Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm project reached individuals who were just getting started as well as those who came to farming with very distinctive and specific needs such as language barriers, cultural differences, and military service disabilities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Since 2018, BFRs increased their knowledge (short-term outcomes), learned new ways to apply that knowledge (midterm outcomes), developed their skills and clarified their values with entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm enterprises. Missouri BFRDP partners 1) entered 1,597 "new" BFRs into the project, 2) graduated 121 BFRs from the Grow Your Farm (www.FarmAnswers.org) eight-week course, 89% of attendees had 0 to 3 years farming experience, BFRDP Category 1, 3) offered four internships and two mentorships, 4) 15 new BFRs were offered individualized experiential hands-on learning opportunities, 5) provided technical one-on-one assistance to nine BFRs with disabilities and brain injury as needed, 6) offered Understanding the ABCs of USDA Programs (www.FarmAnswers.org) to educate 20 BFRs about USDA programs with 44% of the participants making an appointment with USDA agencies, 7) Selling Local Foods workshop offered to 11 individuals 8) facilitated 15 Learning Circles, and 9) 10 Farm Walk Abouts. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?March 2020, Missouri developed tailored social media outlets to provide information directed to BFR audiences, communities, and programs. Missouri branded new BFR materials by creating a signature that exemplified BFRDP programs, developed a Tagline: "Learn. Connect. Grow", Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program Facebook page (@MOBeginningFarmers), Missouri Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Program Twitter (@MOBeginningFarm), and Missouri Beginning Farmers Instagram (@MOBeginningFarmers). BFRDP Facebook alone reached 1,189,127 impressions. Of the individuals reached on Facebook, 66% were women and 34% were men, with the largest audience being women and men ages 35-44. Dissemination of information specific to video(s) for new and beginning farmers released through the University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension) Youtube Channel, MU Extension Garden Spade newsletter for home gardeners, Commercial Horticulture video newsletter, MU IPM YouTube Channel, MU Extension county newsletters, MU Extension Public Service Announcements and, MU Extension affiliated Social Media Outlets that include: BFRDP, Mo AgrAbility, 2501 OPPE, Show-Me Farm Safety, and Show-Me Strong Farm Families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm Project through a collaborative effort of MU Extension and the Brain Injury Association of Missouri filled missing gaps for beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, military veteran farmers and farmers with disabilities and brain injury. The project successfully offered experiential learning for beginning farmers through workshops, Grow Your Farm course, Farmer Learning Circles, Farm Walk Abouts, technical one-on-one assistance and an internship program during Year One of the BFR grant. Knowledge gained and behavior changes with adoption of new practices for beginning farmers were documented. Since 2018, BFRs increased their knowledge (short-term outcomes), learned new ways to apply that knowledge (midterm outcomes), developed their skills and clarified their values with entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm enterprises. Missouri BFRDP partners 1) entered 1,597 "new" BFRs into the project, 2) graduated 121 BFRs from the Grow Your Farm (www.FarmAnswers.org) eight-week course, 89% of attendees had 0 to 3 years farming experience, BFRDP Category 1, 3) offered four internships and two mentorships, 4) 15 new BFRs were offered individualized experiential hands-on learning opportunities, 5) provided technical one-on-one assistance to nine BFRs with disabilities and brain injury as needed, 6) offered Understanding the ABCs of USDA Programs (www.FarmAnswers.org) to educate 20 BFRs about USDA programs with 44% of the participants making an appointment with USDA agencies, 7) Selling Local Foods workshop offered to 11 individuals 8) facilitated 15 Learning Circles, and 9) 10 Farm Walk Abouts. September 2019, Franciscan Sisters of Our Perpetual Help stepped away from the project. October 2019 launched a new farm pilot program in Central Missouri, H2H. H2H is a beekeeping program offered through MSUE to address financial and personal wellness of veteran farmers. February 2020 the U.S. experienced the global pandemic. February 2020 to June 2023 the pandemic required a 100% digital platform to achieve project goals. Changes in delivery styles and methodologies achieved an "unanticipated" 56% participant increase attending BFR virtual workshops and online webinars. March 2020 developed tailored social media outlets to provide information directed to BFR audiences, communities, and programs. Missouri branded new BFR materials by creating a signature that exemplified BFRDP programs, developed a Tagline: "Learn. Connect. Grow", Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program Facebook page (@MOBeginningFarmers), Missouri Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Program Twitter (@MOBeginningFarm), and Missouri Beginning Farmers Instagram (@MOBeginningFarmers). BFRDP Facebook alone reached 1,189,127 impressions. Of the individuals reached on Facebook, 66% were women and 34% were men, with the largest audience being women and men ages 35-44. Missouri's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers used USDA NIFA no-cost extension dollars over the past 12-months to complete federally approved plan of work disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic: On-the-Farm field trips for new and beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans, and their dependents included: 1) Happy Hollow Farm, 2) Battlefield Lavendar, 3) Green Pastures Farm, 4) Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, 5) Heirloom Fungi, 6) Elder Blossom View, 7) Columbia Agriculture Park, and 8) A Red Circle. Each farm field trip filmed, edited, and captured photos/videos for Mo BFR library. MU Extension partnered Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Poole Communication to develop a short video, "Organic Farmer, Liz Graznak Shares Tips and Techniques for Beginning Farmers." We also continued to edit and update the Grow Your Farm curricula to be launch online for new and beginning farmers. Toured Julie's Produce, Happy Hollow Farm, and Columbia Farmers' Market to expand produce operation with high tunnel and farmers' market. Filmed, edited, and captured photos/video footage for Mo BFR library. Missouri's new and beginner farmers continued to learn how USDA can serve their needs, where and how best to communicate with USDA, and when an individual could benefit from participating in USDA programs. Special USDA programs and resources for military veterans, women, and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers were provided during Learning Circles, Walk-Abouts, and One-on-One Technical Assistance. Project team also worked with Missouri AgrAbility new and beginning farmers with disabilities to educate military veterans about holistic employment and career options through collaborations with the Veteran Urban Farm, Heroes to Hives Missouri State Chapter, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Wounded Warriors, and other programs specific to military veterans and their dependents.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience: Intended audiences: beginning farmers and ranchers, Veteran farmers, women farmers, social disadvantaged farmers, farmers and ranchers with disabilities, farm and ranch families, minority farmers and ranchers. Collaborative partners: Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program, Missouri AgrAbility Program, Heroes to Hives Program, Missouri State Department of Agriculture, Mo 2019 NCR Farm and Ranch Alliance Network, 2020 NC Farm and Ranch Alliance Center, Show-Me Farm Safety Committee, Brain Injury Association ofMissouri. Cooperative stakeholders: Mo Farm Bureau Foundation, Mo Hospital Association, Mo Soybean Association, MoDepartment of Mental Health, Mo Department of Labor, Mo State Highway Patrol, Mo FFA Association, Mo Department ofTransportation, Mo Cattlemen's Association, Mo Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network and Mo Institute of Mental Health,and SAMHSA partnership with United States Department of Veterans Affairs to bring Governor's Challenges to PreventionSuicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families. Changes/Problems:The global pandemic continued to force Missouri's BFR team to utilize a digital platform to achieve goals and administer activities. Goals were somewhat achieved but on a slightly different time frame amongst continued strict travel guidelines and lots of in-person restricts. Virtual and online platforms and adjustments were made to not only address but also, creatively try out new methodologies in which to deliver our original Plan of Work. Like other BFRD programs across the country, Missouri faced challenges, struggles, a few hiccups and achieved successes. To maximum programmatic efforts collaborative partners reviewed Activities and determined what best practices to virtually implement. For a variety of reasons several user-friendly online platforms were selected and used to reach our diverse audiences. For example, online social media outlets were used to disseminate e-publications, digital and web-based format resources while virtual teaching platforms were used to facilitate online programs and classes such as webinars, videos, live chats, podcasts, etc. Moving to an online, virtual platform somewhat contributed to Missouri's overall accomplishments. Changes in delivery styles and methodologies achieved an "unanticipated" surprise with an increase in demand for BFR programs. For example, virtual, online platforms allowed Missouri's team members to produce electronic marketing materials; develop education and outreach e-publications; present oral/poster presentations at local, state, regional, national and internationals workshops/conferences; create a Missouri Library of BFR related materials that include videoclips, photographs, podcasts, and other digital formats; and construct education hands-on displays. Due to pandemic Missouri was unable to successfully complete proposed video series, provide Farm Walk Abouts, co-sponsored in-person classes, hands-on demonstrations, conferences, programmatic workshops. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training and professional development provided by MO BFRDP included the following: Beginning beekeepers: BIA-MO staff attended the Heroes to Hives presentation at the BIA-MO Statewide Conferencethat was the initial presentation for professionals to learn about this beginning farmers opportunities for Veterans with braininjury or other disabilities. Livestock Identification: A demonstration video about livestock identification including temporary and permanentidentification methods was created. A presentation describing multiple livestock identification practices, including freezebranding, with the demonstration video imbedded was used in a presentation made at the Pixels of Production Womenin Agriculture virtual programthat had 105 participants for each session. According to participant surveys,100% of respondents gained knowledge from the presentation and 100% found it useful to their operation. When participantswere asked the question "Based on what you heard tonight from the speakers, what might you change or do differently onyour farm?", three surveys indicated they plan to use freeze branding on their operation, one wanted to upgrade their taggingmethods and a fifth gave this quote: "I have grown up on a livestock farm, so I do know quite a bit about livestock identificationoverall. However, this presentation did bring to light different options that I did not know were readily accessible-particularlythe RFID tags and the freeze branding. I will be researching these options more and potentially integrating what will work best for our operation moving into the future." Livestock Tools and Equipment: Kendra Graham was a speaker at the Women inAgriculture virtual conference that had 105 participants. A PowerPoint presentation and handout wascreated titled "Livestock tools and equipment". According to returned participant surveys from the conference 59% gainednew knowledge from the presentation and 100% of respondents found the topic moderate to highly useful to their operation.Quotes from participants responses to the question "Based on what you heard tonight from the speakers, whatmight you change or do differently on your farm?" include:"As a retired teacher, widowed, I am learning how to manage this farm late in life. I found the tools presentation very helpful. Inow know what several of those things are that I have in the shop!" "Assess tool needs." "Segregate my tools so the guysdon't use them! Lol Really helped me better understand which tools I could utilize more or didn't know about and mightimplement." and "Try microwaving ear tags. Make my own toolbox." Beginning Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities: Kendra Graham was an invited speaker for the NationalAgrAbility conference held virtually. Kendra partnered with Karen Funkenbusch from MU Extension as wellas Nashon Bishop, Susan Jaster and David Middleton from Lincoln University to speak on animal handling and livestock toolsand equipment. Over 80 participants attended the session and questions ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time. Commercial Vegetable Production Webinar Series: offered 21 sessions. 29 beginning farmers with 19 Females and 10Males participated.Commerical Small Fruit Crop Production Webinar Series: offered 10 sessions with 11 females and 9 males. Missouri BFRDP also sponsored the Pixels of Production Women in Agriculture Conference and edited all presentation recordings to share with participants after the conference. With that, Missouri BFRDP also launched the Missouri Beginning Farmers YouTube channel to house Missouri BFRDP program, promotional, and educational videos.50 professionals in the project area become aware of BFRDP services, including the Heroes to Hives program throughparticipation in a BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals. Four Networking Coffees - St. Louis were held forprofessionals in healthcare, agriculture, employment, disability and community support fields. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MU Extension and its partners continued to usedifferent methods to disseminate results and accomplishments. Dissemination methods included monthly ZOOM updates, written electronic communication updates to administrators, collaborator partners, stakeholders and intended audiences. Missouri also provided updates during community of interest meetings for beginning farmers and ranchers, newsletters, and program presentations. Lastly, the media specialists facilitated press releases, marketing strategies and maintained social media outreach activities to disseminate our accomplishments and share programmatic results. Additionally, Missouri shared success stories of farmers with brain injury and Brain Injury Fact of the Day are utilized for discussions at the BIA-MO Conference, Survivor & Family Seminars, and events of other organizations such as the Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council, Veterans Administration, Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and more. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MU Extension requested a no cost extension due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, along with extensive mitigation measures that adversely affected our progress in the delivering of proposed programs, interrupted activities and completing proposed plan of work. Missouri's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers will use USDA NIFA no-cost extension dollars over the next 12-months to complete federally approved plan of work disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic: Complete Grow Your Farm course updates with filming/editing video clips, capturing photos and developing electronic materials. Farm tour, Oak Grove Valley Farm (pastured chicken and turkeys, eggs, and high tunnel), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour, Julie's Produce (expanded produce operation with high tunnel and farmers' market), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm bus tour, Happy Hollow Farm to visit Columbia Farmers' Market, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour with local foods with lunch served on the farm, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Present in-person ABCs of USDA Programs. Farm tour, Battlefield Lavender owned and operated by veteran beginning farmer, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Complete filming/editing of beginning farmer video series and Mo BFR library. BFRDP clients will continue to receive one-on-one technical assistance to meet their related needs to develop a business plan, apply for USDA FSA, NRCS, and RD programs, and scale up their operations. Co-sponsor Armed to Farm Conference with Veteran Urban Farm in Columbia, Missouri. Co-Sponsor accessible beekeeping initiatives with Heroes to Hives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The global pandemic continued to forceMissouri to still provide programs and outreach activities in a digital platform to achieve major goals and activities. Goals were somewhat achieved but on a slightly different time frame amongst strict travel guidelines and in-person restricts. Virtual and online platforms continued with adjustments made to not only how to address but also, creatively try out new methodologies in which to deliver our original Plan of Work. Like other BFRDP across the country, Missouri faced challenges, struggles, a few hiccups and achieved successes.Firstly, to maximum programmatic efforts we reviewed stated activities and determined what best practices to virtuallyimplement. Online social media outlets continued to provide the usage to disseminate e-publications, digital and web-based format resources while virtual teaching platforms were used to facilitate online programs and classes such as webinars, videos, livechats, podcasts, etc. Moving to an online, virtual platform also contributed to some of Missouri's accomplishments. Changes in delivery styles and methodologies achieved an "unanticipated" surprise with an increase in programming amongst our beginning farmers and ranchers including veterans, service providers and stakeholders. For example, virtual, online platforms allowed team members to produce electronic marketing materials; develop education and outreach e-publications; present oral/poster presentations at local, state, regional, national workshops/conferences; create a Missouri Library ofBFR related materials that include videoclips, photographs, podcasts and other digital formats; and construct education hands-on displays. The following accomplishmentsis a brief snapshot of demonstrated efforts facilitated by MO BFR collaborative partners and key Missouri cooperative stakeholders. Social media posts on Instagram had a total reach of 2,975 and a total of 3,185 impressions. Our topperforming post on the Missouri BFRDP Instagram focused on health, safety and wellness, North Central Farm Ranch StressAssistance Center resources, program promotion, and promotion of the Direct Marketing Beef Cattle e-book. Social media posts on Twitter had 5,677 total impressions. Our top performing post on the Missouri BFRDP Twitter focused on North Central Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Center resources and program promotion. Co-developed the 2022Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit, in partnership with the Show-Me Farm Safety Committee, Missouri AgrAbility, and the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center (NCFRSAC), to raise awareness about mental health and suicide in rural, agricultural communities. The toolkit offers practical resources to help strengthen farmer and rancher resilience with coping mechanisms to maintain balance and protect their mental health. In addition to the Mental Health Awareness Month, focused our efforts to promote programs for beginning farmers and ranchers, shared extension resources, promoted agricultural health, safety and wellness, and shared resources from NCFRSAC. Co-sponsored Women in Agriculture Conference and edited all presentation recordings to share with participants after the conference. Launched the Missouri Beginning Farmers YouTube channel to house MO BFRDP e-based materials, promotional resources, and educational videos. Continued to develop our catalogue of photos and video footage for use in BFR publications, social media marketing, and program promotion. BIA-MO as the non-profit tested technical one-on-one assistance for beginning farmers with disabilities and brain injury. BIA-MO fully expended BFRDP funding for the grant period to provide technical on-on-one assistance and raise awareness about the BFRDP. Six (6) BFRDP rural individuals with brain injury, whose technical one-on-one assistance began in Year 2 of the project, had their brain injury-related needs met through technical one-on-one assistance. They continue to receive assistance, resulting in continued awareness about BFRDP. 2,027 additional rural individuals gained awareness of BFRDP as an initial step in exploring project components, including technical one-on-one assistance. This awareness-building was through contact with the BIA-MO Information & Referral Service and BIA-MO website visits, including those for Brain Injury Fact of the Day. 27 rural individuals became aware of BFRDP during through BIA-MO services of Information & Referral Services and educational material sent as follow-up to this ongoing service. Follow-up contact may lead to utilization of BFRDP services. 6 BFRDP rural individuals received continued one-on-one assistance since their initial BIA-MO services in Year 2 of the BFRDP. 50 professionals in the project area become aware of BFRDP services, including the Heroes to Hives program through participation in a BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals. Four Networking Coffees - St. Louis were held for professionals in healthcare, agriculture, employment, disability, and community support fields.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
A guide sheet titled Freeze Branding was modified by Kendra Graham and utilized as a handout for the Pixels of
Production Livestock Identification presentation. The recording of this presentation is highlighted on the Agricultural Safety
and Health eXtension Community of Practice (CoP) webpage under Women in Agriculture: Animal Handling: https://agsafety.
extension.org/women-in-agriculture-animal-handling/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Graham, K.*, Hopkins, R.*, Funkenbusch, K., Langdon, J., Sherman, L., Shannon, M. 2020. Livestock identification practices. Presentation and video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVl53QBM54c
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Updated Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program website,
https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-beginningfarmers?
gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu6mumoPa8gIVy2pvBB0YDQTxEAAYASAAEgJPU_D_BwE
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Kendra Graham an invited speaker for the 2021 National AgrAbility conference held virtually on April 20, 2021. Kendra partnered with Karen Funkenbusch from MU Extension as well as Nashon Bishop, Susan Jaster and David Middleton from
Lincoln University to speak on animal handling and livestock tools and equipment. Over 80 participants attended the session and questions ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
5,500 residents of BFRDP counties were reached via BIA-MO social media posts, shares and boosted ads.
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience: Intended audiences: beginning farmers and ranchers, Veteran farmers, women farmers, social disadvantaged farmers, farmers and ranchers with disabilities, farm and ranch families, minority farmers and ranchers Collaborative partners: Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program, Missouri AgrAbility Program, Heroes to Hives Program, Missouri State Department of Agriculture, Mo 2019 NCR Farm and Ranch Alliance Network, 2020 NC Farm and Ranch Alliance Center, Show-Me Farm Safety Committee, Brain Injury Association of Missouri Cooperative stakeholders: Mo Farm Bureau Foundation, Mo Hospital Association, Mo Soybean Association, Mo Department of Mental Health, Mo Department of Labor, Mo State Highway Patrol, Mo FFA Association, Mo Department of Transportation, Mo Cattlemen's Association, Mo Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network and Mo Institute of Mental Health, and SAMHSA partnership with United States Department of Veterans Affairs to bring Governor's Challenges to Prevention Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families Changes/Problems:The global pandemic forced Missouri's BFR team to quickly move into a digital platform to achieve goals and administer activities. Goals were somewhat achieved but on a slightly different time frame amongst strict travel guidelines and lots of face-to-face restricts. Virtual and online platforms and adjustments were made to not only address but also, creatively try out new methodologies in which to deliver our original Plan of Work. Like other BFRD programs across the country, Missouri faced challenges, struggles, a few hiccups and achieved successes. To maximum programmatic efforts collaborative partners reviewed Year 3 Activities and determined what best practices to virtually implement. For a variety of reasons several user-friendly online platforms were selected and used to reach our diverse audiences. For example, online social media outlets were used to disseminate e-publications, digital and web-based format resources while virtual teaching platforms were used to facilitate online programs and classes such as webinars, videos, live chats, podcasts, etc. Moving to an online, virtual platform somewhat contributed to Missouri's overall accomplishments. Changes in delivery styles and methodologies achieved an "unanticipated" surprise with an increase in demand for BFR programs. For example, virtual, online platforms allowed Missouri's team members to produce electronic marketing materials; develop education and outreach e-publications; present oral/poster presentations at local, state, regional, national and internationals workshops/conferences; create a Missouri Library of BFRrelated materials that include videoclips, photographs, podcasts and other digital formats; and construct education hands-on displays. Missouri's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program will use USDA NIFA no-cost extension dollars over the next 12-months to complete federally approved plan of work disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic: Complete Grow Your Farm course updates with filming/editing video clips, capturing photos and developing electronic materials. Farm tour at Oak Grove Valley Farm (pastured chicken and turkeys, eggs and high tunnel), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour at Julie's Produce (expanded produce operation with high tunnel and farmers' market), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm bus tour at Happy Hollow Farm to visit Columbia Farmers' Market, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour with local foods with lunch served on the farm, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Present face-to-face ABCs of USDA Programs. Farm tour at Battlefield Lavender owned and operated by veteran beginning farmer, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Complete filming/editing of beginning farmer video series and Mo BFR library. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training and professional development provided by MO BFRDP included the following: Beginning beekeepers: BIA-MO staff attended the Heroes to Hives presentation at the BIA-MO Statewide Conference 2020 that was the initial presentation for professionals to learn about this beginning farmers opportunities for Veterans with brain injury or other disabilities. Livestock Identification:A demonstration video about livestock identification including temporary and permanent identification methods was created. A presentation describing multiple livestock identification practices, including freeze branding, with the demonstration video imbedded was used in a presentation made at the 2020 Pixels of Production Women in Agriculture virtual program November 5, 2020 that had 105 participants for each session. According to participant surveys, 100% of respondents gained knowledge from the presentation and 100% found it useful to their operation. When participants were asked the question "Based on what you heard tonight from the speakers, what might you change or do differently on your farm?", three surveys indicated they plan to use freeze branding on their operation, one wanted to upgrade their tagging methods and a fifth gave this quote: "I have grown up on a livestock farm, so I do know quite a bit about livestock identification overall. However, this presentation did bring to light different options that I did not know were readily accessible-particularly the RFID tags and the freeze branding. I will be researching these options more and potentially integrating what will work best for our operation moving into the future." Livestock Tools and Equipment:Kendra Graham was an invited speaker for the 2020 Pixels of Production Women in Agriculture virtual conference on November 17, 2020 that had 105 participants. A PowerPoint presentation and handout was created titled "Livestock tools and equipment". According to returned participant surveys from the conference 59% gained new knowledge from the presentation and 100% of respondents found the topic moderate to highly useful to their operation. Quotes from participants responses to the question "Based on what you heard tonight from the speakers, what might you change or do differently on your farm?" include: "As a retired teacher, widowed, I am learning how to manage this farm late in life. I found the tools presentation very helpful. I now know what several of those things are that I have in the shop!""Assess tool needs.""Segregate my tools so the guys don't use them! Lol Really helped me better understand which tools I could utilize more or didn't know about and might implement." and"Try microwaving ear tags. Make my own toolbox." Beginning Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities: Kendra Graham was an invited speaker for the 2021 National AgrAbility conference held virtually on April 20, 2021. Kendra partnered with Karen Funkenbusch from MU Extension as well as Nashon Bishop, Susan Jaster and David Middleton from Lincoln University to speak on animal handling and livestock tools and equipment. Over 80 participants attended the session and questions ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time. Commercial Vegetable Production Webinar Series: offered 21 sessions. 29 beginning farmers with 19 Females and 10 Males participated. Commerical Small Fruit Crop Production Webinar Series: offered 10 sessions with 11 females and 9 males. Missouri BFRDP also sponsored the Pixels of Production Women in Agriculture Conference and edited all presentation recordings to share with participants after the conference. With that, Missouri BFRDP also launched the Missouri Beginning Farmers YouTube channel to house Missouri BFRDP program, promotional, and educational videos. 50 professionals in the project area become aware of BFRDP services, including the Heroes to Hives program through participation in a BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals. Four Networking Coffees - St. Louis were held for professionals in healthcare, agriculture, employment, disability and community support fields. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MU Extension and it's partners used several methods to disseminate our results and accomplishments. Dissemination methods included monthly ZOOM updates, written electronic communication updates to administrators, collaborator partners, stakeholders and intended audiences. Missouri also provided updates during community of interest meetings for beginning farmers and ranchers, newsletters and program presentations. Lastly, our media specialists faciliated press releases, marketing strategies and maintained social media outreach activities to disseminate our accomplishments and share programmatic results. Additionally, Missouri sharedsuccess stories of farmers with brain injury and Brain Injury Fact of the Day are utilized for discussions at the BIA-MO Conference, Survivor & Family Seminars and events of other organizations such as the Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council, Veterans Administration, Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and more. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MU Exension requesteda no cost extension due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, along with extensive mitigation measures that adversely affected our progress in the delivering of proposed programs, interrupted activities and completing proposed plan of work.Missouri's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers will use USDA NIFA no-cost extension dollars over the next 12-months to complete federally approved plan of work disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic: Complete Grow Your Farm course updates with filming/editing video clips, capturing photos and developing electronic materials. Farm tour at Oak Grove Valley Farm (pastured chicken and turkeys, eggs and high tunnel), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour at Julie's Produce (expanded produce operation with high tunnel and farmers' market), filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm bus tour at Happy Hollow Farm to visit Columbia Farmers' Market, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Farm tour with local foods with lunch served on the farm, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Present face-to-face ABCs of USDA Programs. Farm tour at Battlefield Lavender owned and operated by veteran beginning farmer, filming/editing and capturing photos for Mo BFR library. Complete filming/editing of beginning farmer video series and Mo BFR library. Advertise the BFRDP during the BIA-MO educational programs of the Annual Statewide Conference and the Survivor & Family Seminar that will be held in October 2021. BFRDP clients with brain injury will continue to receive one-on-one technical assistance to meet their brain injury related needs and be aware of BFRDP.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The global pandemic forced our team to quickly move into a digital platform to achieve major goals and activities. Goals were somewhat achieved but on a slightly different time frame amongst strict travel guidelines and lots of face-to-face restricts. Virtual and online platforms and adjustments were made to not only address but also, creatively try out new methodologies in which to deliver our original Plan of Work. Like other BFRDP across the country, Missouri faced challenges, struggles, a few hiccups and achieved successes. Firstly, to maximum programmatic efforts we reviewed our Year 3 Activities and determined what best practices to virtually implement. For a variety of reasons several user-friendly online platforms were selected and used to reach our diverse audiences. For example, online social media outlets were used to disseminate e-publications, digital and web-based format resources while virtual teaching platforms were used to facilitate online programs and classes such as webinars, videos, live chats, podcasts, etc. Moving to an online, virtual platform contributed to Missouri's BFRDP accomplishments. Changes in delivery styles and methodologies achieved an "unanticipated" surprise with an increase in programming amongst our beginning farmers and ranchers including veterans, service providers and stakeholders. For example, virtual, online platforms allowed team members to produce electronic marketing materials; develop education and outreach e-publications; present oral/poster presentations at local, state, regional, national workshops/conferences; create a Missouri Library of BFRrelated materials that include videoclips, photographs, podcasts and other digital formats; and construct education hands-on displays. The following accomplishments is a brief snap shot of demonstrated efforts facilitated by BFR collaborative partners and key Missouri cooperative stakeholders. Missouri BFRsocial media posts on Instagram had a total reach of 2,975 and a total of 3,185 impressions. Our top performing post on the Missouri BFRDP Instagram focused on health, safety and wellness, North Central Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Center resources, program promotion, and promotion of the Direct Marketing Beef Cattle e-book. Missouri BFRsocial media posts on Twitter had 5,677 total impressions. Our top performing post on the Missouri BFRDP Twitter focused on North Central Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Center resources and program promotion. Missouri BFRco-developed the 2021 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit, in partnership with the Show-Me Farm Safety Committee, Missouri AgrAbility, and the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center (NCFRSAC), to raise awareness about mental health and suicide in rural, agricultural communities in Missouri. The toolkit offers practical resources to help strengthen farmer and rancher resilience with coping mechanisms to maintain balance and protect their mental health. In addition to the Mental Health Awareness Month, Missouri BFRDP focused our efforts to promote programs for beginning farmers and ranchers, shared extension resources, promoted agricultural health, safety and wellness, and shared resources from NCFRSAC. Missouri BFRDPalso co-sponsored the Pixels of Production Women in Agriculture Conference and edited all presentation recordings to share with participants after the conference. Missouri BFRDP also launched the Missouri Beginning Farmers YouTube channel to house Missouri BFRDP e-based materials, promotional resources, and educational videos. Missouri BFRDP continuedto develop our catalogue of photos and video footage for use in BFRpublications, social media marketing, and program promotion. Missouri nonprofit, BIA-MO tested technical one-on-one assistance for beginning farmers with disabilities and brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of Missouri fully expended BFRDP funding for the grant period to provide technical on-on-one assistance and raise awareness about the BFRDP. 6 BFRDP rural individuals with brain injury, whose technical one-on-one assistance began in Year 2 of the project, had their brain injury-related needs met through technical one-on-one assistance. They continue to receive assistance, resulting in continued awareness about BFRDP. 2,027 additional rural individuals gained awareness of BFRDP in Year 3 as an initial step in exploring project components, including technical one-on-one assistance. This awareness-building was through contact with the BIA-MO Information & Referral Service and BIA-MO website visits, including those for Brain Injury Fact of the Day. 27 rural individuals became aware of BFRDP during Year 3 through BIA-MO services of Information & Referral Services and educational material sent as follow-up to this ongoing service. Follow-up contact may lead to utilization of BFRDP services. 6 BFRDP rural individuals received continued one-on-one assistance since their initial BIA-MO services in Year 2 of the BFRDP. 50 professionals in the project area become aware of BFRDP services, including the Heroes to Hives program through participation in a BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals. Four Networking Coffees - St. Louis were held for professionals in healthcare, agriculture, employment, disability and community support fields. 2,000 BIA-MO website visitors from rural, agriculturalcommunities became aware of the BFRDP program. This awareness encourages participation in BFRDP trainings and technical one-on-one assistance. Of these 2,000 website visitors, 475 were first-time visitors during Brain Injury Awareness Month in March 2021. 5,500 rural individuals were reached via BIA-MO social media posts, shares and boosted ads. From September 2, 2020 to December 4, 2020: 48 posts with a reach of 51,122 and currently the Mo BFRDP Facebookpage has 776 likes and 818 followers.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
A guide sheet titled Freeze Branding was modified by Kendra Graham and utilized as a handout for the Pixels of Production Livestock Identification presentation. The recording of this presentation is highlighted on the Agricultural Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice (CoP) webpage under Women in Agriculture: Animal Handling: https://ag-safety.extension.org/women-in-agriculture-animal-handling/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Graham, K.*, Hopkins, R.*, Funkenbusch, K., Langdon, J., Sherman, L., Shannon, M. 2020. Livestock identification practices. Presentation and video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVl53QBM54c
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Updated Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program website, https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-beginning-farmers?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu6mumoPa8gIVy2pvBB0YDQTxEAAYASAAEgJPU_D_BwE
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Kendra Graham an invited speaker for the 2021 National AgrAbility conference held virtually on April 20, 2021. Kendra partnered with Karen Funkenbusch from MU Extension as well as Nashon Bishop, Susan Jaster and David Middleton from Lincoln University to speak on animal handling and livestock tools and equipment. Over 80 participants attended the session and questions ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
BIA-MO website visitors from the project counties became aware of the BFRDP program. This awareness encourages participation in BFRDP trainings and technical one-on-one assistance.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
5,500 residents of BFRDP counties were reached via BIA-MO social media posts, shares and boosted ads.
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Missouri's target audiences included farmers and ranchers who have not operated a farm or ranch, or have operated a farm or ranch for not more than ten (10) years. Target audiences include veteran farmers, farmers who are socially disadvantaged, underserved farmers, female producers, and farmers with disabilities. Changes/Problems:Franciscan Sisters of Our Perpetual Help on September 1, 2019 provided official notice of termination for the Research Subaward Agreement with The Curators of the University of Missouri. As stated in the Research Subaward agreement, Terms and Conditions, Page 1, #9, we are providing a thirty (30) day written notice of termination. The Curators will pay termination costs as allowable under Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, or 45 CFR Part 74 Appendix E. Despite this major change in approach the University of Missouri moved forward by launching a new pilot program called, "Heroes to Hives". The Heroes to Hives is a unique program created by Michigan State University Extension that addresses the financial and personal wellness of veterans through professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. Our beginning farmer program also is a partnership with the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. It is anticipated that this program will be rolled out to veterans during Year 3 of the grant. However, it was necessary to begin essential activities during Year 2 of the grant. During the spring of 2020, two honey bee hives were established at the pilot location for use in the program. These colonies will be grown and maintained throughout year 2 of the grant in anticipation of using them as an educational resource during year 3 of the grant. Also, in April of 2020, an introduction to beekeeping online class was offered due to COVID-19. There were 40 participants with 2/3 of the audience being beginning farmers and women. Changes /Problems - COVID-19 BIA-MO Information & Referral Service continued by phone and email. BIA-MO Program Associate worked remotely from home, continuing to increase awareness about BFRDP project. BIA-MO Annual Statewide Conference scheduled for October 2020 will be changed to an online educational program while allowing for outreach and networking to increase awareness and utilization of BFRDP services, including technical one-on-one assistance. Presentations and exhibits at various profesional conferences of other organizations were cancelled for 2020. Communicated with conference organizers to let them know we are interested in future outreach and educational involvement. MU Extension cancelled face-to-face programs and administered activities online using various platforms. MU Extension postponed Walk-Abouts to later days. MU Extension experienced an increase in BFRDP participation due to COVID-19 by taking our workshops, classes, and seminars online. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four Networking Coffees for Professionals were held in St. Louis, MO. Information about BFRDP and Grow Your Farm program presented. 60 healthcare providers, agriculture specialists as well as workforce, disability, nonprofit and governmental professionals were educated. BIA-MO 15th Annual Professional Development Conference held October 3 - 5, 2019. Attended by nonprofit and governmental agencies, agriculture specialists, healthcare providers, survivors of brain injury and family members. BIA Conference featured Rural, Agriculture Professional Track. Rural, Agriculture Professional Track included sessions about IoT, Smart Technologies, Robotics, Ergonomics, Adaptive Farm Equipment and Hand Tools. Approximately 350 professionals increased their awareness about the USDA NIFA BFRDP through presentations, tabletop exhibits and event/activity signages. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Disseminated BFRDP results and success stories with MU Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension as well as nonprofit and governmental stakeholders such as Brain Injury Association of Missouri, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Labor, Missouri Farm Bureau, Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Soybean Association, USDA FSA, USDA NRCS, USDA RD, Veterans Administration, Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Missouri Hospital Association, and Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Program results also shared at professional conferences, newsletters, social media outlets, and formal and informal discussions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Continue to pilot an experiential learning model to the Grow Your Farm course to include farmer self-directed group learning. 2. Facilitate one-one-one technical assistance for 5 beginning farmers with disabilities and brain injury. 3. Provide four interns with an internship program. Missouri activities to reach the three objectives will include: 1 Understanding the ABCs of USDA workshops 1 Grow Your Farm, eight-week classes 4 Selling Local Foods workshops 3 Farmer Learning Circles 4 Farm Walk Abouts
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Despite challenges/pitfalls the Missouri Beginning Farmers Blended Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm new standard program successfully accomplished Year 2 objectives to reach the three main objectives outlined in the Plan of Work. Missouri BFRDP partners 1) collaborated with several community-based organizations and nongovernmental organizations, 2) brought 603 new beginner farmers into the program, which is a significant increase of 512 "new" beginning farmer participants over last year, 3) graduated 16 farmers of the Grow Your Farm (GYF) course, 5) offered one internship program with one vegetable mentor producer, 6) provided technical one-on-one assistance to three farmers, 7) offered one Understanding the ABCs of Programs to educate 14 beginning farmers about USDA financial programs 8) one Selling Local Foods workshop to 11 individuals and 9) facilitated 15 Learning Circles and 10) 10 Walk Abouts. In addition to using USDA NIFA funds to offer 15 new beginning farmers with individualized experiential hands-on learning opportunities. To address objective one, 16 beginning farmers from Jefferson, Franklin, St. Louis, St. Francois, St. Charles, and Washington counties completed an eight-session GYF course. GYF was initially offered as face-to-face but, shifted to a ZOOM platform due to COVID-19. Participants submitted and presented a draft of their business plan online. One participant even added a 10-minute video of his farm operation, where his crops were located and the practices in which he was growing these crops. All participants were retained, graduated, and received their certificate of completion. 89% of those who attended GYF had between 0 and 3 years of farming experience. Next, for object two, the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and University of Missouri Extension facilitated technical one-on-one assistance for beginning farmers with disabilities and brain injury. Research shows follow-up contact for individuals with disabilities and brain injury are three to four weeks however, Missouri tested the frequency of follow-up contact at two to three weeks to determine if, frequency contact is more helpful or increases frustration for the intend audiences. Three beginning farmers received technical one-on-one assistance at the frequency rate of two to three weeks and nineteen participants became aware of technical one-on-one assistance. Lastly, objective three started during Year 1 by the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a partner to the BFRD, collaborating with MU Extension and the BIA Mo to establish an internship program at the Franciscan Farm. Collaboratively, 1) advertised the internship program, 2) developed an application and selection process, 3) posted application on partnership websites, 4) designed a safety, health and best practices beginning farmers internship handbook and continued to update during Year 2. Moving into Year 2, the Franciscan Sisters of Our Perpetual Help terminated their SubAward with the University of Missouri on September 1, 2019. Despite this setback, one participant with one mentor (vegetable production in high tunnels and in the fields) completed an internship. To achieve Project objectives the following accomplishment were also accomplished: An Understanding the ABCs of USDA Programs workshop offered to beginning farmers. Fourteen beginning farmers learned about the many USDA programs available to assist them in their farming ventures. 100% of the participants reported an increase in knowledge about programs offered by Farm Service Agency, Farm Service Agency Loans, Rural Development, and Natural Resources Conservation Service with, 75% of the participants indicating they would ask for an appointment with one of the USDA agencies. When polled, beginning farmers requested a Selling Local Foods an all-day workshop instead of offering 4 sessions on 4 different dates.Four sessions were provided in one day workshop. Post survey results indicateed 78% of participants will adopt a new customer service technique and 89% of participants will also sell products through a new marketing option. 15 Learning Circles were offered educating roughly 500 new beginning farmers. Requested Learning Circling by beginning farming included: High Tunnel Workshop Crop Planning for a Successful Growing Season Workshop SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Writing Workshop Pastured Poultry Workshop 3 - Soil Pasture Improvement workshops held in Franklin, St. Francois and Washington counties Poultry Learning Circle Pearls of Production - Livestock Handling Tools for Women 3 - NRCS Farm Bill Workshops Poultry Health Workshop 6 - Smarter, Not Harder Ergonomics for Women Producers 85 new beginning farmers participated in 10 Farm Walk Abouts. Walk Abouts included visiting the following: Julie's Produce: Spring Produce Oak Grove Valley Farm Pastured Chickens and High Tunnel Production Urban Buds City Grown Flowers Julie's Produce: Fall Produce 4, Pasture Weed Identification workshops in St. Francois, Franklin, Washington County and Crawford Counties. The Walk About to Happy Hollow Farm Tour was postponed due to COVID-19 15 beginning farmers were also provided the following individualized experiential hands-on learning opportunities: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Spring Planting Festival Missouri Minority and Limited Resource Farmers Conference in St. Louis Agroforestry Academy Garlic School High Tunnel Workshop Tomato School Artificial Insemination (AI) workshop MU Extension & BIA Social Media Outreach MU Extension BFRDP Facebook had a total reach of 1,189,127 impressions and 178 engagements (likes, comments, shares. Of the individuals reached on Facebook, 66% were women and 34% were men, with the largest audience being women and men ages 35-44. MU Exgension BFRDP Social media posts on Twitter had 16,129 impressions and 186 engagements (likes, comments, retweets). While social media posts on Instagram had a reach of 2,611 and 3,239 impressions. Most notable, for the past 28 days, May 18 through June 17, the MU Extension BFRDP Facebook had 12,805 views. MU Extension developed a total of 189 BFRDP posts across our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram). Targeted social media post was around BFRDP program promotion, program promotion for external partners and institutions, and farmer and rancher safety and mental health. A majority of our top performing post were post pertaining to program promotion of MU Extension programs and programs by our partners. 1,500 BIA-MO website visitors from the project counties, Of these 1,500 website visitors, 76 were during March Brain Injury Awareness Month and another 40 in May for Mental Health Awareness month for Farmers and Ranchers. 6,000 individuals reached via boosted Facebook posts about farmer mental health in May for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K. (2019, August). Connecting with Historically Underserved Agricultural ProducersBeginning Farmers and Ranchers Program. Natural Resources Conservation Service State Civil Rights Advisory Committee training. Columbia, Missouri.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E. (2019, July). Ag Producer Stress Program. Oral Presentation, MU Extension, Jefferson City, Missouri.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Magruder, A., Schmuke, A., Cochran, K., and Funkenbusch, K.E., (2019, July). Your Pharmacist: An Accessible Resource and Advocate for Those with Brain Injury. Oral Presentation, Brain Injury Association Conference, St. Louis, Missouri.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Fetzer, L., & Spackman A. (2019, June). 'FReSH' Look at Agricultural Safety and Health for Women in Agriculture. Poster Presentation, International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health, Des Moines, IA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., and Fetzer, L. (2019, June). Women at the Table: A Guide to Teaching Safe Tractor Operation for Women in Agriculture, Poster Presentation, International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health, Des Moines, IA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Kelly, D., Barrett, T., Funkenbusch, K., and Spencer, J., (2019, September). Grow Your Farm , Poster Presentation. National Association of County Agricultural Agents AM/PIC Conference, IN.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Dothage, K., and Funkenbusch, K., (2020, April). Farm and Ranch Family Stress and Depression: A Checklist and Guide for Making Referrals. Columbia, MO.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Reidhead, M., Medows, J., Dothage, K., and Funkenbusch, K., et al. (2020, February). GROWING STRESS ON THE FARM The Expanding Economic and Mental Health Disparities in Rural Missouri. Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub), https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer-mental-health/resources.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Graham, K., Funkenbusch, K. (2019, November). Livestock handling and safety, demonstration of livestock handling tools. Pearls of Production Women in Agriculture conference. Columbia, MO.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K., Graham, K. (2020, January). NRCS Farm Bill workshop. News release. Circulation,740.
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:To support the delivery of education, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States (U.S.)with entering, establishing, building and managing successful farm and ranch enterprises in Missouri. Changes/Problems:Effective August 31, 2019 the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help terminated their Subaward with with Missouri's BFRDP due to staff turn over. Pitfalls/Challenges Only 5% of the BIA-MO Information & Referral participants who received BFR information expressed interest in exploring BFR services. Finding suitable sites for BFR interships. Potential Concerns Outcome measurement goals of 100% are the only concern. The goal of 100% of gained knowledge for technical assistance from BIA-MO Information & Referral participants is difficult to measure since it relies on individuals returning follow-up phone calls and emails. The 100% increase in knowledge of Conference attendees is often unobtainable since many times there is someone in the audience who feels they know more than the presenter. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?New opportunities emerged when Missourideveloped a social media strategy to provide beginning farmers and ranchers informational resources, programs,skills andtechnologies in agricultural sciences. Missouri also brandedUSDA NIFA BFRDP matieralsby creating a signature logo and tagline that exemplified the program. TheMissouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers tagline is,"Learn. Connect. Grow." How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Franciscan Spirit, Spring 2019, Volumme 31, Cover and pg. 6. BFR featured in Winter 2018 issues of BIA-MO Connections newsletter, 2,500 printed distribution, available online, www.biamo.org, November 2018. The University of Missouri Extension dissemianted results in the College of Agriculture, Program leaders, statewide newsletter. BFR featured on BIA-MO new website, 21,138 site visitors, November 26, 2018 - August 31, 2019. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with Plan of Work as outlined in fully funded grant award. In addition to the Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm new standard program will expand Year 2 objectives by launching a new program specific to new and beginning veteran farmers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Missouri accomplished Year 1 objectives through Project activities to reach the three objectives as outlined in the Plan of Work. Collaborated with one community-based organization and one nongovernmental organization, MU Extension brought 107 new beginner farmers to the program along with 115 graduates of the Grow Your Farm (GYF) course by providing them with the tools needed to make informed decisions about their operations and enhance their sustainability. GYF consists of group lessons and discussion, presentations from successful farmers, field trips, activities, and farm tours. In order to get the most from the program, work is also assigned each session for participants to complete at home on their own. Twenty beginning farmers from Jefferson, Franklin, St. Louis, St. Francois, St. Charles, and Washington counties completed the eight-session GYF course and toured Sandy Valley Acres, a diversified farm. Eighty nine percent of those attending had between 0 and 3 years of farming experience. Although nationally, women comprise 30% of those involved in farming operations. Nearly half of the participants completing the 2019 Grow Your Farm program were women. Participants of the GYF course had an opportunity to: Tap into the knowledge of skilled, innovative farmers. Network with other farmers and make friends. Learn critical farm management skills. See local farming practices being used on real farms under a variety of conditions. Learn to view a farm as an interconnected system and learn how goals determine farming practices. Craft a tailor-made farming and business plan. Meet farmers who have diversified their products. Session 1: Identifying Values and Creating Farm Goals: Participants started the process of clarifying their personal and farm-related values that provide the basis for developing their mission statement and farm goals. Session 2: Walking the Farm: New and BFRs walking a farm to inventory resources and practice identifying challenges that need to be addressed. Session 3: Assessing Opportunities: Participants began to consider opportunities they might have to diversify in order to manage risk. They also considered ways to match market demand to these opportunities. Session 4: Planning the Farm: Participants began to develop their own farm business plans during the fourth Grow Your Farm session. Session 5: Keeping Track of Finances: New and BFRs become familiar with financial terminology and farm record keeping tools that may be used. They also have the opportunity to try out these tools as they put together their own farm plan. Session 6: Marketing Your Farm Products: New and BFRS consider the four p's of marketing (product, price, promotion and place) and how these apply to their own operation. They also explore a variety of marketing options appropriate for agricultural products. Session 7: Understanding Rural Legal Issues: Participants gained a broad understanding of legal issues that rural landowners may face. They walk away from this session knowing where they can find more information on these issues. Session 8: Presenting Your Farm Plan: Participants have the opportunity to share their farm business plan with others and gain valuable insight from other farmers and professionals in the agriculture industry. Several of the participants mentioned they had done research or attended other conferences and workshops while participating in this program to learn even more. Many people report completing this program with a dose of "healthy skepticism"; a more realistic understanding that launching a farming operation is more challenging than it may seem it first. Farm Tour: Sandy Valley Acres- Participants successfully moved through each initiative and training activity of the proposed program to gain detailed information, from learning about USDA programs for assistance to learning how to write a business plan to gaining hands-on training through Farmer Learning Circles, Farm Walk Abouts and mentoring. ABC workshops: New and BFRs learned about USDA programs available to assist them in their farming ventures. After the workshop 44% of the participants asked for an appointment with one of the agencies. Technical One-on-One Assistance -Outcomes BIA Mo provided technical one-on-one assistance for one beginning farmers needing assistance with the Grow Your Farm eight-week course. 22 BIA-MO I&R participants increased their knowledge through printed material. 5 agriculture technical one-on-one assistance provided by MU Extension. BIA-MO Professional Outreach -Outcomes 165 professionals gained knowledge about BFR featured at BIA-MO Annual Professional Conference 200 BFR potential clients became aware of BFR at Survivor & Family Seminar - Eastern Missouri Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: as a collaborative with MU Extension and the BIA MO Inc., we worked to establish an internship program for Franciscan Farm. Nicole Heerlein was hired as Director of Franciscans for Earth, overseeing the ministry which includes programming in Kirkwood as well as the Coordinator of the Franciscan Farm in De Soto, MO. We advertised and interviewed for a Farm Coordinator, hiring Keith Heerlein. Keith retired and Jack Zimmerman came onboard. Jack brought a wealth of experience to our Farm Coordinator position, having worked on many sustainable and organic farms across the country. In conjunction with MU Extension, we established an internship program, designed a postcard to advertise the internship program, developed an application, and created a holistic selection process. The internship program was posted on partnership websites as other social media outlets. A handbook with safety and best practices was developed and will continue to be updated throughout the grant cycle. Two interns were selected and both completed their BFR internship.Progress of BFR program including the Farm internship was shared via social media, specifically Facebook. Our intern program was also highlighted in the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help's quarterly Franciscan Spirit magazine. As of July 2019, both interns moved on from the Franciscan Farm internship program. One intern had an opportunity to work at a startup in Oregon while the other realized other aspirations. An introduction to Farming is key and another reason why internships are imperative. Like anything else, why make a huge financial commitment if it's not for you? Social Media Outreach: Launched February 1, 2019 to develop social media strategy that provided information to the target BFR audiences, communities, and programs. Missouri branded BFRDP materials by creating a signature that exemplified our program. In addition to developing a Tagline: "Learn. Connect. Grow." Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program Facebook page (@MOBeginningFarmers) Missouri Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Program Twitter (@MOBeginningFarm) Missouri Beginning Farmers Instagram (@MOBeginningFarmers) New emerging issues: Photo library of appropriate pictures of beginning farmers and ranchers to include veteran farmers, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, women farmers, and racially diverse farmers. Video library of appropriate video footage of beginning farmers and ranchers to include veteran farmers, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, women farmers, and racially diverse farmers.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Brain Injury Association of Missouri (2019), https://www.biamo.org/
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,(2019). Franciscans for Earth, https://franciscansisters-olph.org/franciscans-for-earth/
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
University of Missouri Extension, (2019). Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, https://beginningfarmers.missouri.edu/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program Facebook page (2019), (@MOBeginningFarmers)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Missouri Beginning Farmers Instagram, (2019) (@MOBeginningFarmers)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Missouri Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Program (2019), Twitter (@MOBeginningFarm)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Prather, T. & Petterson, R. (2018, September) Working with State & National AgrAbility Programs Panel. Oral Presentation, National Beginning Farmers and Ranchers PD Training Workshop, Albuquerque, NM.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Kelly, D., Cunningham, M. & Heerlein, N. (2018, September) Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm. Poster Session National PD Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Training Workshop, Albuquerque, NM.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Kelly, D., Cunningham, M. & Heerlein, N. (2018, October) Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm. Poster Session Brain Injury Association State Conference, St. Louis, Missouri
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Kelly, D., Cunningham, M. & Heerlein, N. (2019, March) Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm. Poster Session National AgrAbility Training Workshop, Lincoln, NE.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E., Prather, T. & Petterson, R. (2019, March) Working with State & National Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Grant Programs Panel. Oral Presentation, National AgrAbility Training Workshop, Lincoln, NE.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Funkenbusch, K.E. Fetzer, L. & Spackman A. (2019, June) AgrAbility Program Assists Missouri and Pennsylvania Diverse Farm and Ranch Populations Realize Self-Employment Opportunities in Agriculture. Oral Presentation, International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health, Des Moines, IA.
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