Progress 11/03/16 to 09/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Socially disadvantaged and limited resources small farmers and woodland owners came from South Carolina and North Carolina, Georgia and beyond who were online through our Facebook and YouTube channels. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The evaluation report indicated that the participants indicated that 85% strongly agreed that the facility was nice to host the workshop and that the presenters were very well prepared (98%). Also, the participants (92%) were knowledgeable of the subject matter. When they were asked if they will be able to use what they learned in the workshop, 96% of the audience responded strongly that they will be able to. Further, participation and discussions were encouraged, and participants indicated that the knowledge from the presentations will allow them to use it in their work and or personal life. And the overall quality of the presentation was useful, and they all plan to adopt and utilize the information from the presentations. Specifically, some activities used will help them to gain a clearer understanding of the topics presented. These workshop series followed all SCSU resommended practices to ensure participants remain safe and COVID free. This included wearing masks if not vaccinated, social distancing, and following sanitation protocols. Also, COVID-free appropriate boxed lunches were provided. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This SCSU- 1890 Extension in the Piedmonts serves the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda. The producers in this region have an average meat goat herd size of 11 animals and an average cattle herd size of 28 animals. Most of these producers market the offspring at the local livestock market. Some of the producers directly market the meat from their animals to local consumers, and a few produce seedstock to sell to other producers. With the adoption of best practices and technologies thirty (30) producers indicated adoption of recommended practices, six (6) producers reported reduction in fertilizer used/acre, nine (9) producers reported increased dollar returns per acre or reduced costs per acre (increasedeconomic return) and one hundred and eighty-five (185) acres were reported to use conservation tillage or other Best Management Practices (BMPs). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As a result of these Agroforestry trainings, join collaboration projects have been initiated to assist small farmers. At the regional level the most highly discussed topic that need to be presented to the audience is the availability of cost share programs for silvopasture. So far, the SC-NRCS office has earmarked EQIP to be the program with funding for silvopasture. With the assistance from the County Extension Agent in sustainable agriculture and natural resources, interested farmers and woodland owners will contact their USDA-NRCS District Conservation Office and the office USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA) in their area.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Small Farm Assistance and Outreach/Environment and Natural Resources program in the Piedmont Extension Regionbased on building awareness of agroforestry entrepreneurship among farmers and woodland owners and in the long-term promoting entrepreneurial and conservational opportunities. This SCSU- 1890 Extension region serves the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda. In 2021 reporting period we targeted the small-scale farmers and woodland owners in the animal production systems project. As a result of these workshops, we saw an increase in their knowledge because of attending silvopasture workshops covering the following agenda topics: the introduction to silvopasture, livestock management practices, group marketing, cattle diseases, biosecurity, and surveillance. Among the participants at these workshop trainings who showed enthusiasm were young children and youth who are the next generation of young farmers and woodland owners. A team of presenters from Fort valley State University (Dr. Ralph Nobble), Dr. Jasmine Davis (USDA APHIS-in Orangeburg, SC) and Dr. Patricia Scharko (Clemson Extension) also joined us to train 63 participants highlighting that the Piedmont region's soils and climate are unique because they allow the production of warm and cool season annual and perennial grasses and legumes. The ability to grow forages almost year-round also allows flexibility in choosing breeding, calving, and kidding seasons.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Dunn, K.; Unruh Snyder, L; McCarter J; Fred G; Idassi, J; Schnake, D; Cubbage, F; 2021. Bioeconomic Assessment of an Alley Cropping Field in North Carolina, US. Tree Density, Timber Production, and Forage Relationships. Journal of Sustainability: 13,11465. https: //doi.org/10.3390/su132011465
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Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Small farmers, woodland owners, new and beginning farmers, and ranchers interested in farming and resources available to assist them with farming and natural resources enterprises. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our efforts also include providing in-service training to county extension agents and other paraprofessionals interested in animal husbandry. A list of topics presented to both the small-scale livestock producers and county extension workshops include (i) Livestock Herd Health, (ii) Livestock mineral supplementation, (iii) Grazing management and fence construction, (iv) Thinning, and (iv) Cover crops and (v) USDA -NRCS programs and services On land retention (Objective KA801), the County Extension Agents and other paraprofessionals in natural resources were trained to ensure that small-scale farmer and woodland owners who have heir's property issues know what resources are available to them and how those resources can help them save money and gain an understanding of the importance of land retention.The Center for Heir's property was invited to give specific presentations on land retention. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through this program, we conducted two (2) face-to-faceworkshops in Greenwood County where16 small-scale livestock producers participated in the training. All participants indicated that they have adopted the recommended practices. Six (6) of these producers reported that they experienced a significant reduction in fertilizer use. Another six (6) of the small-scale livestock producers, also reported an increase in dollar returns per acre. In total there were 170 acres of land that were targeted. All sixteen livestock producers incorporated best management practices into their conservation operations. As a result of attending theseworkshops, 8 producers also implemented a vaccination plan to protect their livestock against viral, respiratory, and bacterial diseases. The targeted audience adopted the best practices and technologies that have resulted in increased yields in Silvopasture. This has resulted in the small-scale livestock producers experiencing a reduction in the cost of inputs, increased inputs, increased economic returns, and the conservation of resources. On land retention (Objective KA 801), to ensure that small-scale farmers and woodland owners were able to gain a better understanding as to what resources were available to them, the information from the workshops enabled farmers and woodland owners to better gain an understanding of the land preservation system and learn the importance of having a will. Also, to make sure that small-scale farmer s and woodland owners know what programs from the USDA are available to them. This will allow them to take advantage of the cost-share programs that are offered, which in turn will help their farm enterprise to grow, but more importantly, become profitable and sustaining. Workshops were held in collaboration with the USDA and their representatives promoting programs available to farmers and woodland owners. Workshops included cost-share programs, conservation and efficient use of water, watershed protection and management, enhancing resources management on forests and rangelands.Of the 104 participants attending the workshops on conservation and the use of water and watershed protection and management, an average of 78% strongly agreed that the overall presentation was informative. An average of 74% strongly agreed that the presentations were given in a manner that they could understand. Furthermore, 60.3% of the participants agreed that the subject matter related to their landownership needs. While 75% agreed that they learned some valuable information. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Emphasis will be given to grazing management especially of cold and warm-season grasses. Design and implement pruning and thinning of the established loblolly pine stands Introduce other alternative use of forest lands, especially forestfarming, and or,forest food farms.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Rangeland Stewardship and Animal Health (KA 302 and KA 306) Small-scale animal producers in Greenwood County were strongly encouraged to participate in associations and cooperatives so that they can provide leadership to benefit their farm enterprises. In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Forestry Commission, and the regional livestock association, our efforts targeted the small livestock producers who were members of the farmer's cooperatives. Intergenerational Land Transfer (KA 801) The main concern for the small-scale farmers and wood landowners in the Santee Wateree Region was about the quality of their land and were seeking sustainable practices that are needed to retain their land. Our 1890 Regional Extension Office together with theCarolina Vegetable Cooperative, the USDA-NRCS, and the Center for Heir's Property held workshops to discuss the economic benefits and the importance of knowing the procedures or steps needed to improve land retention among African American landowners in the region. As a result of these workshops, farmers and landowners were able to gain a better understanding of what resources were available to them. The information from these workshops enabled small-scale farmers to gain a better understanding of the land preservation system and learn the importance of having awill. The activities were accomplished via direct contact through farm visits, one-on-one meetings, group meetings, office visits, workshops, farm tours, and on-the-farm demonstrations. The information from these workshops enabled these small-scale farmers and woodland owners to enroll in the USA-Farm Service Agency programs and some were able to get new farm equipment for their farms and other alternative enterpriseoperations.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension RREA Program targeted all farmers with an emphasis on small socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, small scale landowners, local small farm cooperatives and community based organizations in the 1890 Research and Extension five clusters and surrounding counties in SC. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Nearly 746 small farmers, land owners and communities support agriculture stakeholders from 19 South Carolina counties including 12 USDA designated strike force counties attended a total of 16 educational training activities hosted by SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program in the five respective clusters. The key outcomes of the trainings were the recognition and awareness exhibited by the participating landowners, community stakeholders, farmers and ranchers to the importance of the renewable resources management in ensuring a healthy ecosystem and enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project compiled all the accomplishments and results into a project report and disseminated it to all the 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Offices to share with local small farm cooperatives, associations, partners, NGO, CBO, Center for Heir Property Preservation, state and local USDA agencies and County Clemson Extension Offices located within the SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Areas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will increase our outreach efforts to farmers and small-scale landowners and communities through a series of workshops, trainings focusing on heirs property issues, land used and land lost, woodland management, environment stewardship and sustainable practices.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program conducted 12 cluster educational workshops, 3 cluster outreach meetings and 1 field day, during the fiscal year 2018 - 2019. The purpose of the educational activities was to increase the awareness and importance of ensuring healthy ecosystems, enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland, in order to balance the natural environment. Therefore, the SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Program conducted educational workshops, meetings and field days on topics such as biological control of pest affecting plant, Nutrient utilization in animals, developing rangeland/ pasture management plants, balancing forage growth and implementing annual forage to sustain livestock production. Addition topics such as, watershed protection and management, plant available, animal manures nitrogen management for healthy pasture and income generating opportunities for landowners were presented to 183 small scale livestock producers in the Greenwood Cluster. The Orangeburg Cluster addressed forest and rangeland wildlife management, fisheries, water and wetland resources issues through watershed protection and management, aquatic and terrestrial's life and conservation of biological diversity for 166 participants to include 84 summer camp youth. Hampton Cluster addressed alternative uses of land, business management and finance, marketing practices, food production, safety and security issues through alternative agriculture enterprises, land use option and marketing risk management education for 200 small scale vegetable and ground raised swine producers and land owners. The Williamsburg cluster addressed watershed protection and management, food production, safety, security and forest stewardship and health issues through preventive management for waterways and pesticide application, good agricultural practices for 197 small scale vegetable and livestock producers and landowners.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension RREA Program targeted all farmers with an emphasis on small socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, small scale landowners, local small farm cooperatives and community based organizations in the 1890 Research and Extension five clusters and surrounding counties in SC. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Nearly 746 small farmers, land owners and communities support agriculture stakeholders from 19 South Carolina counties including 12 USDA designated strike force counties attended a total of 16 educational training activities hosted by SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program in the five respective clusters. The key outcomes of the trainings were the recognition and awareness exhibited by the participating landowners, community stakeholders, farmers and ranchers to the importance of the renewable resources management in ensuring a healthy ecosystem and enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project compiled all the accomplishments and results into a project report and disseminated it to all the 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Offices to share with local small farm cooperatives, associations, partners, NGO, CBO, Center for Heir Property Preservation, state and local USDA agencies and County Clemson Extension Offices located within the SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Areas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will increase our outreach efforts to farmers and small-scale landowners and communities through a series of workshops, trainings focusing on heirs property issues, land used and land lost, woodland management, environment stewardship and sustainable practices.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program conducted 12 cluster educational workshops, 3 cluster outreach meetings and 1 field day, during the fiscal year 2017 - 2018. The purpose of the educational activities was to increase the awareness and importance of ensuring healthy ecosystems, enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland, in order to balance the natural environment. Therefore, the SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Program conducted educational workshops, meetings and field days on topics such as biological control of pest affecting plant, Nutrient utilization in animals, developing rangeland/ pasture management plants, balancing forage growth and implementing annual forage to sustain livestock production. Addition topics such as, watershed protection and management, plant available, animal manures nitrogen management for healthy pasture and income generating opportunities for landowners were presented to 183 small scale livestock producers in the Greenwood Cluster. The Orangeburg Cluster addressed forest and rangeland wildlife management, fisheries, water and wetland resources issues through watershed protection and management, aquatic and terrestrial's life and conservation of biological diversity for 166 participants to include 84 summer camp youth. Hampton Cluster addressed alternative uses of land, business management and finance, marketing practices, food production, safety and security issues through alternative agriculture enterprises, land use option and marketing risk management education for 200 small scale vegetable and ground raised swine producers and land owners. The Williamsburg cluster addressed watershed protection and management, food production, safety, security and forest stewardship and health issues through preventive management for waterways and pesticide application, good agricultural practices for 197 small scale vegetable and livestock producers and landowners.
Publications
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Progress 11/03/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension RREA Program targeted all farmers with an emphasis on small socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, small scale landowners, local small farm cooperatives and community based organizations in the 1890 Research and Extension five clusters and surrounding counties in SC. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Nearly 627 participants from 19 South Carolina counties including 12 USDA designated strike force counties attended a total of 17 educational training activities hosted by SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program in the five respective clusters. The key outcomes of the trainings were the recognition and awareness exhibited by the participating landowners, community stakeholders, farmers and ranchers to the importance of the renewable resources management in ensuring a healthy ecosystem and enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project compiled all the accomplishments and results into a project report and disseminated it to all the 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Offices to share with local small farm cooperatives, associations, partners, NGO, CBO, Center for Heir Property Preservation, state and local USDA agencies and County Clemson Extension Offices located within the SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Cluster Areas. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to increase our outreach efforts to farmers and small scale landowners and communities through a series of workshops, trainings focusing on heirs property issues, land used and land lost, woodland management, environment stewardship and sustainable practices.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The SC State University 1890 Research and Extension Small Farm Assistance and Outreach Program conducted 12 cluster educational workshops, 4 cluster outreach meetings and 1 field day, during the fiscal year 2016 - 2017. The purpose of the educational activities was to increase the awareness and importance of ensuring healthy ecosystems, enhancing economic benefits and enhancing resource management on working forest and rangeland, in order to balance the natural environment. Therefore, the SC State University 1890 Extension Small Farm Program conducted educational workshops, meetings and field days on topics such as biological control of pest affecting plant, integrated pest management systems, environmental stress in animals, nutrient utilization in animals to include rotational grazing, management of intensive grazing using permanent and portable electrical fencing for 136 small scale livestock producers in the Greenwood Cluster. The Orangeburg Cluster addressed forest and rangeland wildlife and fisheries resources issues through watershed protection and management, aquatic and terrestrials life and conservation of biological diversity for 255 participants to include 163 summer camp youth. Hampton Cluster addressed alternative uses of land, business management and finance, marketing practices, food production, safety and security issues through alternative agriculture enterprises, land use option and marketing risk management education for 110 small scale vegetable producers and land owners. The Williamsburg and Marlboro Cluster addressed watershed protection and management, food production, safety and security and forest stewardship and health issues through preventive management for waterways and pesticide application, good agricultural practices for 126 small scale vegetable and livestock producers and landowners.
Publications
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