Progress 08/15/16 to 08/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Limited resource producers Organic producers Small farms Specialty crop producers Urban producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 275 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 0, Actual - 15 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 40, Actual - 104 Improved farming success: Target - 140, Actual - 254 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 99 Total Meeting Participants: 1644 Total Webinars: 0 Total Webinar Participants: 0 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 1/25/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/16/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 10/17/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/18/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/19/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 3/8/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 1/19/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/15/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/23/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 12/4/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 11/13/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 11/26/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/12/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 11/9/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 1/21/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/18/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 21 2/4/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 17 12/3/2016: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 1/14/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/25/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/11/2017: Brideport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/25/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/15/2016: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 12/14/2016: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/27/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 2/15/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 12/14/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 6/2/2017: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 65 3/12/2017: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 60 12/16/2016: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 95 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 7/27/2017: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/24/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/31/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 12/4/2017: Ledyard, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/5/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/5/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 1/3/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 1/27/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/8/2018: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 2/27/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 3/28/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 12/2/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/27/2018: Killngly, CT -- Number of Attendees 24 3/24/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 11/28/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 2/22/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 1/9/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 24 12/16/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/20/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 1/6/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/30/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/17/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 3 1/3/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 19 1/23/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 20 1/22/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/31/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 12/16/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 2/13/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 10/16/2017: Killngly, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/14/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 10/15/2017: Killngly, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 4/10/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/10/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 45 4/11/2018: Mansfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 52 4/27/2019: New Milford, CT -- Number of Attendees 27 2/2/2019: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 62 2/16/2019: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 12/1/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 1/3/2019: Haddam, CT -- Number of Attendees 17 2/23/2019: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 3/11/2019: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 2/26/2019: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 24 12/4/2018: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 1/26/2019: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 11/14/2018: Canterbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 11/15/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/8/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/5/2019: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/15/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 3/9/2019: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/2/2019: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 33 2/23/2019: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 2/2/2019: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 10/14/2018: Woodbridge, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/15/2018: Woodbridge, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 10/13/2018: Woodbridge, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/9/2019: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 3/12/2019: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 12/12/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 1/19/2019: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/13/2019: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 3/21/2019: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/30/2019: East Haddam, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/12/2019: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 2/9/2019: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 6/7/2019: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/7/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 75 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials 2017 Agriculture Re$ource Fair - event flyer To advertise event opportunity for new farmers interested in grant programs that are easy to access. 2016 Build Your Network, Grow Our Future flyer Event flyer used to recruit new farmers interested in networking with each other and agriculture service providers. 2017 Equipment Day flyer Event flyer for vegetable farmers (including beginning farmers) to learn about farm equipment The Next Generation of Farming - UConn Magazine Article featuring new farmers and our BFRDP program/UConn Alumni 2018 Agriculture Re$ource Fair - event flyer beginning farmers and service providers 2018 Equipment Day flyer beginning farmers and service providers Press Release - Winter 2017/18 Solid Ground Program general public Poster for USDA/Project Directors Meeting Fall 2017 farmers and service providers, for agriculture producer events "Strengthening CT Farms" - article in 'Highlights of Extension', a publication of UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources UConn alumni, partners, stakeholders, students "Farmer-to-Farmer Trainings for Vegetable Growers in Classroom Settings Across the State", article in Dec 2017 issue of 'Crop Talk', a publication of UConn Extension Vegetable & Fruit Producers in CT Sample Flyer for Program Partner hosting trainings BF and stakeholders Sample Flyer for 1 on 1 consultation service BF Sample flyer for Program Partner hosting trainings number 2 BF and stakeholders Sample Monthly flyer of Solid Ground trainings BF and stakeholders Poster for USDA/Project Directors Meeting Fall 2018 For agriculture service providers and partners Flyer for 'Planning for Post-Harvest Facility' with Agriculture Engineer New and beginning farmers in CT Flyer for 2019 Equipment Day New and beginning farmers Flyer for 2019 Agriculture Re$ource Day New and beginning farmers March 2019 - Solid Ground Trainings New and beginning farmers Flyer for Finding Farmland Training New and beginning farmers Flyer for Tractor & Small Engine Safety Training New & Beginning Farmers Flyer for Bulid Your Network, Grow Our Future event New and beginning farmers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In our final project year, we held 31 trainings with 800+ combined attendees, as well as 3 statewide full day events with total attendance of 267 new and beginning farmers. Our program listserv grew to 532 participants (18% growth since last year). We publishedthe 'Young Farmer Resource Directory,' targeting h.s./college students with a potential interest in agriculture. Our one-on-one consulting services reached a total of 25beginning farmers on the following subjects: financial record-keeping, post-harvest storage facilities, soil health, conservation practices, farmland evaluation, and vegetable IPM. Our most successful trainings were: Chainsaw Safety & Operation for Women; Managing Invasive Plant Species on Farms, and Welding Basics for Agriculture. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Topic: Business and strategic planning 46 BF understand the main elements of a business plan 18 BF decide to take steps toward creating a business plan for their farm business 152 BFget a uniquely in-depth look at the experience of certain funding programs (NRCS/EQUIP, FSA Microloans, DoAg Grants, Kiva, SCORE). 112 BF decide which grant or loan program works best for their farm business needs. 32 BF apply for grant or loan program to support improvements to their farm business. 179 BF get a hands-on look at various farm machinery and tools and evaluate suitability 107 BF decide which tools/machinery would enhance productivity on their farm. 18 BF acquire tools/machinery that enhance productivity on their farm. 15 BF plan to access federal and state programs to help adapt to an unpredictable climate. Topic:Financial records and analysis 57 BFunderstand the importance of keeping financial records for their business 46 BFdecide to keep financial records for their farm business, and sign up to consult one-on-one TA 15 BF keep more accurate financial records in the coming season. 10BF understand the strengths and weaknesses of their record-keeping systems 17 BF decide which steps are needed to improve their record-keeping and financial trajectory 10 BF keep more organized, thorough, accurate financial records in order to better assess and achieve profitability over time 18 BF gain confidence in balance sheet analysis, cash flow forecasting, and building budgets. 17 BF commit to reviewing their balance sheets monthly. Topic: Farmland 18 BFunderstand steps toward findingfarmland 6 BF decide to create profiles for programs like CT FarmLink 4 BFformalize land use agreements Topc: Fruit 115 BFunderstand the wide variety of small fruit that are viablein CT. 97 BF understand the basic maintenance of each crop from planting to pruning and harvest. 26 BFdecide to incorporate 1 small fruit enterprise into their farming operation. 45 BFimplement pruning, fertility, varietal selectionin fruit crops Topc: Vegetables 115 BF understand the basic maintenance of each crop including seeding / planting, fertility requirements, pest management and harvest. 115 BFunderstand the wide variety of annual vegetables that are viabile in CT 51 BFunderstand tools and machinery best suited to their farm size and crop type. 60 BF decide on new vegetable varieties or types to grow on their farm. 23 BFunderstand the impacts to agriculture due to climate change Topic: Marketing plans and strategies 36 BF understand the parameters of accessing direct-to-consumer sales 35 BFmake better informed decisions about which sales avenues work best for their farm. 21 BFunderstand what branding is and how to communicate their farm's unique story Topic: Product and enterprise diversification 81 BF understand the impact of a tunnel on plant growth and season extension 65 BFdecide to add season extension through low-tunnel production 22 BF extend their production season through the use of low-tunnels 5 BF willunderstand the basic costs and considerations for starting a profitable meat enterprise (laying hens, pasture chickens, and pigs) 5 BFplan to incorporate a meat enterprise Topc: Water Management 39 BFunderstand the basic componants of farm irrigation systems. 27 BF decide to improve their current irrigation system. 10 BFacquire new irrigation equipment to augment or create new irrigation systems Topic: Food safety liability 42 BF understand best practices of handling/washing/cooling/storing harvested produce 37 BF decide to upgrade/restructure/develope their system for washing and storing produce. 12 BFcreate or make changes to the facility where they wash and store produce Topic: Soil Management 61 BFunderstandthe implications their soil type on fertility, drainage, erosion 115 BF decide to get a soil test 42 BFdecide to test for compaction on their farm 15 BF understand the benefits of cover crop use pertaining to soil health, erosion control, crop nutrition, & weed suppression. 24 BFdecide to attend Advanced Cover Crop training 30 BFunderstand cover crop varieties and applications, and steps to planting and managing cover crops 29 BFdecide where cover crops best fit into their crop management plan. 14 BF apply new skills inbeneficial insect plantings, reduced tillage, foliar applications, and/or Indigenous Microorganisms. 10 BF decide to use cover crops in their planting rotation 14 BF use cover crops in their planting rotation 43 BF understand the type of soil(s) on their farm, drainage patterns, best use, and compaction levels 15 BF decide to get a soil test and deal with issues uncovered during the field walk with soil specialist 13 BF take action to address areas of concern identified during consultation (change of tillage practices, drainage system, fallow or cover cropping, etc). Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management 80 BF understand options for beneficial insect habitat, boosting soil microbiology, foliar fertility for more pest-resistant plants, reduced tillage methods. 78 BF decide to use eco-focused production methods 40 BF understand conditions andproblems in their vegetable crops (pest & disease ID, nutrient deficiency, protective methods, weed & soil management techniques). 24 BFwill decide to deal with disease and pest issues uncovered during field walk with horticulture specialist 12 BF have a better understanding of the biology and basic plant identification for invasive plant species. Topic: Farm safety 45 BF understand how to work safely with and care for their small farm machines to avoid damage and wasted effort/ resources. 31 BF decide to do regular maintenance on their machines 21 BF regularly maintain their small machines, and use safety equipment and precautions when using small farm machines. 51 BF understand the inherent risks of working with tractors, as well as basic engine and mecahnical functioning of tractors. 27 BFdecide to do regular maintenance on their tractors to keep them running longer. 6 BFdecide on safety equimpent to acquire for their farm. 12 BFregularly perform routine maintainenance on their large machines/tractors. 12 BFutilize better safety equipment and protocols on their farm as regards tractor use. 30 BF better understand to appropriately choose, safely apply, and properly store pesticides in accordance with rules and regulations. 30 BF arebetter able to identify pesticides that work or don't work for their field crops. 30 BFplan to improve the safety of pesticide application processes on the farm. 15 BF have a better understanding of essential protective equipment, daily chainsaw safety inspection, working area safety considerations, and sharpening techniques 30 BF have a better understanding of safe and effective approaches to welding projects on the farm Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships 95 BF understand the extent of the farming community in CT, the service providers that support it, and the best ways to engage 15 BFjoin groups like the New CT Farmers for better networking opportunities.?
Publications
|
Progress 08/15/17 to 08/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Limited resource producers Organic producers Small farms Specialty crop producers Urban producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 196 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 40, Actual - 94 Improved farming success: Target - 140, Actual - 238 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 66 Total Meeting Participants: 1077 Total Webinars: 0 Total Webinar Participants: 0 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 1/25/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/16/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 10/17/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/18/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/19/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 3/8/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 1/19/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/15/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/23/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 12/4/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 11/13/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 11/26/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/12/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 11/9/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 1/21/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/18/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 21 2/4/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 17 12/3/2016: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 1/14/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/25/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/11/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/25/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/15/2016: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 12/14/2016: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/27/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 2/15/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 12/14/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 6/2/2017: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 65 3/12/2017: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 60 12/16/2016: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 95 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 7/27/2017: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/24/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/31/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 12/4/2017: Ledyard, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/5/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 12/5/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 1/3/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 1/27/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/8/2018: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 2/27/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 3/28/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 12/2/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/27/2018: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 24 3/24/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 11/28/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 2/22/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 1/9/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 24 12/16/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/20/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 1/6/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/30/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/17/2018: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 3 1/3/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 19 1/23/2018: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 20 1/22/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/31/2018: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 12/16/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 2/13/2018: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 10/16/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/14/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 10/15/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 4/10/2018: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/10/2018: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 45 4/11/2018: Mansfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 52 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials 2017 Agriculture Re$ource Fair - event flyer To advertise event opportunity for new farmers interested in grant programs that are easy to access. 2016 Build Your Network, Grow Our Future flyer Event flyer used to recruit new farmers interested in networking with each other and agriculture service providers. 2017 Equipment Day flyer Event flyer for vegetable farmers (including beginning farmers) to learn about farm equipment The Next Generation of Farming - UConn Magazine Article featuring new farmers and our BFRDP program/UConn Alumni 2018 Agriculture Re$ource Fair - event flyer beginning farmers and service providers 2018 Equipment Day flyer beginning farmers and service providers Press Release - Winter 2017/18 Solid Ground Program general public Poster farmers and service providers, for agriculture producer events "Strengthening CT Farms" - article in 'Highlights of Extension', a publication of UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources UConn alumni, partners, stakeholders, students "Farmer-to-Farmer Trainings for Vegetable Growers in Classroom Settings Across the State", article in Dec 2017 issue of 'Crop Talk', a publication of UConn Extension Vegetable & Fruit Producers in CT Sample Flyer for Program Partner hosting trainings BF and stakeholders Sample Flyer for 1 on 1 consultation service BF Sample flyer for Program Partner hosting trainings number 2 BF and stakeholders Sample Monthly flyer of Solid Ground trainings BF and stakeholders What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Steps Steps taken to help participants In 2017-2018 we took the following steps: UConn's Sponsored Program Services, administrative staff in the Dept. of Extension, and the PI executed numerous subawards (8), payroll authorizations (3), and consulting contracts (3) over the program year. We recruited and hired our Outreach Coordinator, Chelsey Hahn, to assist with program coordination on a temporary basis while the Project Coordinator took a family medical leave Jan-Mar 2018. Seven project partners each requested 3 or 4 trainings on site that UConn Extension recruited trainers to deliver according to the partner's preferred date/location/time. UConn Extension attended all 34 trainings to ensure quality and consistency of programming. Two statewide events were held: Agriculture Re$ource Fair and Farm Equipment Day. The 12 member Project Management Team met for a half day to review of project milestones, deliverables, and future plans with UConn Extension team in spring 2018. The project delivered one-on-one field visits to 30 new farmers on land use/conservation and to 25 new farmers on vegetable production/pest management. UConn Extension expanded its listserv for new farmers to communicate about training opportunities (444+ participants so far). In the coming year we will: Recruit and engage farmer trainers for the following topics: Managing Invasive Species on Small Farms, Branding 101, Streamlining Your Social Media, Irrigation Systems for Small Farms, High Tunnel Production Systems Utilize Extension Educators and Specialists at UConn to teach Vegetable Production, Tree Fruit Production, Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides for Organic and Conventional Growers, Operating a Chainsaw with Safety and Confidence, and Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies Deliver a new training onSoil Health + Nutrient Management Planning, in partnership with NRCS Deliver a new training on Welding Safety and Practices led by one of our project partners at an Agri-Science High School Recruit an Extension specialist from University of VT to teach 'Agriculture Engineering on Small Farms for Post-Harvest Handling' Host three statewide events, including one which is hosted by New CT Farmer Alliance called 'Build Your Network, Grow Our Future,' the annual Agriculture Re$ource Fair, and the annual Farm Equipment Day Develop a new theme for our Farm Equipment Day focused on tools needed for climate change Develop a new resource for high school aged students that may be interested in farming, in partnership with New CT Farmer Alliance Continue to develop online tutorials that extend access to our Core Trainings
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the past project year we held 34 core trainings (up from 25 last year!) and 2 large events, with a total attendance of 766 individuals (220% increase over last year!). At least 25% of our attendees were new to our program this year. One outcome of our trainings has been a growing list of almost 450 individuals on our listserv dedicated to communicating learning opportunities to new farmers. We also produced a new resource guide for farmers just getting started called "Finding Your Market." Per advice from our advisory team, our core trainings this past year included new content on cover cropping, eco-focused farming, hand tools for small farms, and how to start a profitable meat enterprises. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Topic:Business and strategic planning 39 BFunderstand the main elements of a business plan, and why it's important to the long term success of their farm business. 13 BFdecided to take steps toward creating a business plan for their farm business 90 BF got a uniquely in-depth look at the experience of certain funding programs (NRCS/EQUIP, FSA Microloans, DoAg Grants, Kiva, SCORE) and understand which might work well for their business after attending an Agriculture Re$ource Fair 60 BF decided which grant or loan program works best for their farm business needs after attending an Agriculture Re$ource Fair. 152 BF got ahands-on look at various farm machinery and tools and understand which might work best for their farm to improve production. 77 BF decided which brands and scale of tools/machinery would enhance productivity on their farm. Topic: Financial records and analysis 39 BFunderstand the importance of keeping financial records for their business, in particular as it regards enterprise profitability, business growth, and accounting / tax preparation. 28 BF decided to keep financial records for their farm business, and sign up to consult one-on-one with KTC financial professionals regarding the best forms and record-keeping approach for their business. 10 BF understand the strengths and weaknesses of their farm finance and record-keeping systems as a result of one-on-one consulting 10 BF decided which steps are important to take to improve their financial record-keeping and financial trajectory as a farm business as a result of one-on-one consulting 18 BF gainedconfidence in balance sheet analysis, cash flow forecasting, and building budgets. 17 BF committed to reviewing their balance sheets monthly. Topic: Access to land 10 BFunderstand the steps they can take and organizations involved in finding and securely accessing land adequate and available for farming in CT. 3 BF decided to create profiles for programs like FarmLink, and/or reach out to DoAg, CFT, etc., to better connect to land access opportunities in CT. Topic: Soil management 61 BFunderstand the wide variety of soils in CT and the implications their soil type & farm site has on fertility, drainage, erosion, suitability for individual farm enterprises, etc. 64 BF decided to get a soil test. 42 BF decidedto test for compaction on their farm. 24 BF decided to attend Advanced Cover Crop training (after taking an intro level training). 30 BF understand the difference between different cover crop varieties and applications, and clear steps to planting and managing cover crops on their farm. 29 BF decided where cover crops best fit into their crop management plan. 10 BF decided to use cover crops in their planting rotation as an outcome of one-on-one consultation 30 BF understand the type of soil(s) on their farm, drainage patterns, best usage of land, and compaction levels as a result of one-on-one consultation 15 BF decided to get a soil test and deal with issues uncovered during the field walk with soil specialist. Topic: Fruit-Nuts 91 BF understand the wide variety of small fruit that are viable as farm enterprises in CT. 87 BF understand the basic maintenance of each crop from planting to pruning and harvest. 14 BF decidedto incorporate 1 small fruit enterprise into their farming operation. Topic: Vegetables 51 BF understand the basic maintenance of each crop including seeding / planting, fertility requirements, pest management and harvest. 51 BF understand the wide variety of annual vegetables that are viable as farm enterprises in CT. 51 BF understand the tools and machinery best suited to their farm size and crop type. 15 BF decided on new vegetable varieties or types to grow on their farm. Topic: Value-added enterprises 36 BFbetter understand the parameters of accessing the sales avenues of Farmers Market, Restaurant, Institutional wholesale, Value-added. 35 BF will make better informed decisions about which sales avenues work best for their farm. Topic: Product and enterprise diversification 60 BF understand the impact of a greenhouse on plant growth and season extension. 45 BF will decide to include season extension opportunities on their farm through greenhouse or low-tunnel production. 5 BF understand the basic costs and considerations for starting a profitable meat enterprise (laying hens, pasture chickens, and pigs) 5 BF plan to incorporate a meat enterprise on your farm Topic: Water management 39 BF will understand the basic components of farm irrigation systems. 27 BF will decide to improve their current irrigation system. Topic: Food safety liability 23 BF understand best practices of handling/washing/cooling/storing harvested produce 18 BF decided to upgrade/restructure/develop their system for washing and storing produce. Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management 48 BF understand components of balancing their farm's ecology, including beneficial insect habitat, boosting soil microbiology, foliar fertility for more pest-resistant plants, reduced tillage methods. 47 BF decided to include eco-focused methods within their farm production plan 40 BF understand the conditions and/or problems in their vegetable crops (pest & disease ID, nutrient deficiency, protective methods, weed & soil management techniques) as a result of one-on-one consulting 24 BF decided to deal with disease and pest issues uncovered during the field walk with horticulture specialistas a result of one-on-one consulting Topic: Farm safety 21 BF understand how to work safely with and care for their small farm machines to avoid damage and wasted effort/ resources. 11 BF decided to do regular maintenance on their machines 37 BF understand the inherent risks of working with tractors, as well as basic engine and mechanical functioning of tractors. 17 BF decided to do regular maintenance on their tractors to keep them running longer. 6 BF decided on safety equipment to acquire for their farm. 11 BF better understand to appropriately choose, safely apply, and properly store pesticides in accordance with their rules and regulations. 11 BF better understand to appropriately choose, safely apply, and properly store pesticides in accordance with their rules and regulations. 11 BF better able to identify pesticides that work or don't work for their field crops. 11 BF plan to improve the safety of pesticide application processes on the farm. Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships 95 BF understand the extent of the farming community in CT, the service providers that support it, and the best ways to engage with that community.
Publications
|
Progress 08/15/16 to 08/14/17
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Hispanic or Latino Organic producers Small farms Specialty crop producers · Urban producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 140 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 40, Actual - 61 Improved farming success: Target - 140, Actual - 91 Changes/Problems:Challenges: The first Core Trainings requested by a project partner was earlier than planned (October 2016), so we needed to move quickly to schedule the trainers and arrange for English to Spanish translation services. Although these initial trainings were under-publicized, the partner had a cohort training model and the target audience was a small group to begin with. We were unable to deliver trainings in financial management this year due to a late cancellation of our intended trainer. We have recruited a trainer for year 2 and plan to deliver this training widely. Our vegetable training was delivered by our retiring Extension Educator in Commercial Vegetable Crops. We will need to refresh this training since we had a lot of feedback that it was not customized well enough to smaller, newer growers. Initially we experienced tension between our project partners and trainers over whether the content of the training was geared for gardeners or farmers. This came up among project partners that had urban agriculture/community gardening programs and they wanted their participants to attend the trainings. We conveyed to all partners that the focus needs to be on farming at any scale so long as there is an intent to grow for commercial purposes. Gardeners are still welcome to attend our Core Trainings and statewide events, but we are not customizing the content for this audience. Our Agriculture Re$ource Fair was unfortunately scheduled on the same Sunday morning the clock changed for Daylight Savings, which made it an especially inconvenient time. We look forward to putting this event on again at a better time because we felt the content was excellent for those who attended. The Equipment Day had a robust turnout, but there was a small percentage of new farmers. We hope to shift the focus toward smaller equipment and hand tools in the next Equipment Day in order to make this event more attractive to new farmers. Our Project Coordinator, Charlotte Ross, will be taking several months for maternity starting in January 2018. We have already recruited someone to cover for Charlotte during this time period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 34 Total Meeting Participants: 578 Total Webinars: 0 Total Webinar Participants: 0 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 1/25/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/16/2017: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 10/17/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/18/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/19/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 3/8/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 1/19/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/15/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/23/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 12/4/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 11/13/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 11/26/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/12/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 11/9/2016: Stamford, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 1/21/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/18/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 21 2/4/2017: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 17 12/3/2016: Windham, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 1/14/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/25/2017: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/11/2017: Brideport, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/25/2017: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/15/2016: Killingly, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 12/14/2016: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/27/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 2/15/2017: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 22 12/14/2016: Bethel, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 6/2/2017: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 65 3/12/2017: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 60 12/16/2016: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 95 4/20/2017: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 7/27/2017: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 10/24/2016: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials 2017 Agriculture Re$ource Fair - event flyer To advertise event opportunity for new farmers interested in grant programs that are easy to access. 2016 Build Your Network, Grow Our Future flyer Event flyer used to recruit new farmers interested in networking with each other and agriculture service providers. 2017 Equipment Day flyer Event flyer for vegetable farmers (including beginning farmers) to learn about farm equipment What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Steps taken to help participants In 2016-2017 we took the following steps: · We branded the project as "Solid Ground Farmer Trainings." We recruited and hired our Project Coordinator, Charlotte Ross, an active small vegetable farmer who also serves on the Steering Committee of the New CT Farmer Alliance. Charlotte put together an ambitious schedule of trainings at 7 different partner locations with 10 presenters/experts. UConn Extension PI and administrative team established numerous subawards, payroll authorizations, and consulting contracts during fall 2016. Project partners requested 3 trainings each in soil health, business planning, and certain production management techniques (tunnels, post-harvest handling, irrigation, tractor safety, small engine maintenance). Our project had a successful launch year completing 29 regional core trainings, 3 statewide events, plus two meetings of the Project Management Team. We also delivered one-on-one field visits to 10 new farmers on land use/conservation and to 15 new farmers on vegetable production/pest management. We developed a listserv for our clients to improve communication about training opportunities (245+ emails so far). We created a webpage with all of our training details and outputs (schedule of trainings, speaker bios, powerpoints, online tutorials). In the coming year we will: Engage NRCS to assist with training on cover cropping Engage Kitchen Table Consultants to deliver our financial management trainings. We have developed a new toolkit about "Finding your Market" and expect to deliver a new training on this topic in 4 locations in year 2. Recruit and engage farmer trainers for the following topics: eco-focused farming practices, finding your market. Host two statewide events Continue to develop online tutorials that extend access to our Core Trainings The Mashantucket Pequot will be joining our project as a new partner. They are eager to host Solid Ground trainings starting in winter 2017-2018.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied [BF = beginning farmer] Result 1. BF in business planning training will understand the main elements of a business plan, and why it's important to the long term success of their farm business. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 57, Actual Number: 33 Result 2. BF will decide to take steps toward creating a business plan for their farm business Producer action: Develop, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 25, Actual Number: 7 Result 3. BFwill understand the steps they can take and organizations involved in finding and securely accessing land adequate and available for farming in CT. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Access to land Estimated Number: 15, Actual Number: 10 Result 4. BF will decide to create profiles for programs like FarmLink, and/or reach out to DoAg, CFT, etc., to better connect to land access opportunities in CT. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Access to land Estimated Number: 5, Actual Number: 3 Result 5. BF will understand the wide variety of soils in CT and the implications their soil type & farm site has on fertility, drainage, erosion, suitability for individual farm enterprises, etc. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management Estimated Number: 59, Actual Number: 61 Result 6. BF will decide to get a soil test. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Soil management Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 15 Result 7. BF will decide to test for compaction on their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Soil management Estimated Number: 10, Actual Number: 15 Result 8. BF will understand the wide variety of small fruit that are viable as farm enterprises in CT. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Fruit-Nuts Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 44 Result 9. BF will understand the basic maintenance of each crop from planting to pruning and harvest. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Fruit-Nuts Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 44 Result 10. BF will decide to incorporate 1 small fruit enterprise into their farming operation. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Fruit-Nuts Estimated Number: 10, Actual Number: 14 Result 11. BF will understand the basic maintenance of each crop including seeding / planting, fertility requirements, pest management and harvest. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables Estimated Number: 100, Actual Number: 51 Result 12. BFwill understand the wide variety of annual vegetables that are viable as farm enterprises in CT. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables Estimated Number: 100, Actual Number: 51 Result 13. BF will understand the tools and machinery best suited to their farm size and crop type. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Vegetables Estimated Number: 100, Actual Number: 51 Result 14. BF will decide on new vegetable varieties or types to grow on their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Vegetables Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 15 Result 15. BF will understand the impact of a greenhouse on plant growth and season extension. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification Estimated Number: 75, Actual Number: 16 Result 16. BF will decide to include season extension opportunities on their farm through greenhouse or low-tunnel production. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 4 Result 17. BF will understand the basic components of farm irrigation systems. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Water management Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 12 Result 18. BF will decide to improve their current irrigation system. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Water management Estimated Number: 15, Actual Number: 4 Result 19. BF will understand best practices of handling/washing/cooling/storing harvested produce Producer action: Understand, Topic: Food safety liability Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 9 Result 20. BF will decide to upgrade/restructure/develop their system for washing and storing produce. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Food safety liability Estimated Number: 10, Actual Number: 4 Result 21. BF will understand how to work safely with and care for their small farm machines to avoid damage and wasted effort/ resources. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 16 Result 22. BF will decide to do regular maintenance on their machines Producer action: Decide, Topic: Farm safety Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 6 Result 23. BF will understand the inherent risks of working with tractors, as well as basic engine and mechanical functioning of tractors. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 16 Result 24. BF will decide to do regular maintenance on their tractors to keep them running longer. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Farm safety Estimated Number: 25, Actual Number: 6 Result 25. BF will decide on safety equipment to acquire for their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Farm safety Estimated Number: 15, Actual Number: 6 Result 26. BF will understand the extent of the farming community in CT, the service providers that support it, and the best ways to engage with that community. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships Estimated Number: 200, Actual Number: 95 Result 27. BF will join groups like the New CT Farmers for better networking opportunities. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 15 Result 28. BF will get a uniquely in-depth look at the experience of certain funding programs (NRCS/EQUIP, FSA Microloans, DoAg Grants, Kiva, SCORE) and understand which might work well for their business. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 45 Result 29. BF will decide which grant or loan program works best for their farm business needs. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 75, Actual Number: 15 Result 30. BF will get hands-on look at various farm machinery and tools and understand which might work best for their farm to improve production. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 175, Actual Number: 100 Result 31. BF will decide which brands and scale of tools/machinery would enhance productivity on their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Business and strategic planning Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 15 Result 32. Through close inspection with a horticulture expert, BF will understand the conditions and/or problems in their vegetable crops (pest & disease ID, nutrient deficiency, protective methods, weed & soil management techniques). Producer action: Understand, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 15 Result 33. After close inspection with a horticulture expert, BF will decide to deal with disease and pest issues uncovered during the field walk with horticulture specialist Producer action: Decide, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 6 Result 34. Through close inspection with a soils expert, BF will understand the type of soil(s) on their farm, drainage patterns, best usage of land, and compaction levels. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 10 Result 35. After close inspection with a soils expert, BF will decide to get a soil test and deal with issues uncovered during the field walk with soil specialist. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Soil management Estimated Number: 20, Actual Number: 5
Publications
|
|