year 3. We are also of incorporating an assessment profile so that farmers can give us feed back on what they learned and what was important to them. To date over 1200 individuals have accessed the online courses. The most popular modules are related to farm safety, poultry processing and goat production. Obj. 2. We have implemented specialized strategies to satisfy the specific needs of our target populations: We have participated at over 23 different meetings, workshops and seminars and worked with almost 600 different farmers. Comments from these events have indicated a great need for these programs in Arkansas especially for women and military veterans. Most attendees have expressed interest in the online course and have also requested further assistance. This year we have served directly over 80 different active and retired military personnel interested in agriculture. Obj. 3. Develop training components including workshops, internships, and specialized training for Latinos/veterans To date, interns participating in our project have gained valuable insight into farming practices and have implemented practices learned. Feedback from all workshop participants with hands on training felt they gained knowledge for production strategies with livestock and poultry and 90% planned to implement knowledge learned through the workshop. Several of our interns are actively searching for land to start their own farm, others have learned through our veteran mentor how to use the GI bill benefits to go back to school and obtain a degree. Several of the military veterans that have been involved as interns, started the program with significant problems associated to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All the veteran interns in the program have reported that being at the farm and working with animals have helped them to deal with post-combat depression, anxiety, and other symptoms reducing their medication needs. Obj. 4. Develop networks and custom mentoring on poultry, livestock and agroforestry production and marketing Impact to date includes: Network development with individual farmers 12; development of mentoring opportunities 32; Audiences reached through workshops 240; seminars 250; conferences 285 (plus 2000 at poster sessions); veterans and military personnel 65 and African American farmers 55. Impact to date includes: Network development with individual farmers 250; development of mentoring opportunities 150; Audiences reached through workshops 240; seminars over 500; conferences 500 (plus 3000 at poster sessions); veterans and military personnel 170 and African American farmers 120. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Obj. 1. Develop a comprehensive modular training program including specialized materials for the Spanish speaking community/veterans. Development of self-study educational modules in English/Spanish Modules (total of 35) prepared on finances, poultry, sustainable/organic production and biosecurity practices. Launch in English Feb. 2012 (http://www.ncat.org/) and Spanish Sept. 2012 (https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.phppageaction=browse). Promoted course with all collaborators, extension personnel and their networks and beginning farmers involved in the project and other organizations that serve small and beginning farmers and ranchers. Obj. 2. Implement various delivery strategies for our program including specialized strategies to satisfy the specific needs of the Spanish speaking community and returning veterans. Workshops/seminars/Conferences Implement various delivery strategies for our program to satisfy the specific needs of our target populations: Workshops/seminars/conferences: Members of our project have hosted or participated in 23 local and national events for small and beginning farmers in the state and around the country. These include: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (01/12; over 1,200 attendees); Farm foundations: Planning for success (04/12 and 05/12; total: 91 participants); Backyard poultry flock meeting (06/12; 45 participants). We joined efforts with the Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ArWiA) group to organize 3 different workshops around the state of Arkansas to serve women farmers (total 37 participants); and in collaboration with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) we participated in 2 workshops that specifically included military veterans (Farm foundation; 16 veterans) and one for the National Guard (45 active military personnel). We sponsored 2 female military veterans to attend the First National Conference for Women Veterans in Agriculture (CA, 06/12). Obj. 3. Develop training components with specialized training for Latinos/veterans. Internships- For 2012-9 interns on 3 farms. Six of those interns are military veterans with service post 9/11 (1 female and 5 male). They all have been working at poultry, goat and agroforestry operations. Four of them have also been involved in the different workshops and conferences in the present project. Obj. 4. Develop networks/custom mentoring. The different collaborators in our program have realized a combined total of over 300 visits to individual producers (in person, emails and over the phone) to discuss topics related to animal breeds, animal health, disease control and prevention (parasite control and vaccination), production and processing, feeding and marketing for poultry, sheep, goat and integrated operations as well as on marketing, farm safety and farm biosecurity. The intern program and the different workshops and visits to farmers have helped to develop networks of farmers in the region.

Publications

  • Reyes-Herrera, I., Donoghue, D.J., Goeringer, P., Goodwin, H.L., Fanatico, A.C., Spencer, T., Hale, M., Moyle, J.R., Burke, J., Burner, D., Raper, R., Donoghue, A.M. 2012. Development of an online training course on sustainable livestock production (poultry, sheep and goats), agroforestry and integrated operation for beginning farmers. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, Little Rock, AR.
  • Burner, D. 2012. Bristly locust: Successful establishment in an emulated organic silvopasture. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, Little Rock, AR.
  • Burke, J. 2012. Organic and grass fed sheep and goat production in the Southeastern US. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, Little Rock, AR.
  • Burner, D. 2012. Preliminary assessment of dual use bioenergy-forage potential of exotic and native grasses in Arkansas. Southern Branch American Society of Agronomy, Birmingham, AL.
  • Burner, D.M., Burke, J. 2012. Survival of bristly locust (Robinia hispida L.) in an emulated organic silvopasture. Accepted by Native Plants Journal
  • Ross, DE., Burner, D.M., Brauer, D.K. 2012. Tolerance of honeyberries to extreme low spring temperatures in the south central United States. Submitted to Int. J. Fruit Science


Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1. Develop a comprehensive modular training program including specialized materials for the Spanish speaking community/veterans. Development of self-study educational modules in English/Spanish(total of 28) prepared on finances, poultry, sustainable/organic production and biosecurity practices. Launch dates in English Dec. 2011 (http://www.ncat.org/) and Spanish Jan. 2012 (https://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.phppageaction=browse). Objective 2. Implement various delivery strategies for our program including specialized strategies to satisfy the specific needs of the Spanish speaking community and returning veterans. Workshops/seminars/conferences: Small flock poultry production. Presented to the National Guard, Fayetteville AR, Nov. 2010. (50 participants). Bird Health Awareness seminar will be presented Nov. 1st, 2011 to beginning farmers and small poultry producers on topics regarding bird health/biosecurity. (Est. 75-100 participants). Poultry slaughter regulations. Sept. 11, 2011. Blue Ridge Workshop for Women in Ag. (40 participants). Presentation on Pastured poultry nutrition and Breed selection for small farm production: Matching genetics to production systems. 18th Ann. Organic Farmers School. March 16, 2011. Extension workshops in Pine Bluff, Marianna, and Hope, AR: (10-20 participants/workshop; mostly African American farmers). Farm level biosecurity practices to minimize animal disease. Small farm livestock production in the South US, Sept. 2011. (100 participants). Hair sheep production in the Southeastern US. Workshop on Small Ruminant Production, Oct. 2011. (40 attendees/talk). Selecting the right sheep for your operation; Parasite management and organic practices for small ruminants; Organic sheep and goat production. College credit classes-Undergraduate college class developed for the University of AR. Objective 3. Develop training components with specialized training for Latinos/veterans. Internships-12 beginning farmers visited the University of AR/Pine Bluff and discussed business plans. Workshops-Armed to Farm Veteran Sustainable Livestock Workshop, May 20-22, 2011, Fayetteville, AR. Participants: 15 war veterans, 2 active duty, 5 women and 2 Latinos (5 brought family members). The fact that families were invited to the workshop was very attractive for the participants. Workshop was organized with the Ex. Dir. of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) Michael O'Gorman and NCAT. Staffers from US Senator John Boozman (AR) attended and talked to participants. Activities were covered by NPR station (KUAF). Objective 4. Develop networks/custom mentoring. Networks-Initially a network of veterans developed, out of the Armed to Farm Workshop but a second one of families was initiated by participants. The partnership between this project and the FVC will result in our courses being available to active service members and veterans nationwide. Will participate in The Latinos in Agriculture Leaders Forum. October 27-28 San Antonio, TX. Mentoring opportunities-Several producers (Falling Sky Farm, Little Portions, Sycamore Valley Farm, Across the Creek Farm, Maple Gorge Farm) have agreed to mentor interns at their farms. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Impact: In the first year of the project potential farmers and beginning farmers have gained tools/strategies to develop successful enterprises. Through our seminars over 200 farmers have learned and adapted skills to deal with poultry production issues, bird health issues and slaughter requirements. One keen finding that was not evident before the onset of this proposal was the fact that many new farmers are attempting to raise both free range chickens and turkeys in the same pastures. This has lead to outbreaks of Blackhead a disease that impacts both species. Treatment of this disease is limited and results in significant losses to farmers. Management schemes can avoid cross contamination and educating new farmers has led to changes in strategies for poultry production on farms. Objective 1. Develop a comprehensive modular training program that provides new/beginning farmers/ranchers with relevant knowledge and tools to operate efficient and sustainable farms/ranches, including specialized materials for the Spanish speaking community and veterans Development of educational modules in English and Spanish- 28 modules complete. These will be launched in Dec. 2011 and Jan. 2012. We will track the number of potential farmers who access this education program in Year 2 and 3 of the project and will incorporate an assessment profile so that farmers can give us feed back on what they learned and what was important to them. Objective 2. Implement various delivery strategies for our program including a permanently available eLearning system, workshops, conferences, publications, factsheets and worksheets; including specialized strategies to satisfy the specific needs of the Spanish speaking community and veterans. Farmer participants gained knowledge through 6 workshops and seminars; 3 conferences; 4 publications and worksheets and 350 farmers were met in person through these venues. Objective 3. Develop training components including workshops, internships, and specialized training for Latinos/veterans. To date, 12 interns have participated in our project and all have gained valuable insight into farming practices and have implemented practices learned. Feedback from workshop participants with hands on training (19 individuals) all felt (100%) they gained knowledge for production strategies with livestock and poultry and 90% planned to implement knowledge learned through the workshop. For example one of our veteran farmers gained insight into leasing land from the workshop and within a couple of weeks of the conference had acquired a lease to develop his farm. Objective 4. Develop networks and custom mentoring on poultry, livestock and agroforestry production and marketing. Impact to date includes: Network development with individual farmers 12; development of mentoring opportunities 32; Audiences reached through workshops 240; seminars 250; conferences 285 (plus 2000 at poster sessions); veterans and military personnel 65 and African American farmers 55.

Publications

  • I. Reyes Herrera, A.M. Donoghue, J.R. Moyle; H.L. Goodwin, J.M. Burke, D.M. Burner, R.L. Raper, A.C. Fanatico, O.J. Gekara; G. Kuepper, A. Wells, T. Spencer, M. Hale and D.J. Donoghue (2011). Development of a comprehensive and integrated educational program for beginning farmers and ranchers. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, St. Louis Mo.
  • J.R. Moyle, A.M. Donoghue, I. Reyes Herrera; H.L. Goodwin, J. Burke, D. Burner, R. Raper, A.C. Fanatico, O. Gekara; G. Kuepper, A. Wells, T. Spencer, M. Hale and D.J. Donoghue (2011). Opportunities for veterans in agriculture: Development of an integrated educational and training program for new farmers and ranchers. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, St. Louis Mo.
  • I. Reyes Herrera, D.J. Donoghue, H.L. Goodwin, A.C. Fanatico, O. Gekara, A.M. Donoghue, J. Burke, D. Burner, R. Raper, G. Kuepper and A. Wells (2011). An educational program for training beginning farmers in sustainable poultry, livestock and agroforestry production. The Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG), Chattanooga, TN
  • D.J. Donoghue, I. Reyes Herrera, K. Venkitanarayanan, A.C. Fanatico and A.M. Donoghue (2011). Organic Poultry Production: Developing Natural Solutions to Reducing Pathogens and Maintaining Gut Health. The Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG), Chattanooga, TN