Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: During this reporting period, Flathead Valley Community College staff and faculty developed, proposed and approved seven new Associate of Science (AS) transfer pathways (2+2 programs). These new AS transfer programs target traditional and non-traditional students who wish to complete two years of College at FVCC and then transfer to one of seven Bachelor of Science degree programs within the College of Agriculture at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, MT. In addition to the transfer programs, FVCC developed, proposed, and approved a new two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Integrated Agriculture and Food Systems. The program similarly targets traditional and non-traditional students wishing to complete a two-year program before pursuing a career in the agriculture industry. The program has been marketed across Montana by College recruiters, via local media (e.g., radio, television and print), through the FVCC website, and through visits with students and counsellors at area High Schools, including the local Vocational Agriculture school in Kalispell, MT. In Fall 2013, FVCC enrolled 13 new students (both traditional and non-traditional landowning participants) in 4 new formal agriculture courses offered for the first time. Courses offered include BIOB 110N Plant Science, BIOB 111L Plant Science Lab, ANSC 100 Animal Science, and SFBS 146 Introduction to Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems. Courses offered in the Spring 2014 semester include IAFS 110 Principles of Crop Science, IAFS 202 Organic Crop Production-Spring, and IAFS 230 Integrated Pest Management. FVCC and project partners Nourish the Flathead further targeted local agricultural business owners in an effort to develop an internship provider database. The database provides students with a list of internship opportunities, which is a requirement of the AAS program. At the time of this report, the database included over 17 local farmers and agricultural business owners willing to provide internship opportunities for FVCC students. Because this information is available on a publicly accessible website (www.nourishtheflathead.org), the potential audience goes beyond our intended target of local agriculture students and business owners. Nourish the Flathead’s database of land for lease or sale in the Flathead Valley further serves to connect landowners with recent agriculture graduates and/or the aspiring farmer. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Over the course of the project, FVCC Agriculture Project Coordinator Dr. Estrada attended conferences, courses, workshops, and seminars, including: Conferences The Sustainable Agriculture Education Association’s (SAEA) 2012 Annual Conference in Corvallis, Oregon, September 9-10th, 2012. The focus of the conference was The Campus Food System: A Learning Laboratory. Dr. Estrada gained information about emerging and existing Sustainable Agriculture programs at colleges and universities across the United States. Courses January 2012-May 2013: FVCC Continuing Education Course: Multifunctional Agriculture. Workshops Western Montana Regional Food Economy Network Summit, Arlee, MT, March 2, 2013. Representatives of local agriculture/food non-profit organizations and local farmers gathered for a two-day workshop. The goal of the workshop was to develop ways to strengthen and grow the local food industry in western Montana. Several knowledge gaps were identified and regional sub-networks were created. Wholesale Success, Missoula, MT, March 6, 2013. Hosted by Family Farmed.org and the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center. The workshop provided training in produce marketing, post-harvest handling, and food safety. Seminars Dr. Estrada hosted three producer seminars at Flathead Valley Community College over the Fall 2013 semester. Seminars allowed local crop, livestock and bioenergy producers to share their experiences with Dr. Estrada and FVCC students. In addition to Dr. Estrada’s professional development and training activities, students enrolled in FVCC courses offered in the Fall 2013 semester were given the opportunity to increase their knowledge in Plant Science, Animal Science and Sustainable Food Systems. All students were invited to attend the Sustainable Crop, Livestock, and Bioenergy seminars held within the SFBS 146 course, which allowed students to interact with local producers and learn more about agricultural production in the area. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? FVCC Outreach Information about the new Agriculture program at FVCC has been disseminated in a variety of ways. Local Popular Press Flathead Beacon http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/fvcc_looks_to_start_agriculture_program/28866 http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/fvcc_gears_up_for_new_agriculture_program/32855 http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/learning_the_business_of_farming/35168 Daily Interlake http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_bffbeea6-807c-11e2-b2bb-0019bb2963f4.html http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_31ec5f64-feea-11e2-96ea-001a4bcf887a.html Website Links Flathead Valley Community College website (www.fvcc.edu) Sustainable Agriculture Education Association website (http://sustainableaged.org/Projects/AcademicPrograms/tabid/86/Default.aspx) Nourish the Flathead (http://nourishtheflathead.org/fvcc-ag/) Area High Schools Dr. Estrada has visited with High School Counselors at four area High Schools, and has visited the H.E. Robinson Vocational Agriculture School on two separate occasions. At each of these visits, staff and students have been made aware of the new agriculture programs at FVCC. Nourish the Flathead Outreach The Nourish the Flathead Website and Databases went live November 2012. News of this release was made public through articles in local newspapers, via social media and at four outreach events organized by Nourish the Flathead. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Major activities completed Completed FVCC Agriculture Needs Assessment Completed Campus Farm Business Plan Agriculture Faculty (Dr. Heather Estrada) and Campus Farm Manager (Mr. Julian Cunningham) hired at FVCC Developed and initiated seven Associate of Science (AS) transfer pathways (2+2 programs) Developed and initiated one two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Integrated Agriculture and Food Systems Enrolled thirteen new students in agriculturally-related courses in Fall 2013 Developed a database and interactive web tool to share information about internship opportunities at area farms Developed a database and web tool to collect and share information about available land for lease or sale to beginning farmers in the area Specific objectives met Several of the six project objectives outlined in the project narrative have been successfully completed, while others are underway. Objective #1: Develop and initiate a two-year sustainable agriculture AAS degree program, includingestablishing a pool of appropriate internship sites at FVCC and at partner farm and ranches A two-year AAS degree program in Integrated Agriculture and Food Systems has been developed and initiated at FVCC. Through the Nourish the Flathead/FVCC partnership, a pool of agriculturally-related internship sites at FVCC and partner farms and ranches has been identified. Beginning Summer 2014, students enrolled in the IAFS program at FVCC will participate in a required on-campus farm internship. After students complete 32 credits in the IAFS program, they will be eligible to begin an off-campus internship at an agricultural enterprise of their choice. As the FVCC program grows, more local producers are identifying themselves as potential internship sites, and we expect this trend to continue. Objective #2: Creation of five new AS 2+2 transfer program opportunities Flathead Valley Community College and Montana State University-Bozeman have worked together to create seven new AS 2+2 transfer programs, as previously described. Objective #3: Creation of five new 2+2+2 programs in conjunction with the region’s K-12 Vocational Agriculture Center, FVCC and MSU After initial talks with the Vocational Agriculture Center, it was decided that 2+2+2 program development would be postponed until the courses and programs at FVCC were successfully up and running. With the current success of the FVCC program, we anticipate talks to resume in Spring 2014. With the seven AS transfer curricula in place already, the creation of several 2+2+2 programs will be easily achievable. Objective #4: Engage at least 10 additional students in agriculture degree programs locally each year As Fall 2013 was the first semester in which students could enroll in agriculture programs at FVCC, current metrics represent a short period of time. The first semester of enrollment at FVCC attracted 13 students to courses in the Agriculture department. Over time, we expect this number to increase. Objective #5: Increase the percentage of students placed in local agriculture industry jobs Following completion of a two-year program, we anticipate that our students will find employment within the local agriculture industry. We have received interest from many potential employers. Objective #6: Create an interactive resource that describes lands available for lease or purchase to beginning farmers The Nourish the Flathead organization has partnered with LandLink to be able to offer this interactive web resource for Flathead County and other parts of Montana. The service matches beginning farmers with landowners offering land for lease or sale. Significant results achieved Local students have the option to continue/begin the hands-on postsecondary agricultural studies degree program without leaving the local area. Students interested in earning four-year degree in agriculture can begin courses of study more inexpensively at FVCC, then transfer to MSU-Bozeman. Dissemination of curriculum via online mechanisms will increase the amount of curriculum available to other postsecondary institutions exploring implementation of sustainable agriculture programs. Knowledge, information and maps describing farmlands available for sale or lease to new farmers in Flathead County is easily accessed online. Knowledge, information and maps describing internships sites is available to aspiring farmers and those sites areas of expertise. Campus farm greenhouse and farm facilities allow the creation of farm to cafeteria program, practical hands-on curriculum, and potential revenue source for FVCC as detailed in FVCC's Campus Farm business plan. As of Spring 2014, FVCC students, faculty, staff and visitors will have access to more nutritious and local foods as a part of catering services. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Increase number and diversity of Agricultural Science students at FVCC In Fall 2013, thirteen new students enrolled in coursework part of a postsecondary agricultural degree program in rural Flathead County. With eight programmatic options in agriculture, students have a variety of means to pursue the agricultural career of their choice. Increase community engagement in local agriculture industry While the Campus Farm primarily serves to enhance student learning, it will be used as a tool to increase community engagement in local agriculture. The FVCC Campus Farm will continue to sell produce to a small number of staff and students weekly throughout the growing season, stimulating an interest in our local agriculture industry. Over time, we hope to host field days, workshops, non-credit courses, and research trials at the farm, partnering with local businesses and the community-at-large.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities A survey of 500 high school and 68 non-traditional students was conducted in Flathead County. The purpose of the survey was to gauge student interest in agriculture programs at the College. Over 40% of high school students and 52% of non-traditional students indicated an interest in agricultural programming at FVCC. Landscape Design, Ranch Management, and Livestock Production were the most desirable agricultural fields of study among high school students, while Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Science, and Greenhouse Management were the most desirable areas of study for non-traditional students. Hands-on learning activities, internship opportunities, access to an on-campus farm/greenhouse facility, and acquiring business skills were considered by students to be very important or essential to the educational experience. Students from Kalispell's high schools, particularly the Vo Ag school, are expected to feed the academic program. The survey results were presented, along with an analysis of the local agriculture industry, in a formal needs assessment report. Events A demonstration campus farm was initiated during the spring of 2012. Students and staff were able to tour the farm, and produce was sold on campus throughout the summer. This demonstration raised awareness and spurred interest in the forthcoming agriculture program at FVCC. Products A Sustainable Agriculture needs assessment report was prepared and disseminated to College Executive Staff, along with a sustainable business plan for the FVCC Campus Farm. Informed by the needs assessment, curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science in Integrated Agriculture and Food Systems has been developed. The curriculum is being submitted in November 2012 as part of the program review process. Interviews with local farmers helped FVCC and Nourish the Flathead learn which farms in the area are willing to host student interns. To date, there are 22 local agriculture operators who are willing to host student interns. These farms will be added to the interactive website upon the launching of the academic program. The website is available at http://nourishtheflathead.zaneray.com/home/ The creation of the interactive lands database is currently in progress. Nourish the Flathead has partnered with existing entities in MT (e.g., CFAC) to avoid duplication of efforts. Dissemination The results of the needs assessment and business plan have been disseminated internally at Flathead Valley Community College. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals Pete Wade, Principal Investigator: Provided an advisory role to Project Coordinator. Heather Estrada (nee Mason), Project Coordinator. Conducted needs assessment, developed business plan, developed curriculum, coordinated outreach, coordinated sub-contractor work, reporting and dispersal of funds. Partner Organizations Nourish the Flathead, non-profit organization/sub-awardee. Collaborators Within FVCC: Kristen Jones,VP Instruction & Student Services Dan Voermans, Transfer Advisor Char Brown, Assistant Controller/Grant Accountant Chris Hanchett, Instructor Susie Burch, Economic Development and Continuing Education Karen Darrow,Placement Director Coordinator, Career Development External Advisory Committee Josh Slotnick Gretchen Boyer Rebecca Avrett-Ulizio Brian Bay Markus Braaten Jim Watson Julian Cunningham Pat McGlynn Mark Lalum. Training and development provided to two campus garden volunteers, Matt Thrasher (Master Gardener) and Kenzy Lee (Grade 11 VoAg student). TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A curriculum has been created that, when implemented, will meet the needs of the local community.
Publications
- Flathead Beacon. 2012. FVCC Looks to Start Agriculture Program. July 22, 2012 (popular press).
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