Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The extension programs target tribal leaders, tribal agricultural programs, farmers and ranchers, tribal youth, college students, and IAIA campus community members (staff, faculty, and students) from among New Mexico's Native American communities. Changes/Problems:The PD recently transitioned to new supervision under IAIA's Sponsored Program division. New directives to focus on other extension areas may not provide continuity of adult agriculture and natural resource extension programming. Relationships and trust may be affected if there is no continuity in programming. Therefore, the PD will work to encourage the continued success of adult extension programs beyond the term of the grant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This TCU extension capacity grant primarily focused on the provision of extension educational and technical assistance to meet the immediate needs of Native stakeholders in the central and northern regions of New Mexico. The target audience included Pueblo and Native farmers, ranchers, leaders, youth, and other agricultural producers. These producers gained skills and knowledge through the workshops and trainings to increase their efforts in agriculture production and achieve their agricultural endeavors. Producers found the poster development workshop helpful. The agricultural producers gained communication and presentation skills to successful articulate their on-farm demonstration projects to fellow farmers. Specifically, these producers felt their confidence to present in large public forums increased. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The goal of extension educational and technical assistance provides stakeholders with scientific based education. Producers received subject matter presentations in the following core areas: crop, livestock, soil, water, small agricultural business, and USDA updates. Producers received this information through workshops, trainings, conferences, and one-on-one field visits. Developing the relationship with stakeholders is important through these interactions as it builds relationships and trust in their extension agent. The past five years of this grant program has increased continuity of extension programming and trust from IAIA's Land Grant program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final report and the grant program has concluded.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 - As part of the Land Grant Plan, the Project Director (PD) established the Land Grant Advisory Committee. The committee recruited a total of 10 participants who are members from the 10 Southern Pueblos, 8 Northern Pueblos, farmers, ranchers, NMSU Cooperative Extension partners, IAIA staff, faculty and students, and local, state and federal professionals/specialists. The committee focusedon small agricultural business (SAB) program strategic action plan to provide training and support for New Mexico Native and Tribally-owned small agricultural businesses. Primarily the PD worked with IAIA Business Instructor, Ellen Shapiro, to develop curriculum and deliver educational workshops. The following accomplishments are recorded for the six target areas: Farm/Ranch production & management education: The PD is currently providing farm/ranch production & management coupled with small agricultural business education. Financial and Business Management: The PD developed financial & business management curriculum base off IAIA business program. Ellen Shapiro contracted with Land Grant programs to deliver workshops. Ellen Shapiro presented topics such as business planning, understanding business basics: cash flow and profit, business financial management, and record keeping. Producers will also be able to develop business/estate plans through this program. Agricultural and Resource Policy: The PDis seeking input from the Advisory Committee to develop the agricultural and resource policy in the following areas but not limited to:public land use, water resource allocation/laws/quality issues,FSMA, livestock vaccinations, antibiotics, and the US Farm Bill. Economic Development: The PD will develop a program that will focus on local food systems economic development. The program will provide workshops and technical assistanceto encourage local food systems to contribute to the economic health of communities, increase financial support for farmers and ranchers, and develop local food systems plans for NM. Marketing: The PDand Ellen Shapiro are currently developing curriculum to provide marketing workshops and trainings. The content will include but not limited to marketing, evaluation of pricing strategies,and strategic market planning. Risk Management: The PD will develop categories to include risk management-production, marketing, financial, legal and human risk. The PD will collaborate with WERMC to provide risk management curriculum, tools, educational materials and workshops. The PD will continue to work on action plans with the Land Grant Advisory committee for the foreseeable future to develop and build the foundations for the four strategic initiatives. Goal 2 - The Director has provided one-on-one technical assistance, workshops, and trainings, tours and on-farm demonstrations. The PD provided the following subject matter presentations and technical assistance to targeted stakeholders: record keeping; soil sample collections; introductions to soils; soil interpretation; soil health, seed saving, raised bed warm season production, developing a business plan, building soil health, greenhouse and raised bed tours; part I and II business planning; developing posters and presenting oral presentations workshops; raised bed construction, cool season planning, raised hoop bed & drip irrigation demonstrations; USDA FSA and NRCS loan application assistance; coordinated the 2018 Farm Walking tour at Tesuque Pueblo; farm tours at Freshies (peaches, plumes, apples, blackberries, grapes, tomatoes, melons, and oyster mushrooms), Growing Opportunities (hydroponic tomatoes production), and Ice Farms (organic and cut flowers) in Velarde, NM; corn planting session with IAIA students and staff; provided a greenhouse tour to SIPI faculty and staff; tour to the Los Lunas ASC and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories; and co-coordinated the 2018 SARE New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Over 300 stakeholders attended these trainings, workshops, tours, and on-farm demonstrations. The PD also assisted Pueblo farmers in the development of posters to share and present to fellow farmers at Pueblo agricultural conferences. The PD assisted the following participants: "Bull Management for a Successful Cow/Calf Sale" by Randall Vicente from Acoma Pueblo; "Branding & Vaccinations" by Francine Torivio from Acoma Pueblo; "Ranching for Cow-Calf Operation" by Gilbert Louis, Jr. from Acoma Pueblo; "Your Bull is Your Investment" by Gilbert Louis, III from Acoma Pueblo; "Starting a New Apple Orchard" by Leonard Bird from Santo Domingo Pueblo; "Got Beef?" by Calvin Suina from Cochiti Pueblo; and "Rolling J's Farm and Ranch" by Jerry Suina from Cochiti Pueblo; "Grow Y'Own Raised Bed Garden" by Thelma Antonio from Laguna Pueblo; "Extended Season Production" by Vernon Martinez from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo; and "Starting a Hoop House" by Delbert Chisholm from Taos Pueblo. The PD also co-coordinated workshops and conferences with 1862 partner NMSU: pest control, native beef marketing, irrigation updates, grasshopper control, rodent control, beef quality assurance, and USDA updates (FSA, NASS, and NRCS); alfalfa production, equine care, bull management; livestock nutrition, small field vegetables, landrace chile & chile production, hoop house production, tractor safety & maintenance, extension risk management, bull selection & EPDs, cow calf management, horse care, cattle diseases & vaccinations, beef/cattle marketing, forage production, fruit pruning chile/corn/alfalfa pest control, pasture production, stress management, cattle pregnancy trouble shooting demonstration, horse care; the 2017, 2018 and 2019 NMPBFR Agricultural conferences; participated as a panel member at the 2018 PDBFR Conference regarding outreach to socially disadvantage producers; co-coordinated the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 BFR Advisory meetings; and co-coordinated hoop house on-farm demonstrations NM Pueblos. A total of 100 participants consistently attend these workshops and conferences. Workshops and technical assistance were also provided to youth and IAIA college students. The PD provides technical assistance to senior students and the Agriscience class at Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS). The PD and gardener, Teresa Quintana, coordinated with IAIA staff member, Jeminie Shell, to provide four cool season workshops for the IAIA student orientations. The PD provided background of Land Grant Programs and both staff presented "greenhouse management for cool season production" followed by a hands-on demonstration of a greenhouse plantings and transplanting techniques. A total of 145 youth and college students participated in these workshops and were provided assistance. Goal 3 - The PD has collaborated and partnered with the following agencies and organizations during this reporting period: NMSU - Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project (Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program), NMSU CES Santa Fe County Extension office (Northern NM Livestock Conference), MoGro (board member), IAIA campus community members (faculty, staff, students and community gardeners), USDA panel presenters (NRCS, Rural Development and FSA), and the 10 and 8 Southern Pueblos. The PD also serves on the national organization FALCON as a board member, is a council member on the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center (ERMC), is a member of the Advisory Committee Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) Professional Development Program, and an alternate 1994 representative on the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) BAA Policy Board of Directors. The Director serves throughout the year on these committees and boards to provide technical assistance and resources to stakeholders within TCU's and the southwest US region.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The extension programs targets tribal leaders, tribal agricultural programs, farmers and ranchers, tribal youth, college students, and IAIA campus community members (staff, faculty, and students) from among New Mexico's Native American communities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Goal 1 - The establishment of the Land Grant Advisory Committee is an initiative that will strengthen connections between IAIA, sister land grant institutions, USDA partners and tribal stakeholders. Introductory training was first provided so members would understand IAIA's responsibilities as a land grant, the committee responsibilities and committee structure. During the quarterly meetings, members are provided presentations regarding IAIA's land grant programs (outreach, research and teaching) and on other IAIA resources. Members also participate in strategic planning sessions focusing on Land Grant and IAIA strategic themes. This reporting period, members focused on theme 5.5 - develop small agricultural business programs. Members of the group are representative of New Mexico's communities and in addition to providing direction, members gain strategic planning experience and represent voices of their communities and/or professions. Goal 2 - The beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs) are provided agricultural basics focusing on crop/animal production and natural resources in cooperation with NMSU. Training opportunities are provided based on proven sustainable research and provided on a monthly basis. The Pueblo BFR's are provided assistance through culturally accepted methods in an effort to empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete and succeed in their agricultural business endeavors. As previously mentioned the following subject matter presentations were provided: record keeping workshops; soil sampling, collection and interpretation, intro to soils, soil health, pest control, native beef marketing, seed saving, irrigation updates, grasshopper control, raised bed warm season production, rodent control, beef quality assurance, and USDA Panels (FSA, NASS, and NRCS). Goal 3 - IAIA and partners (USDA NRCS, RD, FSA, NASS and NMSU) co-coordinate on regular monthly basis to provide BFRs with agricultural workshops and trainings. (These opportunities were mentioned previously under goal 2.) The PD will continue to provide opportunities among New Mexico's 1994s and 1862s to increase collaboration. This is in an effort to provide land grant mission training for all agents, engage in cross-institutional trainings, develop cultural sensitivity training and increase land grant capacity overall to meet New Mexico's tribal and surrounding communities agricultural needs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Goal 1 - The establishment of the advisory committee allows the PD to inform members of relevant local, state and federal agricultural information. In which members may take back to their communities for further distribution. Providing transparency allows members to gain information and provide input that aligns the Land Grant office with IAIA and overall with the needs of tribal communities. The committee will assist the PD with improving, developing and implementation of land grant programs. Goal 2 - The PD continues to collects evaluations at the end of programs to assess the success of activities. The PD coordinates workshops or activities based upon responses from BFR participant evaluations. Goal 3 - IAIA's land grant programs, educational network, partnering tribal communities and their members co-coordinate and develop relevant programing. Providing transparency of programming and outreach programs increases trust and success. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal 1 - The PD will facilitate strategic planning sessions to develop action planning for direction of 5.5 develop small agricultural business programs. The PD will utilize data collected from the previous tribal needs assessment in addition to input gathered from the advisory group. Goal 2 - The PD will work with advisory members to develop and provide outreach to tribal communities focusing on small agricultural business programing. This is in an effort stakeholders will increase skills and knowledge to make decisions making strategies for their agricultural operations and become eligible for USDA programs. The PD will continue to provide other agricultural and natural resource outreach to meet the needs of stakeholders. Goal 3 - The PD will schedule collaboration meetings among NMSU and the other 1994s; facilitate strategic planning sessions and produce a state action plan focused on providing efficient outreach, teaching, and research programming to New Mexico target audiences.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 - As part of the Land Grant Plan, the Project Director (PD) established the Land Grant Advisory Committee. The committee recruited a total of 10 participants who are members from the 10 Southern Pueblos, 8 Northern Pueblos, farmers, ranchers, NMSU Cooperative Extension partners, IAIA staff, faculty and students, and local, state and federal professionals/specialists. Since members represent local New Mexico communities this further provides connections between IAIA and tribes. The committee will serve to make recommendations regarding the delivery and implementation of programs focusing on crop production, native youth programs, small agricultural business and health and wellness to promote healthy Native communities. Goal 2 - The PD provides outreach to targeted New Mexico tribal communities, farmers & ranchers and youth through outreach. The following project accomplishments are relative to the following Land Grant Program priority areas 1 & 3. Strengthen agricultural production and natural resource programs and services. IAIA in cooperation with NMSU provides New Mexico's Pueblo beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR's) with outreach programming through educational and technical assistance to meet the individual production, marketing and financing needs of Native American BFR's. Approaches include one-on-one technical assistance, workshops, conferences and trainings, tours and on-farm demonstrations. Producers will gain skills and knowledge on developing sustainable management, production practices and marketing strategies for their farms and ranches. A total of 103 BFR's have been recruited and are located within the 10 Southern and 8 Northern Pueblos. Thus far training subject matter presentations include: 6 record keeping workshops; 60 soil samples completed for participants; intro to soils, soil collection and interpretation, soil health, pest control, native beef marketing, seed saving, irrigation updates, grasshopper control, raised bed warm season production, rodent control, beef quality assurance, and USDA Panels (FSA, NASS, and NRCS). Over 525 constituents attended the above mentioned events. Develop Small Agricultural Business Programs. The Land Grant Advisory Committee will on focus on "developing small agricultural business programs." A previously grant program was leveraged to develop a tribal needs assessment. Originally, the program was to assist ten stakeholders to submit complete and competitive USDA VAPG, REAP, and RBEG grant applications. Of the 35 individuals interviewed less than 6% were eligible to apply. Two observed factors were reported that limited participation in USDA programs: (1) varying stakeholder capacities and (2) a disconnect exists between USDA and stakeholders. The PD developed pre-assessment surveys to determine the extent of the limiting factors. The PD collected 35 assessments regarding small agricultural business from 12 tribal communities (Jicarilla Apache, Navajo, Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, and Taos). First stakeholders were asked specific assistance needed to build their capacities/operations. The top three responses are: 43% needed funding, 17% needed access to water and land, 9% need equipment. The second part identified communication gaps; stakeholders were asked about their experience with USDA. The top three responses are: 49% of individuals reported that they have never worked with USDA, 26% reported unfavorable experiences, and 26% reported good experiences. Lastly, the stakeholders identified educational and technical assistance needed: 60% reported grant writing and application assistance, 50% or more needed record keeping and a business plan, and 48% need strategic planning assistance. In summary the assessment identified that a lack of financial stability (to start or maintain operations), lack of business education, low level of interest for large production operations, and lack of interaction and/or knowledge of USDA programs reduced participation. Participation included applying to USDA programs, meeting application requirements, and moving from personal to commercial production. A majority of tribal producers are true beginners who are not ready to sell to markets. For example, ranchers only expressed interest to produce hay for their own animals, they are not considering marketing beyond their own needs. The second need is gaining educational and technical assistance. Producers are enthusiastic about gaining knowledge - "I am a new farmer and rancher and I'd like to learn the basics." When asked about importance of small agricultural business topics, over 45% found all topics were important. In addition to business topics, other related topics were identified: irrigation, laser leveling, grant writing, equipment, woodland management, growing corn, greenhouse management, organic certification, orchard production, and weed control. The PD will focus on providing programing to meet BFRs' needs, increase opportunities for USDA to participate in outreach efforts, and focus on small agricultural business topics (strategic planning, business planning, record keeping, grant writing and application assistance, grant management, developing a cooperative, developing market strategies and identifying markets). The PD will provide assistance to New Mexico's tribal farmers and ranchers in an effort that they will gain the skills, knowledge and become eligible to participate in USDA programs. Goal 3 - The PD has collaborated and partnered with the following agencies and organizations during this reporting period: NMSU - Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project (Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program), NMSU CES Santa Fe County Extension office (Northern NM Livestock Conference), MoGro (board member), IAIA campus community members (faculty, staff, students and community gardeners), USDA panel presenters (NRCS, Rural Development and FSA), and the 10 and 8 Southern Pueblos. The PD specifically is working on collaboration with NMSU's Edmund Gomez, Director of RAIPAP; Jon Boren, Associate Dean CES; Patrick Torres, Northern District Director; and Dr. Flores, Dean of CACES. The focus is to meet the Land Grant mission through collaboration of 1862s and 1994s and develop a state action plan. The PD also developed a community advisory committee with 10 members who will provide direction and input on the Land Grant Programs. Additionally the PD is working with the IAIA President, Dr. Robert Martin, to develop connections between IAIA and New Mexico's Tribal communities. The goal is to increase engagement, support and connections for IAIA among New Mexico's Native communities and their members. Members of the group are representative of IAIA faculty, staff, and students who are members of NM's tribal communities. The group selected 6 strategic initiatives: Education, IAIA Outreach, Tribal Engagement, Marketing, Recruitment, and Alumni Relations. The group will identify specific projects for each initiative to be incorporated into IAIA as an institutional wide effort. Then each cabinet member will develop action plans to implement projects for their respective divisions. The PD also serves on the FALCON Board and is a council member on the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center (ERMC). The PD is on the planning committee for the November 2017 FALCON conference with NIFA- USDA and sister 1994 land grant institutions. The PD serves as a council member the Western ERMC which provides tools and training to support producers in establishing long-term risk management strategies that will strengthen the economic viability of their farm and ranch operations.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The extension programs targets tribal leaders, tribal agricultural programs, farmers and ranchers, tribal youth, college students, and IAIA campus community members (staff, faculty, and students) from among New Mexico's Native American communities. Changes/Problems:Changes - UPDATE - Re-organization of the Center for Lifelong Education: The Center for Lifelong Education has been refocused on the 1994 mission areas extension and research programs. The center is now the Land Grant Programs and will no longer be referred to as the Center for Lifelong Education center. The former CLE Director retired (June 2015) and the Land Grant Office Manager was promoted to the Director of Land Grant Programs (October 2015).These changes do not affect any of the terms and conditions of this grant as Charlene Carr continues to serve asthe Program Director. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Goal 1 - The PD provided a training overview of land grant strategic plan and priorities to internal IAIA community members through various college lead events (including the IAIA Student Leadership Summit) in an attempt to increase transparency and participation among IAIA community members in outreach programs. The PD also provided the Equity PD, land grant staff and TCU-VISTA Volunteer the opportunity to attend the November 2015 FALCON conference in Denver, Colorado. Goal 2 - The beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR) were provided training opportunities (highlighted in the accomplishments above) through research based and proven sustainable educational and technical assistance. The Pueblo BFR's were provided assistance through culturally accepted methods in an effort to empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete and succeed in their agricultural business endeavors. IAIA also collaborated with ENIC to provide environmental and agricultural science to youth in an effort to increase their critical thinking skills and encourage them to seek a secondary education. Goal 3 - IAIA and the partnerships (USDA NRCS, RD, FSA, NASS and NMSU) co-coordinate workshop and training opportunities geared towards targeted audiences. These opportunities offered were mentioned in the above accomplishments to build BFR and youth capacities. Update: The PD and IAIA's former Continuing Education Manager Marth Bectell developed two integrated agriculture, health and wellness CE courses. These courses focused on raised bed gardening and food is medicine which were provided under the workshops and trainings. However, Ms. Bectell has since resigned and the CE course will have to be assessed by the new CE manager. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Goal 1 - The PD developed a committee structure document to establish a tribal community advisory committee at IAIA. The first meeting will include review of the new Land Grant strategic plan to convey IAIA's initiatives and align tribal needs with input from the advisory committee. The committee will assist the PD with improving, developing and implementation of land grant programs that align with all three stakeholders from the tribal community, the IAIA community and the Land Grant Program priorities. The PD will recruit committee participants from the Ten Southern Pueblos, Eight Northern Pueblos, Dine, Jicarilla, Apache tribal communities, state and federal agencies, sister land grant institutions and the IAIA staff, faculty and students. (85% complete) Goal 2 - During workshops, the PD collects evaluations at the end of programs to assess the success of activities and develop the next workshops or activities based upon responses from participants. The project staff found that listening to the needs of our target audiences rather than dictating assessed needs, leads to mutual respect, trust, co-coordination to develop relevant programs and overall, success for our target audiences. Goal 3 - IAIA's land grant programs and educational network share program information freely between each other as our goals are one in the same for the target audiences in New Mexico. Most importantly, as mentioned throughout the report, partnering with tribal communities and their members to co-coordinate and develop relevant programs increases trust and success. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal 1 - The PD will establish the first IAIA land grant advisory committee with members from New Mexico tribal communities, IAIA members, and federal agencies. Input will be used to develop and deliver programs under the four land grant strategic priorities: strengthen crop production, programs and services; strengthen youth programing; develop small agricultural business programs; and developing health and wellness programs. The PD will identify resources to expand the capacity of the land grant programs (crop, small ag. business, youth and health and wellness) to increase New Mexico's tribal communities. Goal 2 - The PD will continue to provide outreach to meet the needs of target audiences, build their capacities and increase awareness about USDA programs.The PD has set milestones within the 3 year strategic plant to accomplish goals under the four priority areas: Strengthen Crop Production Programs and Services: Complete energy efficiency assessment for greenhouse. Complete energy efficiency improvements for the greenhouse. Provide on-farm demonstration projects (raised bed gardens). Seek funding for a crop production extension associate. Expand demonstration garden into agricultural research center. Strengthen Youth Programing: Collaborate with IAIA colleagues, Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) programs, and collaborate with individual tribal communities to strengthen and/or develop youth programs. Seek funding for a youth extension associate. Expand youth program to include year round programs. Develop Small Agricultural Business Programs: Develop small agricultural business surveys to develop relevant programs increase participants' capacities to apply for USDA programs (via workshops and trainings) and facilitate an in-depth collaboration directly between USDA (NRCS, FSA, RD, and NASS) and stakeholders. Seek funding for a small ag. business extension associate. Objective number 3 is particularly important as tribal communities are very unique from each other and operate at different capacities. To encourage collaboration the PD plans to facilitate a listening session between federal and New Mexico stakeholders to set goals and timelines. This is in an effort to change policy and/or at least modify grant requirements to increase tribal participation in USDA programs. Develop Health and Wellness Programs: Develop new integrated diabetes and agricultural education and training courses. Seek funding for a health and wellness extension associate Seek funding for health and wellness programing. Goal 3 - The PD plans to utilize the existing educational network and incorporate the advisory committee to receive input targeted audiences. Tribal community members often wear different hats within their respective communities and more than likely tribal leaders will be among those recruited to serve on the advisory committee. This will be beneficial to the land grant programs to potentially serve the Pueblos in their entire instead of just one department or group of tribal members. Increasing transparency through these partnerships has the potential to increase exposure of IAIA as a 1994 land grant serving institution.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 - That Project Director (PD) completed the Land Grant strategic plan which was approved by the IAIA President and Board of Trustees; effective September 29, 2015. The 3 yearplan provides background of IAIA's origin status as a 1994, aligns with IAIA's strategic plan (Strategic Theme 5: Expand Capacity as a 1994 Land Grant Institution), aligns with New Mexico's Native communities agricultural needs and introduces mission areas (extension, research, and teaching) focusing on four priority areas to promote healthy Native Communities: Strengthen Crop Production programs and services. Strengthen Youth Programing. Develop Small Agricultural Business Programs. Develop Health and Wellness Programs. Goal 2 - The PD has provided outreach to targeted New Mexico tribal communities, tribal farmers & ranchers and youth through outreach educational and technical assistance and provided administrative support to the IAIA's Land Grant Programs. The following project accomplishments are relative to the following Land Grant Program priority areas 1, 2 & 3. The IAIA extension and outreach programs primarily focuses on beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR). IAIA provided services to targeted audiences and in collaboration with sister 1862 land grant, New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service's RAIPAP. This collaboration is unique in that the 1862 and a 1994 work together to build Native American BFR's agricultural capacities. Most importantly, IAIA is collaborating directly with local Pueblo livestock and growers associations. These BFR's represent tribal members from Dine, Jicarilla Apache and majority from the Pueblos of: Acoma, Cochiti, Jemez, Laguna, Sandia, San Felipe, Kewa (Santo Domingo), San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, Nambe and Taos. During the third year of the program, the PD and NMSU agricultural agents provided 58 active BFRs with research based educational and technical assistance through culturally accepted methods in an effort to empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete and succeed in their agricultural business endeavors. Based on BFR individual need assessments, BFRs developed individual curriculum and the PD/agents developed programs (based on collective BFR needs) to meet their farm/ranch goals. Assistance also included monthly one-on-one technical assistance, 83 on-farm visits, educational workshops, trainings, conferences, tours and on-farm demonstrations were given to participants under eight agricultural areas (including business planning and sustainable practices, USDA programs, crop production, livestock production, pest control and safety, soil health, irrigation and range management). Activities were strategically held at various locations to accommodate producers for a total of 22 workshops, trainings, tours, conferences and 15 on-farm demonstrations. Subject matter topics included record keeping, forage production, fruit production, marketing and bull fertility, trichomonas testing, NM organic farming, hoop house construction, vegetable production, chile production, IPM management, raised bed gardening, beef quality assurance, NM greenhouse production tours, tomato hydroponics, beef cattle pregnancy testing, USDA slaughter house and raspberry farm tours, Navajo Agricultural Products Industry tour, farm planning, soil health and interpretation, and USDA NRCS, RD, and FSA updates. The on-farm demonstrations included 2 fruit orchard demonstration (at Kewa - Santo Domingo and Cochiti Pueblos), 4 hoop house demonstrations (Kewa and Cochiti Pueblos), and 9 raised bed garden and planting demonstrations (Pueblos of Kewa, Cochiti, and Taos and the Dine Hogback Chapter Farm Committee). Additionally, the beginning farmers were encourage to test their soils; most agricultural lands have been farmed continuously for over 800 years. Strategies to improve these soils has become a major concern for our BFR's. Therefor the PD collected and interpreted 15 soil samples from 11 Pueblo farmers (San Ildenfonso, Taos, Ohkay Owingeh, Nambe, Kewa, Copchiti, Sandia, and Jemez). Soil sampling can be processed any time of the year and the Director will continue to provide this service. By the third year of the project, over 90% of our BFR crop and forage fields were tested. Based on these tests, sustainable strategies to improve the soils were developed for each field. The Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council, Inc. and IAIA, in cooperation with Taos Pueblo provided the 2015 Tribal Youth Environmental Summer Camp (TYESC). A total of twenty-five tribal high school students and mentors participated in the camp. Additional a number of local Native American Environmental and Agricultural professionals, representatives from State, Federal, and Tribal government agencies served as instructors. The PD and co-collaborators provided hands on instruction focused on environmental, natural resource, and agriculture fields of industry. The PD also provided a presentation on soils science. Students gained environmental / agricultural skills and knowledge in an effort to seek a higher education beyond high school and assist with the protection of their tribal lands and communities. During the third year of the project for BFR's, efforts were also concentrated on risk management training and strategic planning. Based on interactions with BFR's the PD identified at least two factors limiting BFR participation to submit complete and competitive USDA applications (1) the BFR's have varying capacity levels and (2) a disconnect exists between USDA and stakeholders. BFR's who were at varying capacity levels were introduced to strategic planning of their farm or ranch's past and current situations, threats and opportunities to plan for the future. They have received basic planning and record keeping training. The PD also developed a tribal needs survey to seek community input; surveys focus on assessing capacities and the PD collected 25 BFRs surveys. The PD will continue to collect data to document capacity levels, asses the gap between USDA and stakeholders, and allow project staff to develop workshops and trainings. This is in an effort to build their capacities enable them to participate in USDA programs. Goal 3 - The PD has collaborated and partnered with the following agencies and organizations during this reporting period: NMSU - Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project (Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program), NMSU CES Santa Fe County Extension office (Northern NM Livestock Conference), MoGro (board member), IAIA campus community members (community gardeners), USDA panel presenters (NRCS, Rural Development and FSA), and the Ten and Eight Southern Pueblos. The PD specifically participated in different events to bridge programs and increase exposure as a 1994 land grant institution. The PD participated in the Resiliency in NM Agriculture strategic planning session; co-coordinated the Northern Agricultural Conference with NMSU and Santa Clara Pueblo; presented in the IAIA Student Leadership Summit; participated in the NM Grown Fresh Fruits & Vegetables for School Meals strategic planning session; presented at the NM Tribal Planners Round Table, participate in the MoGro meetings, and assisted the Santa Fe County Extension - NMSU with the Northern NM Indian Livestock Conference. Over 550 constituents attended the above mentioned events. The above events lead to further opportunities to reach tribal agricultural producers. The Director is currently co-coordinating the November 2016 FALCON conference with NIFA- USDA National Program Leaders and sister 1994 land grant institutions. The FALCON conference assembles tribal colleges and universities with Land Grant status as a means to network, attend training opportunities and receive USDA updates. (Percentage Complete: 80%)
Publications
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The extension programs targets tribal leaders, tribal programs, farmers and ranchers, tribal youth, college students, and IAIA campus community members (staff, faculty, and students) from among New Mexico's Native American communities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Goal 1 - The LGOM attended the November 2014 FALCON conference in St. Paul- Minneapolis, Minnesota in which the LGOM received a planning guide assist with the development of a Land Grant Plan. The LGOM is also currently receiving training through IAIA under the series of professional Leadership to develop management knowledge and skills to effectively direct and increase IAIA's capacity to serve constituents in the areas of extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance. Goal 2 - During delivery of programs in the areas of extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance from September 2014 to present (as of June 30, 2015) the LGOM has directed, planned, and coordinated agricultural workshops, training, youth programs, assisted and collaborated with partners on projects. Workshops pertaining to increasing skills and knowledge of farmers and ranchers have been co-coordinated with NMSU and covered multiple topics (such as marketing and strategic planning, fruit production, fruit tree pruning, hoop house construction, business planning, USDA panel (FSA and NRCS), New Mexico land race chiles, chile production, integrated pest management). The LGOM co-coordinated the Tribal Youth Environmental Summer Camp program with Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council to expose tribal youth to environmental and agricultural sciences to increase their critical thinking skills and knowledge. The LGOM co-coordinated the Native American Agriculture Outreach Workshop with SIPI (sponsored by AIHEC and USDA) targeting farmers and ranchers (topics covered were local food systems, whole farm planning, water use and conservation, USDA panel, and SARE). Lastly, the LGOM coordinated the following workshops and training: a CATCH Kids Club train the trainer program, physical and nutritional education workshops; intro to land grant programs; program management for tribal programs; rain garden catchment systems, soil health, vegetable production, basics to soils, and an USDA panel. The programs mentioned above reached 397 constituents; the rest of the constituents were assisted through one on one meetings, field site visits, planning meetings, soil sampling, and other outreach meetings. Goal 3 - The partnerships developed result in collaborative efforts when planning opportunities such as the workshops andtrainingtargeted towards IAIA constituents. TheLGOM also plans to work with Marth Bectell, IAIA's new Continuing Education Manager, to award Continuing Education Units for future workshops and training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Goal 1 - The first draft of the Land Grant Strategic Plan will be reviewed by the IAIA President. Further steps to present the plan to the stakeholders will be delivered through an advisory committee. The LGOM is in the process of assembling a Center for Lifelong Education advisory committee among the community members who utilize the land grant services. The purpose of the advisory committee will provide the Land Grant Office insight on the needs and direction of programs that the office can focus on. Goal 2 - During delivery of programs, data has been collected via surveys assessing the effectiveness of workshops and training; a debriefing among the main coordinators of the summer camp program will be scheduled in July 2015; soil samples have been collected for farmers, results interpreted, and returned to farmers; and follow-up meetings with individuals or a group of community members will continue. The LGOM is also researching IAIA's capacity to allow for communication efforts through IAIA's web site. The LGOM will also seek input and feedback from the advisory committee. Goal 3 - The data and results gathered, if the tribal community approves for dissemination, are shared among collaborating parties to ensure accountability and acknowledgement. Programs are designed to be annual projects and adjustments made appropriately to continue partnerships and provide continuous services to the constituents that IAIA serve. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal 1 - The LGOM will complete the first draft of the Land Grant Strategic Plan, review with the IAIA President to complete a final version, and share with the constituents that IAIA serves. Finalization of the plan will provide focus to the land grant programs to better serve the tribal constituents. Furthermore once a final plan is ready for dissemination it will increase IAIA's exposure as a land grant serving institution offering focused extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance. Goal 2 - The LGOM will continue to provide extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance. The LGOM will hire an extension associate (agricultural agent) to increase field assistance capacity and continuing outreach efforts to meet constituents in their communities. The LGOM will also continue to increase constituents' awareness about USDA agencies and programs. The LGOM has received a VISTA Volunteer grant; the volunteer is currently assisting the LGOM with efforts to increase land grant office capacity. Additionally the volunteer is assisting with compiling USDA educational materials, researching avenues for communication methods, and follow-up processes. Goal 3 - The LGOM will continue communication and follow-up with tribal leadership to increase tribal community participation is programs offered by the land grant office. The LGOM will continue to provide constituents information and opportunities through extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance to access local, state, federal and other programs relevant to their needs as individuals and as a community.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 - That Land Grant Manager (LGOM) is currently in process of developing IAIA's Land Grant Plan draft with collaboration from the Director of Institutional Research. The Director of Institutional Research is a direct report to the IAIA President who is responsible for coordinating strategic planning efforts of the institution. The draft plan is 65% completed. Goal 2 - The LGOM has reached, assisted, collaborated with 847 constituents (of which are the targeted tribal communities, tribal farmers & ranchers, youth, local, state, federal organizations and agencies) from September 2014 to present (as of June 30, 2015) in the areas of extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance. The LGOM conducted site visits, provided workshops, assisted in planning meetings, provided technical assistance, and provided administrative support to the Center for Lifelong Education. The LGOM will continue to reach the targeted audience and collaborate with partners to provide land grant services. The LGOM will hire an agricultural agent to assist with field programs. Goal 3 - During delivery of programs in the areas of extension, outreach, educational, and technical assistance the LGOM has collaborated and partnered with the following agencies and organizations: New Mexico State University (NMSU) Research Science Centers at Los Lunas and Alcalde, NMSU - Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project, NMSU County Extension Agencies in Sandoval and Bernalillo, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) , FALCON-AIHEC, Santa Fe Community College, Northern New Mexico Community College, Santa Fe Indian Center, Farm to Fork, MoGro, IAIA campus community members, Rio Arriba Soil Water Conservation District, USDA NRCS, USDA Rural Development, USDA FSA, and the Ten and Eight Southern Pueblos. Communications and collaborations with organizations and agencies continue.
Publications
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