Progress 08/15/16 to 08/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Immigrant producers Organic producers Small farms Women Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 684 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 25, Actual - 38 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 50, Actual - 72 Improved farming success: Target - 25, Actual - 38 Changes/Problems: Project Comments What were the keys to success for your participants? Outreach, strong partnerships, adaptability, and making provisions to ensure our programs were accessible were all keys to participant success. Development of peer support networks is also important. Describe any unexpected results of the project: We though the Learning Circles would be more popular than they were. The Growing Together Leadership workshop had really good turnout and we were pleased that so many people were interested in that unique approach to community gardens. Many of the participants we served are interested in farming but don't have the time or land access to pursue a farm business. How would you improve this project if you were to do it again? We'd put more planning and time earlier on into adaptation of the Farm Beginnings curriculum for participants who do not speak or write in English or who do not read or write in their own language. We had a lot of staffing challenges and challenges with communication among partners. I think this could be addressed by spending more planning time at the beginnings of the project, establishing a clearly understood shared mission and vision for the project and ensuring it is in writing. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Year 1: In the first year of this project, FARRMS held an 8-session Farm Beginnings course, placed interns on working farms across North Dakota, held monthly Learning Circle sessions for peer support, and convened an advisory group called the New Farmer Task Force Year 2: In year 2 (8/15/2017 - 8/14/2018) FARRMS again held an 8 session Farm Beginnings course, placed interns on working farms across North Dakota, held monthly workshops, and continued to convene the New Farmer Task Force on a monthly basis. We also worked to increase the number of community gardens using the Growing Together communal gardening model. Farm Beginnings: In the first year, 21 individuals enrolled and 12 completed the course. (57% course completion). In the second year, 25 individuals enrolled and 19 graduated (76% course completion). Of those that graduated, 15 were New Americans, recruited through Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Twelve were from Bhutan, one from DRC, one from Tanzania, one from Somalia. Among the group from Bhutan, most did not speak English and there were varying levels of literacy in their own language. LSS provided interpreters at each session (part of their in-kind match). Another adaptation was that some written worksheets and evaluation forms were done by group discussion with the interpreters. Most sessions lent themselves well to adaptation. The lessons on farm taxes and insurance did not lend themselves to translation or adaptation. Interns: In the first year 17 interns enrolled and only 10 completed the internship (59% retention). In the second year 9 enrolled and 9 completed the internship (100% retention). We improved retention by revising the expectations around # of hours per week (reduced from 40 to 25), changed from a model where interns lived on the farm to a non-residential model, improved orientation and the handbook, implemented a learning plan for each intern, assigned weekly readings on food systems and sustainability and focused on community building among the interns. While they had one or two potlucks in the first year, in the second year they had 4 monthly farm tours that included a group work project, a meal, and social time. We are building community by giving them opportunities to learn together, work together, eat together, and play together. In year one we struggled with attendance at Learning Circles. Most Farm Beginnings students worked and did not have another free day a month to attend a Learning Circle. In year two we offered educational workshops in place of Learning Circles and had good attendance. New Farmer Task Force. The New Farmer Task Force continued to meet monthly in Year 2. However, attendance declined and some members reported that the group lacked clear vision and direction. For numerous reasons, the contractor who had been facilitating the Task Force had her contract terminated in April 2018. A consulting firm was brought in to conduct re-visioning sessions in summer 2018 and we created a new position description and began recruiting a new facilitator for the New Farmer Task Force (hired in Year 3, fall 2018). We published and began sharing the Growing Together Gardens Toolkit, a guide for those interested in replicating Growing Together's communal gardening model. We also offered a training workshop in March 2018 followed by two phone conference sessions. Year 3: We faced significant challenges as we started our third year. The Project Director was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia in September 2018 and the new facilitator for the New Farmer Task Force was still being hired. The Director of Educational Programs was the sole staff member during September and October 2019. Farm Beginnings was again held in Fargo with 7 participants. Participation may have been lower because we were short-staffed and unable to spend as much time on recruitment. Or it may have been that we had reached capacity for the number of students in Fargo interested in the course. All 7 completed the course and reported high satisfaction with the course. Although we reached out through Lutheran Social Services, no New Americans enrolled in this session of Farm Beginnings. The internship program had 15 interns participating, a significant increase. The internship program used the same format as 2018 and again had a high completion rate with only one leaving the program early. We again offered monthly educational workshops on a variety of topics from plant production to regenerative grazing. A new facilitator was hired for the New Farmer Task Force and they resumed monthly meetings in January 2019. They worked on defining a shared vision and participated in planning and coordination for a one-day pop-up farmers market for New Americans in 2019. Growing Together Community gardens continued to mentor new startup communal gardens. We placed 4 interns with Growing Together in 2019. Steps Steps taken to help participants FARRMS will continue recruiting New Americans and other underserved populations for our programs. FARRMS offered Farm Beginnings annually. (3 courses, each 8 sessions) FARRMS offered the internship program annually and encouraged graduating interns to enroll in Farm Beginnings. FARRMS recruited Farm Beginnings graduates as presenters to Farm Beginnings and to be intern hosts. FARRMS offered monthly Learning Circles and educational workshops. FARRMS convened monthly New Farmer Task Force meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Steps Steps taken to help participants FARRMS will continue recruiting New Americans and other underserved populations for our programs. FARRMS offered Farm Beginnings annually. (3 courses, each 8 sessions) FARRMS offered the internship program annually and encouraged graduating interns to enroll in Farm Beginnings. FARRMS recruited Farm Beginnings graduates as presenters to Farm Beginnings and to host interns. FARRMS offered monthly Learning Circles and educational workshops. FARRMS convened monthly New Farmer Task Force meetings. Deliver: Total Meetings: 23 Total Meeting Participants: 305 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 4 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Participants take part in exploratory events for various farming careers and techniques Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: At each event Estimated Number: 675, Actual Number: 684 How verified: Basic sign in sheets with name and email Result 2. New community gardens are established with the Growing Together model using the toolkit and mentoring Producer action: Implement, Topic: Vegetables When measured: Annually in July Estimated Number: 11, Actual Number: 10 How verified: Reported #s from community garden leader Result 3. Increase participation in community gardens as a first step in farming skill Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables When measured: Annually in September Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 87 How verified: Post season survey of garden leaders Result 4. # of Interns who participate in 1 to 3 field trips, educational webinars, or social events anually Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: Annually in November Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 33 How verified: Annual Intern survey, intern enrollment and stipend records Result 5. # of students (Farm Beginnings, Farm Dreams, and Interns) whoe Use a skills competency checklist to create a personal growth plan Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: At the end of planning event Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 77 How verified: Attendance and growth plan review at events, Whole Farm Plans presented at end of Farm Beginnings, Intern Learning Plans created at orientation, Experience reports track growth Result 6. Participate in Farm Beginnings(R) whole farm management course Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: annually inNovemebr Estimated Number: 54, Actual Number: 51 How verified: Registrations received for Farm Beginnings(R) course Result 7. Create a farm plan as a capstone for Farm Beginnings(R) course Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: Annually at end of Farm Beginnings(R) course Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 38 How verified: Participants present farm plan and submit it to course facilitator Result 8. Farm Beginnings(R) graduates participate in 3 field trips, educational webinars, conferences, or networking social events annually Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: annually in November Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 12 How verified: Annual survey of all Farm Beginnings(R) graduates Result 9. Interns enrolling in Farm Beginnings(R) course Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: Annually in November Estimated Number: 10, Actual Number: 5 How verified: Registrations received for Farm Beginnings(R) course Result 10. Farm beginnings(R) graduates return to share their experiences with next year's class or mentoring interns Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 15, Actual Number: 26 How verified: Tracking intern placements and Farm Beginnings(R) presenters Result 11. New and existing farmers use the Learning Circle or educational workshops for peer support and mentoring Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Each Learning Circle events Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 70 How verified: Attendance sheets with name and email will track discrete individuals Result 12. Establish a community of practice Learning Circle for beginning farmers Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Tallied August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 58 How verified: Total hours of Learning Circle activities will be continually recorded Result 13. Community organizations invested in the success of local new and beginnings farmers through their partnerships with FARRMS: Growing Together and representation on Farmer Task Force Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Tallied August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 19 How verified: Attendance of organizations at New Farmer Task Force meetings Result 14. New farms established Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: annually in August Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 38 How verified: Follow up surveys and interviews Result 15. 50% of training program participants are from socially disadvantaged populations Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: upon participant enrollment in program Estimated Number: 25, Actual Number: 177 How verified: Through FBC surveys, enrollment surveys, or observation
Publications
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Progress 08/15/17 to 08/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience: Immigrant producers Organic producers Small farms Women Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 255 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 25, Actual - 11 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 50, Actual - 40 Improved farming success: Target - 25, Actual - 11 Changes/Problems: We had some staffing changes in Year 2. FARRMS hired a new Executive Director in January 2018 who became the Project Director for this grant. The former Executive Director left the organization in March 2018. The contracted consultant under the grant separated from the organization in April 2018 and we began the hiring process to find a new coordinator for the New Farmer Task Force. This was completed in fall 2018, year 3. Project Comments What were the keys to success for your participants? Outreach, strong partnerships, adaptability, and making provisions to ensure our programs were accessible were all keys to participant success. Describe any unexpected results of the project: We though the Learning Circles would be more popular than they were. The Growing Together Leadership workshop had really good turnout and we were pleased that so many people were interested in that unique approach to community gardens. How would you improve this project if you were to do it again? We'd put more planning and time earlier on into adaptation of the Farm Beginnings curriculum for participants who do not speak or write in English or who do not read or write in their own language. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 2 (8/15/2017 - 8/14/2018) FARRMS again held an 8 session Farm Beginnings course, placed interns on working farms across North Dakota, held monthly workshops and continued to convene the New Farmer Task Force every month. We also worked to increase the number of community gardens using the Growing Together communal gardening model. Farm Beginnings: In the first year, 21 individuals enrolled, and 12 completed the course. (57% course completion). In the second year, 25 individuals enrolled, and 19 graduated (76% course completion). Of those that graduated, 15 were New Americans, recruited through Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Twelve were from Bhutan, one from DRC, one from Tanzania, one from Somalia. Among the group from Bhutan, most did not speak English, and there were varying levels of literacy in their language. LSS provided interpreters at each session (part of their in-kind match). Another adaptation was that some written worksheets and evaluation forms were done by group discussion with the interpreters. Most sessions lent themselves well to adaptation. The lessons on farm taxes and insurance did not lend themselves to translation or adaptation. Interns: In the first year, 17 interns enrolled, and only 10 completed the internship (59% retention). In the second year, nine enrolled and 9 completed the internship (100% retention). We improved retention by revising the expectations around # of hours per week (reduced from 40 to 25), changed from a model where interns lived on the farm to a non-residential model, improved orientation and the handbook, implemented a learning plan for each intern, assigned weekly readings on food systems and sustainability and focused on community building among the interns. While they had one or two potlucks in the first year, in the second year, they had four monthly farm tours that included a group work project, a meal, and social time. We are building a community by giving them opportunities to learn together, work together, eat together, and play together. In year one w,e struggled with attendance at Learning Circles. Most Farm Beginnings students worked and did not have another free day a month to attend a Learning Circle. In year two w,e offered educational workshops in place of Learning Circles and had good attendance. New Farmer Task Force. The New Farmer Task Force continued to meet monthly in Year 2. However, attendance declined, and some members reported that the group lacked a clear vision and direction. For numerous reasons, the contractor who had been facilitating the Task Force had her contract terminated in April 2018. A consulting firm was brought in to conduct re-visioning sessions in summer 2018, and we created a new position description and began recruiting a new facilitator for the New Farmer Task Force (hired in Year 3, fall 2018). We published and began sharing the Growing Together Gardens Toolkit, a guide for those interested in replicating Growing Together's communal gardening model. We also offered a training workshop in March 2018 followed by two phone conference sessions. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Delivery Total Meetings: 12 Total Meeting Participants: 211 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 4 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 3/14/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 57 11/4/2017: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 13 11/18/2017: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 15 12/2/2017: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 21 12/16/2017: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 18 1/6/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 19 1/20/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 16 2/10/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 15 2/17/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 16 5/1/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 7 7/18/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 4 8/7/2018: Fargo, ND -- Number of Attendees 10 Webinars 3/14/2018: Number of Attendees 4 Stories / Quotes "What an invaluable experience we had this winter learning with other beginning farmers about soil health, holistic planning and our favorite, taxes!" Farm Beginnings Graduate February 2017 "I'm looking for my own opportunity to grow a farm business here and I want to help other people like me realize their dreams." Farm Beginnings Graduate March 2018 "Everything from goal setting and farm management, GAP plan, soil science, budgeting, sales and marketing, funding, land contracts, to organic certification. We learned a lot and hope to implement some of what we did not know!" Farm Beginnings Graduate February 2017 "There is an interest and a need for quality, farm-based educational programs for kids." Farm Beginnings Graduate March 2018 Kathy has a vision to begin educating future generations of farmers while they're young. "I'm looking for my own opportunity to grow a farm business here and I want to help other people like me realize their dreams." Simeon Bakunda, Farm Beginnings graduate March 20118 I have prepared for the upcoming season by building a business plan and marketing approach and keeping to something written on paper. Farm Beginnings grad 2019 Hello Mindy, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Thank you for this opportunity, it really takes a weight off my shoulders, I am so grateful for FARRMS and the opportunities I have been given! You guys are the best, Thanks! Chelsea, Farm Beginnings grad 2019 I have prepared for the upcoming season by doing... 9 responded 3 Plan to be in co-op 1 Created a better plan for the year 1 Working with FARRMS 1 Take soil prep classes 1 establish contacts list 1 Financial planning for each enterprise 1 better holistic context 1 Having in mind useful resources from this course 1 "I am not sure" I plan to alter my farm management practices to encourage better soil health by doing.....9 responded 5 Compost and mulch 2 less tilling/soil disturbance 1 rotating crops 1 Look over enterprise budget more thoroughly 1 consider various markets, narrow ideas 1 Following advice from FARRMS 2 Cover crops 1 increase organic matter 1 permanent raised beds 1 pastured chickens 1 Tilling land ahead of time before planting Other things that I intend to change/do differently as a result of the course include: 9 responded 6 Keeping records 1 Focusing on where to start, finding time 1 more education of farming 1 Take time to prep soil be delaying planting 1 Be critical of markets and their costs What has been the biggest challenge in your farming enterprise? 9 responded 4 Equipment, unknown soil, transportation 4 More detailed expectation of final presentation- examples 3 Land Access 1 follow up with students to see how they address this issue 1 Understanding farming terminology- please explain words more frequently Is there a topic that you would like to have seen included in the winter Farm Beginnings® course? 3 responded 1 Business organization- LLC, Sole proprietor, etc 1 Crop planning, successive planting 1 Where can farmers address their concerns, which authority? Is there a topic that you would like to see included in the summer farm tours? 7 people responded 4 Farm tours 1 Greenhouses 2 harvesting methods/tools in action 1 Veggie harvest and packing for a CSA Is there anything we might do better in the future to foster relationships between participants in the course? Loved having people from so many countries- more time to converse or work in groups Create a group communication method, participants should not steal other's ideas No, course was great for making relationships Have each person tell their experiences on different farms All found the course valuable in gaining knowledge and creating relationships. Record Keeping made a big impact on the group. Recommend keeping Jen Skoog as instructor for this and expanding the relationship of record keeping to creation of balance sheet, cash flow, and income statement. In 2016 Conservation by Jay Fuhrer received top mentions. Highly recommend using Jay instead of Ken Miller in future if possible. Ryan Pesch received top mentions in 2016 and 2017 course. Usefulness rating of marketing improved for this year likely due to the incorporation of the worksheets for planning. Land Access is the top cited challenge in establishing a farm among 2017 participants. Holistic Goals was the top rated topic for usefulness. Followed by marketing and record keeping. Soil health and conservation fell this year in the ratings of usefulness. We need to focus the soil health conservation aspects relevant to production methods and enterprises represented in the room. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? FARRMS will continue recruiting New Americans and other underserved populations for our programs. FARRMS will continue to offer Farm Beginnings annually.. FARRMS will offer the internship program annually and encourage graduating interns to enroll in Farm Beginnings. FARRMS will continue to recruit Farm Beginnings graduates as presenters to FArm Beginnings and intern hosts. FARRMS will continue to offer Learning Circles and educational wrokshops. FARRMS will continue to convene monthly New Farmer Task Force meetings What were the keys to success for your participants? Outreach, strong partnerships, adaptability, and making provisions to ensure our programs were accessible were all keys to participant success. Describe any unexpected results of the project: We though the Learning Circles would be more popular than they were. The Growing Together Leadership workshop had really good turnout and we were pleased that so many people were interested in that unique approach to community gardens. How would you improve this project if you were to do it again? We'd put more planning and time earlier on into adaptation of the Farm Beginnings curriculum for participants who do not speak or write in English or who do not read or write in their own language.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Participants take part in exploratory events for various farming careers and techniques Producer action: Understand, Topic: Organic production When measured: At each event Estimated Number: 675, Actual Number: 391 How verified: Basic sign in sheets with name and email Result 2. New community gardens are established with the Growing Together model using the toolkit and mentoring Producer action: Implement, Topic: Vegetables When measured: Annually in July Estimated Number: 11, Actual Number: 7 How verified: Reported #s from community garden leader Result 3. Increase participation in community gardens as a first step in farming skill Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables When measured: Annually in September Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 61 How verified: Post season survey of garden leaders Result 4. # of Interns who participate in 1 to 3 field trips, educational webinars, or social events anually Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: Annually in November Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 19 How verified: Annual Intern survey, intern enrollment and stipend records Result 5. # of students (Farm Beginnings, Farm Dreams, and Interns) whoe Use a skills competency checklist to create a personal growth plan Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: At the end of planning event Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 59 How verified: Attendance and growth plan review at events, Whole Farm Plans presented at end of Farm Beginnings, Intern Learning Plans created at orientation, Experience reports track growth Result 6. Participate in Farm Beginnings(R) whole farm management course Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: annually inNovemebr Estimated Number: 54, Actual Number: 44 How verified: Registrations received for Farm Beginnings(R) course Result 7. Create a farm plan as a capstone for Farm Beginnings(R) course Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: Annually at end of Farm Beginnings(R) course Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 31 How verified: Participants present farm plan and submit it to course facilitator Result 8. Farm Beginnings(R) graduates participate in 3 field trips, educational webinars, conferences, or networking social events annually Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: annually in November Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 8 How verified: Annual survey of all Farm Beginnings(R) graduates Result 9. Interns enrolling in Farm Beginnings(R) course Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: Annually in November Estimated Number: 10, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Registrations received for Farm Beginnings(R) course Result 10. Farm beginnings(R) graduates return to share their experiences with next year's class or mentoring interns Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 15, Actual Number: 15 How verified: Tracking intern placements and Farm Beginnings(R) presenters Result 11. New and existing farmers use the Learning Circle or educational workshops for peer support and mentoring Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Each Learning Circle events Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 47 How verified: Attendance sheets with name and email will track discrete individuals Result 12. Establish a community of practice Learning Circle for beginning farmers Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Tallied August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 42 How verified: Total hours of Learning Circle activities will be continually recorded Result 13. Community organizations invested in the success of local new and beginnings farmers through their partnerships with FARRMS: Growing Together and representation on Farmer Task Force Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: Tallied August 1, 2019 Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 19 How verified: Attendance of organizations at New Farmer Task Force meetings Result 14. New farms established Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: annually in August Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 20 How verified: Follow up surveys and interviews Result 15. 50% of training program participants are from socially disadvantaged populations Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: upon participant enrollment in program Estimated Number: 25, Actual Number: 90 How verified: Through FBC surveys, enrollment surveys, or observation
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Promotional materials - see next page
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Evaluations - see next page
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