Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: In 2014 MOSES provided inspiration, education and resources to 800 new and beginning farmers. Participants in our programs attended six 90-minute conference workshops, one day-long Organic University intensive, four on-farm field days, attended a three-day "New Farmer Summit," contributed and read articles in the Organic Broadcaster newspaper and intereacted via social media. Changes/Problems: Because of the cancellation of one on-farm field day in 2013, we found that we had extra resources for the project coming into 2014. Meetings with partners and NOS members led us in the direction of a dedicated conference specifically for this group of new and begnning farmers. We had learned through 3 years of dedicated offerings at the MOSES Organic Farming Conference that our NOS group loved being together in specific activities that started their education on a very basic level. With partner Renewing the Countryside, MOSES decided late in 2013 to try hosting an on-farm New Farmer Summit, with a goal of 100 attendees, offering farm tours and elementary workshops. We were astounded by the enthusiasm in the community for our idea, both on social media from our NOS members and from project partners, many of whom offered to lead workshops or provide resource materials. We planned the event and were able to stay within our budget, with MOSES and RTC each contributing funds and plans for a moderate registration charge. The majority of the workshops were led by farmers, some of them rather new on their own farm journey. We were able to offer 10 scholarships, and served a bounty of local and organic food. We had over 150 registrations, and got great evaluations from the event. Several participants asked MOSES to make this an ongoing program, which we and RTC plan to do if we can find financial support. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? MOSES 2014 Organic Farming Conference, with one day-long Organic University course, "Five W's of Transitioning to Field Crops," and six New Organic Stewards workshops titled: Savvy Marketing Made Easy (200 attendees), Your First Tractor: Primer for Beginning Vegetable Farmers (175 attendees), Holostic Management of Sheep and Goats (185 attendees), Land Access Hacks (210 attendees), Dos and Dont's for Obtaining Organic Certification (108 attendees), and Orchard Beginnings for Aspring Tree-Fruit Growers (220 attendees). Two social activities, including an "Open Mic Night" at a nearby coffee shop on Thursday evening, and a "New Farmer Meet and Greet"on Friday night. Four on-farm field days were held: Beginning Orchards and Small Fruits, June 26 at Mary Dirty Face Farm, (60 attend), Diversified Markets Field Day, July 22, Foxtail Farm, (60 attend), Growing Organic Herbs, July 25 at Four Elements Farm, (55 attend), Produce, Syrup, Livestocka dn Pizza, Aug 15 at Stony Acres Farm, (52 attend). 150 new and beginning farmers attended 24 targeted workshops and a three-farm bus tour at the April 4-5, 2014 MOSES New Farmer Summit. Two stories were posted in "New Farmer Corner" in the Organic Broadcaster newspaper, mailed to 11,000 households and available free onlne, the "New Organic Stewards" webpage was maintained and regular social media postings were made. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Stories about the project's activities have regularly been printed in the MOSES Organic Broadcaster newspaper, which is direct mailed to over 11,000 households six times a year and available free online. Announcements about activities and the project's successes were also announced in the MOSES monthly electronic newsletter, the Organic Link, also sent to 11,000+ email addresses. Press releases about the Conference, Summit and field days were sent to numerous media outlets, with stories picked up by dozens of newspapers, tv stations and radio stations, including this story in a Wis. ag newspaper which hghlights the project's BFRDP support: http://www.thecountrytoday.com/farm/article_0923e0f6-c3e9-11e3-948b-001a4bcf887a.html Several partner organizations were involved in the planning and implementation of both the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and the New Farmer Summit. They have helped to publicize the project activities to their constituents and members, expanding the project outreach substantially. MOSES staff have met with sister organizations to talk about the future of the project's outputs and how they can be utilized by these group's constituents and members. The New Organic Stewards webpage(http://mosesorganic.org/projects/new-organic-stewards/) highlights all past and upcoming activities, and offers a collection of resources useful for those new to farming. Support from the BFRDP has been listed on the page, but has now been removed as it is no longer relevant. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This is the end of the project activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The year started with the 2014 MOSES Organic Farming Conference, held Feb. 27 to March 1 in La Crosse, Wis. Over 60 workshops and other activites were planned, and a conference registration guide was developed with information about all of the activities, and mailed to over 20,000 addresses in late November 2013, as well as available free online. Advertising and other outreach was done to publicize the activities, and the event logistics were planned. Scholarships were offered and the New Organic Stewards offerings were highlighted on a special page that thanked the BFRDP for support. Of the 3,400 conference attendees, 408 self-identified as part of our New Organic Stewards program. The NOS prgram offered workshops with content specifically selected for new and beginnng farmers, a day-long Organic University course on transitioning row crops to organic production (33 attendees) and two social events. 167 of the 221 people recieving scholarships to attend the conference were part of the NOS program. The six NOS workshops were titled: Savvy Marketing Made Easy (200 attendees), Your First Tractor: Primer for Beginning Vegetable Farmers (175 attendees), Holistic Management of Sheep and Goats (185 attendees), Land Access Hacks (210 attendees), Dos and Dont's for Obtaining Organic Certification (108 attendees), and Orchard Beginnings for Aspring Tree-Fruit Growers (220 attendees). The social activities included an "Open Mic Night" at a nearby coffee shop on Thursday evening, and a "New Farmer Meet and Greet"on Friday night featuring a panel discussion and conversation. Our project partners at Renewing the Countryside hosted a NOS Exhibit booth, used as a gathering area and conversation center throughout the 3-day conference. Participants who identified as part of the NOS program recieved a 'ninja sticker" to put on their name tags and were encouraged to find each other for conversation and support. Evaluations for the activities were high, with NOS workshop evaluations averaging 4.4 out of 5 and many positive comments and thank you notes for scholarship opportunities. Participants appreciated the specilized activities, the "begin at the beginning" subject matter and the encouragement to meet each other for support and inspiration. Four on-farm field days were held: Beginning Orchards and Small Fruits, June 26 at Mary Dirty Face Farm, (60 attend), Diversified Markets Field Day, July 22, Foxtail Farm, (60 attend), Growing Organic Herbs, July 25 at Four Elements Farm, (55 attend), Produce, Syrup, Livestocka dn Pizza, Aug 15 at Stony Acres Farm, (52 attend). Evaluations are again high, with many attendees listing ways they will make improvements on their farms from what they learned at the field day. At each event the farmers gave a tour and talked about the challenges and opportunities in starting their operations, as well as their production and marketing techniques. New Farmer Summit: April 4-5, 2014 MOSES hosted a New Farmer Summit as part of this project. Our goal was to bring together new and beginning farmers in an on-farm learning environment where "no question is too simple" and they can feel comfortable meeting others in the same situation. Over 150 eager new farmers attended, participating in a bus tour of 3 farms and then 24 targeted workshops on topics such as starting up with livestock, raising organic vegetables, beekeeping, basic soil management, accessing farmland, developing a business plan and more. Evaluations offered rave reviews, one participant summarizes: "The three days were packed with new information, thought-provoking conversation, and lots of awesome people." Participants especially enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, where they could eat meals and sit in casual conversation with workshop presenters, continuing learning opportunities far beyond the formal offerings. Participants enjoyed the event so much that they have asked MOSES to find funding to make it an annual offering. Two stories were posted in the "New Farmer Corner" in the Organic Broadcaster newspaper, the "New Organic Stewards" webpage was maintained and regular social media postings were made. The OB stories highlighted NOS members with interesting stories to tell--one a middle aged couple taking on farming as a second career, and the other the story of three farmers working together to share equipment, make purchases and learn from each other. Through all of the offerings in project year 2013-2014 over 800 new and beginning farmers leared sustainable and organic production practices, marketing techniques and gained other knowledge useful in setting up and maintaining farms. They formed a social group, finding support and encouragement from each other. They comunicated via social media, and developed a sense of comradarie as they learned from each other and offered ideas.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Rebhan, Lindsay ; Collaborative farming: New farmers thrive by working together
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Rebhan, Lindsay; Second-career farmers bring life experience to the field
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
100-page Organic University notebook: "Five W's of Transitioning Field Crops"
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Through the Organic and Sustainable Experiential Learning for Beginning Farmers project the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) and our partner Renewing the Countryside (RTC) brought education, learning and community to over 1,350 new and beginning farmers. We also engaged hundreds of others via print, online and social media communications. In this three-year project we hosted 7 on-farm field days. held 3 day-long educational intensives, offered 15 begnning farmer workshops, hosted 8 social events for new farmers, held a 3-day "New Farmer Summit" attended by 150, and facilitated social media and web-based connections. We offered $34,800 in scholarships to 157 new farmers to attend the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and New Farmer Summit. As of the end of the project, 1,350 individuals identify themselves as part of the MOSES "New Organic Stewards" program. Participants have been those considering farming as a career and those in their first ten years of farming. As there is no age limitation for participants, we have seen a range from 18 year olds to 65 year olds participating in the program offerings. The common thread is being able to learn about sustainable farming from a very elementary starting point, and access to others in a similar mode for support, friendship and information-sharing. Changes/Problems: As noted in the 3rd annual report, holding only one planned field day in 2012 and lack of registrations at a planned field day in 2013 left us with extra resources coming into 2014. Over the project period we also saw the unraveling and eventual disolution of one of our project partners, the Field School at Gardens of Eagan. The combination of these two circumstances led project leaders to meet in late 2013 to assess what was most needed to fully complete the project. Although our New Organic Stewards loved the activities we offered at each annual Organic Farming Conference, they were clamoring for an event "all their own," where everyone would be on the same level and the expectation was that no question was too basic. After brainstorming with partners and participants, we decided to host a New Farmer Summit, with a goal of 100 attendees, in April 2014. Relying on our expertise developed in organizing 25 years of successful organic conferences, (with over 3,400 attendees in 2014), we were able to quickly organize a stellar program and offer it at a reasonable price. Feedback and evaluations were, once again, extremely positive. Project partners, presenters and attendees begged MOSES to consider continuing and expanding the program into the future, possibly moving into new geographies. We have been seeking funding to support the continuation of this successful program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Seven on-farm field days showcased successful organic and sustainable systems. (2012: Beginning Livestock Production, 2013: Farm Hack, and Vegetable Diversification. 2014:Beginning Orchards and Small Fruits, Diversified Markets, Growing Organic Herbs, and Produce, Syrup, Livestock and Pizza.) The MOSES Organic Farming Conference became the annual opportunity for NOS participants to reconnect and learn a broad diversity of farm production and marketing topics in a classroom setting. Through the project, 3 day-long "Organic University" intensives (2013: Adding Meat to Potatoes, and Small Farm Profitability, 2014: Five W's of Transitioning to Organic Row Crops) and 15 90-minute workshops ( 2012: Farm Town in Real Life: Deciding What to Grow, Show me the Money, How Much for Just One Egg, and Generate Your Organic Community, Share Your Farm Story. 2013: Machinery for Beginning Farmers, Nuturing hte Next Generation of Organic Livestock Farmers, Integrating Livestock into Your Veggie Operation, Marketing Contracts and Long-Term Leases, and Organizing for our Collective Success:Beginning Farmer Resources and Coalition Building. 2014: Savvy Marketing Made Easy, Your First Tractor:Primer for New Vegetable Farmers, Holistic Management of Sheep and Goats, Land Access Hacks, Dos and Don't for Obtaining Organic Certification and Orchard Beginnings for Aspiring Tree Fruit Growers.) were offered, as well as 8 social events (social breakfasts, open mic nights and new farmer meet and greets each year) targeted to the group In early April, 2014, 150 farmers attended a three day New Farmer Summit, with a day of farm tours and 24 workshops specific for new and beginning farmers. Workshop topics ranged from intro to organic certification to developing a business plan, and farming with bees to raising organic vegtables. 157 scholarships, with a value of $34,800, were given for the conference, OU and New Farmer Summit. In March 2013 MOSES initiated the New Farmer Corner in the Organic Broadcaster newspaper, a place for new farmers to find print information geared directly to their needs. Numerous stories were printed in a diversity of issues (printed 6x per year) and mailed at no charge to over 11,000 households, as well as available free online. Lindsay Rebhan, from partner organization Renewing the Countryside, developed articles based on what was new in the world of beginning farmers, as well as insightful interviews with new farmers, with tips so others could learn from their experiences. A New Organic Stewards page on the MOSES website was created early in the project (http://mosesorganic.org/neworganicstewards) to announce activities, post project highlights and connect participants to each other via social media. The NOS webpage had 7,564 unique page views in the past year, since the MOSES website was redesigned. The NOS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NewOrganicStewards), and Twitter account (@FarmerNinja) boost 400 fans and 1,118 followers, respectively. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The MOSES website, (http://mosesorganic.org/projects/new-organic-stewards/) Facebook and Twitter have been our primary vehicles for conveying information out to the public. New and beginning farmers are frequently web savvy and computer and social media oriented. MOSES has also relied on project partners to disperse information about upcoming events and project results, as well as dispersing press releases to online and standard media outlets. MOSES has a strong relationship with the area's tranditional media, and regularly have ag publication reporters attend and report on our events. A reporter atttended the New Farmer Summit and did a nice write-up, found at http://www.thecountrytoday.com/farm/article_0923e0f6-c3e9-11e3-948b-001a4bcf887a.html. Several participants wrote about their experiences on web blogs, for instance http://justafarm.org/journal/2014/4/7/new-farmer-summit-april-3-5-2014. As noted above, the MOSES Organic Broadcaster has had a dedicated section devoted to the project, with numerous articles highlighting new farmer stories, resources and activities. Each issue was mailed at no charge to over 11,000 households and available free online. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
MOSES is pleased to report that we vastly exceeded our estimation of impact with the Organic and Sustainable Experiential Learning for Beginning Farmers project. Expecting to impact 420, we now have 1,350 listed in our database who have self-identified as "New Organic Stewards," the name we have coined to collect our participants together. Using a diversity of educational venues, MOSES created programs which introduced new farmers to successful farm models, and showed them the "reality" of the kinds of decisions they must make to succeed. Seven on-farm field days showcased successful organic and sustainable systems, most of them run by new farmers themselves. With no fee to attend, the day-long events offered tours and candid discussions about what worked and didn't work on each of the farms. Both farmers and others who had outside perspectives to share (such as FSA and NRCS staff) led discussions at the diverse events. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and pick up MOSES written resources. Over 437 individuals attended the seven field days. Comments in evaluations highlighted the attendee's appreciation for the learning they participated in: "I found the field day very informative and thorough on the topics presented. I appreciated the presenters and subject matter, expert’s willingness to share information and to answer all the many questions we asked no matter the depth of knowledge it required. I especially appreciated the electric tractor demonstration and explanation. It was truly inspiring!! Thanks to all of you who had a part in making the day terrific!!" The MOSES Organic Farming Conference became the annual opportunity for NOS participants to reconnect and learn a broad diversity of farm production and marketing topics in a classroom setting. Through the project, 3 day-long "Organic University" intensives and 15 90-minute workshops were offered, as well as 8 social events targeted to the group. Information booths hosted by staff from partner Renewing the Countryside at each conference became the focal point for individuals to meet and share. Those registering for the conference were asked to self-identify if they wanted to be considered a "New Organic Steward," and over the 3 years the number chosing to do so went from 200 in 2012, to 264 in 2013, and then 509 in 2014. Feedback from the conference on evaluations included "presentation was awesome, chock full of resources," and "EXCELLENT workshop! Loved this so much and would love to see more, fantastic energy and ideas." 157 new farmer scholarships, with a value of $34,800, were given for the conference, OU and later New Farmer Summit. Letters from scholarship recipients gushed about how valuable the experience, and important the support, was for participants. "It was at your conference that we learned of the process of certification and the in’ and out’ of it. We met many different vendors and spoke to them. It was a joyous occasion to be with the many experts and learn sustainable ways to achieve our goal. There was a wealth of knowledge present. Our operation is impacted and forever changed." "We are a Hmong couple farmer in Hartford, WI. Our farming background goes as far back as Laos; Youa has been farming since she was a little girl. We thank you so much for your kind donation so we were able to take the opportunity to attend the 25th MOSES Conference in La Crosse, WI. We hope you will continue to provide support so other farmers like us will have the same opportunity to attend such an amazing event. During the conference, we were taken by surprise to see so many committed, organic farmers and aspiring organic farmers. We were able to network with other farmers. We have heard about the abundance of resources and display booth in the arena but actually seeing it was beyond our imagination. We will share what we have learned at the conference with other Hmong farmers. We are planning to return next year and bring along friends and families so they will be inspired as much as we were." We recieved 41 thanks-you letters for our scholarship program. The positive comments go on and on. This program really has made a difference. In April of 2014, in a departure from our original plans, and in response to our constituent's requests, we held a three day New Farmer Summit. The event took place in an exciting educational venue on a farm that had been in operation for only a few years. 150 new farmers joined us for a day of farm tours, 24 workshops, local and organic food and great networking and conradarie. Again, evaluation comments were numerous, we enclose a few here: "Really loved the workshops! Gained tangible skills for myself and the farmers I support. Practical things of note were the business planning workshop (month-by-month cash flow!) and ideas for value added products." "I liked the emphasis that many of the presenters had on being creative and flexible in your approach to farming. I plan to use this selling value added products. Also I plan to apply the dual emphasis on profitability and land stewardship that each presenter described while speaking on land management." The program was so popular that participants, speakers and partners have strongly encouraged MOSES and RTC to make it available on an annual basis, potentially in other regions. A New Organic Stewards page on the MOSES website was created early in the project (http://mosesorganic.org/neworganicstewards) to announce activities, post project highlights and connect participants to each other via social media. The NOS webpage had 7,564 unique page views in the past year, since the MOSES website was redesigned. The NOS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NewOrganicStewards), and Twitter account (@FarmerNinja) boost 400 fans and 1,118 followers, respectively. These social media outlets are very active with information updated almost daily. All in all, MOSES is very pleased with the outcomes of the Organic and Sustainable Experiential Learning for Beginning Farmers project and the development of the New Organic Stewards program. MOSES and RTC deifnitely plan to continue forging the momentum the project has generated. The group of targeted constituents- those thinking of farming, or less than 10 years farming, in organic and sustainable systems told us over and over how much they appreciated educational offerings in which "no question was too basic," and where they could meet others in situations similar to theirs. Thanks to the BFRDP for supporting this valuable, high-impact program.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: MOSES reachedthe general population target audience,and focused on beginning farmers as defined by the USDA as farmers who have been farming 10 years or less. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The 24th annual Organic Farming Conference was held in February 2013 and offered a specific New Organic Stewards track that included beginning farmer workshops, Organic University and social events for beginning farmers. MOSES promoted and circulated information about the New Organic Stewards track at the Organic Farming Conference. We served the audience by offering 4 - 90 minute workshops on beginning farming topics; 2 - all day Organic University courses on beginning farmer topics and offered 3 social/networking events during the conference for the New Organic Stewards. Organic University courses (1) Adding Meat to Your Potatoes - diversifying your farming operation by adding small livestock to your vegetable or fruit operation. This course was focused on beginning farmers and what options they have available to them, along with detailed attention to what's involved in accomplishing each option; and (2) Small Farm Profitability - focused on developing human and tractor scale systems to help farmers use their limited resources wisely, including concern for their bodies and sanity, when growing a wide diversity of crops on a commercial scale. Participants learned systems for planning, tracking and making decisions about everything from how much to plant when, to when it's worth buying new tools. A portion of the talk highlighted simple tips and techniques for using basic computer spreadsheets to aid decision making and record keeping. Real life examples of effective and farmer oriented tools for planning and decision making and production will provide a solid foundation for small and midsized farms. We created 2 on-farm field day Organic University type courses in 2013. 1) Farm Hack at Organic Field School in Northfield, Minnesota and 2) a Vegetable Diversification at Hans Bishop farm in Bloomington, Illinois. Both days offered hands-on activities, question/answer session and networking opportunities for beginning farmers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results and statistics from our work with the New Organic Stewards was published along with other MOSES programs, in the 2013 MOSES Annual Report. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During our final reporting period, we plan to continue our New Organic Stewards track at the 25th annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference, conduct 2 New Organic Steward, on-farm field days in the summer of 2013, and host a 1st annual New Farmer Summit, a 2-day conference for beginning farmers in April 2013. We will also continue to post new farmer information on our New Organic Stewards website, twitter feed and Facebook page.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We created 2 on-farm field day Organic University type courses in 2013. 1) Farm Hack at Organic Field School in Northfield, Minnesota and 2) a Vegetable Diversification at Hans Bishop farm in Bloomington, Illinois. Both days offered hands-on activities, question/answer session and networking opportunities for beginning farmers. Classroom-based course/workshop Organic University courses (1) Adding Meat to Your Potatoes - diversifying your farming operation by adding small livestock to your vegetable or fruit operation. This course was focused on beginning farmers and what options they have available to them, along with detailed attention to what's involved in accomplishing each option; and (2) Small Farm Profitability - focused on developing human and tractor scale systems to help farmers use their limited resources wisely, including concern for their bodies and sanity, when growing a wide diversity of crops on a commercial scale. Participants learned systems for planning, tracking and making decisions about everything from how much to plant when, to when it's worth buying new tools. A portion of the talk highlighted simple tips and techniques for using basic computer spreadsheets to aid decision making and record keeping. Real life examples of effective and farmer oriented tools for planning and decision making and production will provide a solid foundation for small and midsized farms. Conferences/Symposia The 24th annual Organic Farming Conference was held in February 2013 and offered a specific New Organic Stewards track that included beginning farmer workshops, Organic University and social events for beginning farmers. MOSES promoted and circulated information about the New Organic Stewards track at the Organic Farming Conference. We served the audience by offering 4 - 90 minute workshops on beginning farming topics; 2 - all day Organic University courses on beginning farmer topics and offered 3 social/networking events during the conference for the New Organic Stewards. Develop an annual participation support program for the Organic University, On-Farm Organic University and Organic Farming Conference to reduce barriers for participation and recognize commitment and innovation to promote organic agriculture. MOSES served the target audience by giving out 53 scholarships to the Organic Farming Conference, Organic University and on-farm Organic University.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
New Organic Stewards Facebook page was created; New Organic Stewards Twitter feed was started with over 845 followers on Twitter and 341 friends on Facebook.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Organic University course books - 100 pages of detailed information and resources for the beginning farmer
Organic University course books are a 100+ page book, put together by MOSES that includes detailed information and resources related to the course title.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Chosen workshop presenters created power point presentations and handouts for the applicable NOS workshops along with a comprehensive notebook for the all-day Organic University course.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: July 2012 - MOSES provided an all-day farm field day & training on Beginning Livestock Production. Sixty-three people attended. This field day covered all aspects of getting started in livestock farming that included various kinds of small livestock. There was a farm tour that displayed housing, feeding and grazing ideas for pigs, sheep, goats and cows. February 2012 - At the Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, MOSES provided 4 workshops for the Young Organic Stewards. They included: Deciding What to Grow, Developing a Successful Business Plan, Increasing Profits and Using Social Media to Create Your Farm Story. Average attendance at these workshops was over 60 people. There were also 3 social activities to promote networking which included an Open Mic night, a morning YOS breakfast and a movie night which featured The Greenhorns film. We had over 200 individuals self-identify as Young Organic Stewards on their conference registration forms. Ongoing communications through Twitter, Facebook and the MOSES website for the Young Organic Stewards. PARTICIPANTS: Joe Pedretti, MOSES Organic Education Specialist; Harriet Behar, Organic Specialist; and Angie Sullivan, Organic Resource Specialist were the primary staff working on the projects for the BFRDP grant. All three Specialists had several meetings to organize 10 farm field days and one all-day educational event. They were also the three staff members who organized and attended all the field days and events related to the BFRDP project. Lisa Kivirist, Director of the Rural Women's Project organized and staffed several Women-Farmer based events also. Lindsay Rebhan, from Renewing the Countryside was our New Organic Steward organizer and our contact for networking with other organizations such as Food Corp, Farmer Veteran Coalition and the Young Farmer Coalition. We share information with these organizations to reach out to as many beginning farmers as possible. Renewing the Countryside is our main partner organization. We work directly with them on our project content and on the beginning farmer track at our Organic Farming Conference. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audience for our Young Organic Stewards program is young, new and beginning farmers. Our Rural Women's Project hosted 3 In Her Boots workshops, with over 130 women attending these events. Many of those women were beginning or new farmers. To reach out to socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged individuals, we distributed over 50 scholarships to individuals interested in attending our Young Organic Stewards track at the Organic Farming Conference. Our efforts to education young, beginning or new farmers were concentrated in our Young Organic Stewards track at the Organic Farming Conference with four specific workshops in different topic areas, three social events to network with other beginning farmers and two specific Young Organic Steward field days over the summer in 2012. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No project modifications.
Impacts
July 2012 - MOSES provided a spiral-bound 50-page booklet with information on small livestock - their needs for feed, housing, pasture, water, minerals and butchering - among many resources for equipment and links to helpful websites. The evaluations ranged in the 4 to 5 score with 5 being the best. Attendees indicated they received great information and felt they were ready to make a decision about what type of livestock farming they would go into. February 2012 - All 4 workshops, the Organic University and the social activities were all full to capacity with young farmers. MOSES conducted a post-conference, online survey that yielded very enthusiastic results. All scores were between 4 - 5 with 5 being the best. Here are a few comments from the Young Organic Steward evaluation forms: "EXCELLENT ... this was my first year, but I'll definitely be seeing you in the future." "I was thrilled with the Young Organic Stewards track - all the workshops that I went to were fantastic, and in general I am really happy to see MOSES taking a special interest in the next farming generation by dedicating so much wonderful energy to them at the conference."
Publications
- Pedretti, J; 2012; Beginning Livestock Production Padgham, J; 2011; MOSES receives grant to support Young Farmers. Sullivan, A; 2012; Young Organic Stewards Project Update Rebhan, L; 2012; Grant Schultz, Young Organic Steward
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