Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is primarily individuals from vulnerable populations.This includes socially disadvantaged beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans in the state of Florida. Recruiting sessions were held in Tallahassee, North Florida (February, 2019); Brooksville, Central Florida (March, 2019); Miami, South Florida (April, 2019) and Quincy, North Florida (June, 2019). To date, more than 120 individuals have participated and benefitted in the program.Approximately 80 percent of the participants are African American, 10 percent White, 8 percent Hispanic and 2 percent of Other racial and Ethnic classification. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 pandemic reduced our ability to perform outdoor (face-to-face) programming for approximately 3 years of the project. However, we were still able to reach a large audience by making the adjustment to deliver programs remotely via Zoom. Despite being helpful, remote programming limited the purchase of materials and supplies that were budgeted for demonstration plots, conferences and workshops. Another problem that arose was the retirement of four key personnel, during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. This impacted programming, particularly with respect to animal husbandry and heirs property, seeing that 3 of the four were livestock specialists and the other an heirs property specialist. However, we were able to address some of the heirs property outreach though contractual arrangements with our collaborators at the university of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences. Another challenge we faced was the 'get rich now' syndrome. Many beginning farmers would like to see immediate profits. This unrealistic perspective has caused a small percentage of participants to withdraw from the program when their expectations of profitability are not immediately met. This is a challenge that requires further study, considering that the average age of farmers in Florida. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The more than 120 beginning farmer and ranchers who participated in the project have developed proficiencies in the following areas: Agricultural entrepreneurship (financial literacy, small business creation and marketing). This was achieved through a 3-course Agricultural Entrepreneurship series. All of the beginning farmers and ranchers who participated in the program have received training in the legal, ethical and professional skills required for starting a farm, business planning, accessing credit, identifying and creating markets. We have also provided training in greenhouse construction through a Greenhouse 101 course; training in nutrient management, pasture management; plant and livestock disease management; weed management; reproduction and breeding and Bee farming. Through partnering with the UFIFAS Bee farmer program, we have also provided opportunities for members of socially disadvantaged populations in Florida to become master bee farmers. Historically, members of this population have had little to no access to this opportunity. This now enhances their chances of engaging in the lucrative market for honey, honey by-products and pollinators. Historically, access to credit has been elusive for underserved farmers. Today, the socially disadvantaged farmers who participated in this program have received training in financial literacy. More than 75 percent of the farmers have indicated that they now feel more comfortable applying for farm loans. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Considering the inter-connectedness of the target population, our 'number one' method for disseminating information has been via 'word of mouth'. The vast majority of individuals who have signed up for the program have done so after hearing about its' benefits from fellow farmers. However, many participants have learned about the program through our quarterly extension newsletter (Extension Strikes magazine) and the Association of Extension Directors (ARD) newsletter. We have also utilized the UF/IFAS Extension Statewide/Regional Programs platform for publishing a one page article outlining the impacts of the Beginning Farmer and Rncher Development Program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In closing out the project, we plan to conduct targeted project appraisals. These appraisals will focus on how well the project met the needs of the target audience; an appraisal of current underserved farmer demographics (age, commodity type, farm size and type) to determine apprioriate technologies and methods for implementing future programs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have created a database of more than 120 beginning farmers and ranchers, all of whom have received technical assistance through our outreach efforts. The database connects participating farmers to each other through their email addresses. Farmers frequently use the email list to communicate ideas and to address farming related issues. This network of farmers remains interconnected. We have also built strong alliances (including two new markets) with other partners who will ensure the continuation of our programming efforts with vulnerable populations. These include: The Compost community of Tallahassee; The Florida Agrability project; Integrated Fresh Solutions; Second Harvest of the Big Bend and the university of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Our outreach efforts have addressed key USDA programmatic areas that have historically prevented socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers from progressing. These include but are not limited to financial literacy, market creation and small business creation. Over the past 5 years, we have held more than 20 training sessions in Agricultural entrepreneurship, providing training in financial literacy, marketing and small business development. Within the past year alone, thirty (30) certificates of completion were awarded for financial literacy and twenty-six (26) for remote Produce Safety Alliance trainings. More than 75 percent of the farmers who received training in financial literacy, have indicated that the training would be beneficial to them as they strive to develop their farm enterprises. Two farmers have since applied for loans, and two have secured nursery licenses. Twenty-six (26) farmers are currently receiving training in bee farming. Seven (7) of these farmers have already attained the apprenticeship Bee Farmer level. The (HCDC), have made notable income gains by selling naturally grown fresh produce to local whole foods stores. The Havana Community Development Corporation, a non-profit group of farmers and community outreach specialists, has benefitted tremendously from the outreach and technical assistance received through this BFRD project. This entity has made notable gains in income by selling naturally grown fresh produce to local whole foods stores.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/29/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is primarily individuals from vulnerable populations. This includes socially disadvantaged (underserved) beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans in the state of Florida. Among them are minority farmers (women farmers) and Hispanics. Recruiting sessions were held in Tallahassee, North Florida (February, 2019); Brooksville, Central Florida (March, 2019); Miami, South Florida (April, 2019) and Quincy, North Florida (June, 2019). Following the initial recruitment events, and throughout the duration of the program, new participants continued to join the program. To date, more than 120 individuals have participated in and benefitted fromthe program. Approximately 80percent of the participants are African American, 10 percent White, 8percent Hispanic and 2percent of Other racial and Ethnic classification. Approximately 14 percent of the target audience are military veterans.The program has exceeded its 3-year goal of recruiting 60 BFRs over the life of the project. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 pandemic reduced our ability to perform outdoor (face-to-face) programming for approximately 3 years of the project. However, we were still able to reach a large audience by making the adjustment to deliver programs remotely via Zoom. Despite being helpful, remote programming limited the purchase of materials and supplies that were budgeted for demonstration plots, conferences and workshops. Another problem that arose was the retirement of four key personnel, during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. This impacted programming, particularly with respect to animal husbandry and heirs property, seeing that 3 of the four were livestock specialists and the other an heirs property specialist. However, we were able to address some of the heirs property outreach though contractual arrangements with our collaborators at the university of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences. Another challenge we faced was the 'get rich now' syndrome. Many beginning farmers would like to see immediate profits.This unrealistic perspective has caused a small percentage of participants to withdraw from the program when their expectations of profitability are not immediately met. This is a challenge that requires further study, considering that the average age of farmers in Florida is approximately 58. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The more than 120 beginning farmer and ranchers who participated in the project have developed proficiencies in the following areas: Agricultural entrepreneurship (financial literacy, small business creation and marketing). This was achieved through a 3-course Agricultural Entrepreneurship series. All of the beginning farmers and ranchers who participated in the pogram have received training inthe legal, ethical and professional skills required for starting a farm, business planning, accessing credit, identifying and creating markets and heirs property, through remote workshops offered via UF/IFAS. We have also provided training in greenhouse construction through a Greenhouse 101 course; training in nutrient management, pasture management; plant and livestock disease management; weed management; reproduction and breeding and Bee farming. Through partnering with the UFIFAS apiary program, we have also provided opportunities for members of socially disadvantaged populations in Florida to become master bee farmers. Historically, members of this population have had little to no access to this opportunity. This now enhances their chances ofengagingin the lucrative market for honey, honey by-products and pollinators. Historically, access to credit has been elusive for underserved farmers. Today, the socially disadvantaged farmers who participated in this program have received training in financial literacy. More than 75 percent of the farmers have indicated that they now feel more comfortable applying for farm loans. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our strongest advocate has been via 'word of mouth'. The vast majority of individuals who have signed up for the program have done so after hearing about its' benefits from fellow farmers. However, many participants have learned about the program through our quarterly extension newsletter (Extension Strikes magazine) and theAssociation of Extension Directors (ARD) newsletter. We have also utilized the UF/IFAS Extension Statewide/Regional Programs platform for publishing a one-page article outlining the impacts of the Beginning Farmer and Rncher Development Program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have created a database of more than 120 beginning farmers and ranchers, all of whom have received technical assistance through our outreach efforts. The database connects participating farmers to each other through their email addresses. Farmers frequentlyusethe email listto communicate ideas and to address farming related issues. This network of farmers remains interconnected. We have also built strong alliances (including two new markets) with other partners who will ensure the continuation of our programming efforts with vulnerable populations. These include: The Compost community of Tallahassee; The Florida Agrability project; Integrated Fresh Solutions; Second Harvest of the Big Bend and the university of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Our outreach efforts have addressed key USDA programmatic areas that have historically prevented socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers from progressing. These include but are not limited to financial literacy, market creation and small business creation. Over the past 5 years, we have held more than 20 training sessions in Agricultural entrepreneurship, providing training in financial literacy, marketing and small business development. Within the past yearalone, thirty (30) certificates of completion were awarded for financial literacy and twenty-six(26) for remote Produce Safety Alliance trainings. More than 75 percent of the farmers who received training in financial literacy, have indicated that the training would be beneficial to them as they strive to develop their farm enterprises. Two farmers have since applied for loans, and two have secured nursery licenses. Twenty-six(26) farmers are currently receiving training in bee farming. Seven (7) of these farmers have already attained the apprenticeship Bee Farmer level. The (HCDC), have made notable income gains by selling naturally grown fresh produce to local whole foods stores. The Havana Community Development Corporation, a non-profit group of farmers and community outreach specialists, has benefitted tremendously from the outreach and technical assistance received through this BFRD project. This entity has made notable gains in income by selling naturally grown fresh produce to local whole foods stores.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience is primarily socially disadvantaged/ limited resource beginning farmers and ranchers. Over the past year, we have seen a dramatic increase in women farmers wich has now surpassed the number of male farmers in the program. This trend is expected to increase.At the close of the 2021 reporting year, the make-up of our target audience in terms of Race/Ethnicity was as follows: Demographic Characteristics of Target Audience Black/African American: 44 % White 22 % Hispanic 22 % Other 10 % And with respect to gender: Male: 49 % Female 51 % Changes/Problems:As we worked with Integrated Fresh Solutionsin an attempt to create markets for our limited resource farmers, the following problems specific to beginning farmers and ranchers became apparent: 1. Land registration (a large percentage of our farmers do not register their farms with the Farm Service Agency). also, failure to register their farms prevents them from being able to sell to commercial markets 2. Produce safety certification (This too prevents the vast majority of farmers from selling to commercial markets and food stores) 3. Volume in production (Large chain stores and fresh produce distributors will not buy small volumes). This is a huge challenge for small-scale producers. All of the above are HUGE hindrances to expansion and sustainability, as well as preventing our socially disadvantaged farmers to benefit from government programs. We plan on ramping up our efforts in the years ahead to help limited resource farmers get over these hurdles. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This reporting year, we have provided several new opportunities for farmersin: 1. Financial literacy 2. Produce safety certification 3. Niche opportunities in livestock farming (Bee farming) and 4. Connecting farmers with large-scale food distributors. Bee farming is a niche opportunity for beginning farmers to tap into the market for pollinatiors, as well asproduce honey and other value added products from bee farming. Prior to this, socially disadvantaged farmers in Florida, especially northern Florida, had little to no access to bee farming. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The beginning farmer and rancher development program has now become a standard part of FAMU cooperative extension. Stakeholders can get information about the program from our website. We also publish our achievements and activities in Extension Newsletters and Journals. Two such journals are: 1. Extension Strikes: Aquarterly journal produced by FAMUcooperative extension program. 2. The Association of Extension Administrators quarterly newsletter. These articles have a tri-fold objective: they not only demonstrate success stories but they also serve as a means of attracting new farmers to the program and outline methods for producing non-traditional crops, livestock and value-added commodities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Having identified the main challenges to our beginning farmers and ranchers, we plan to conduct selective training in: 1. Produce safety (leading to farmer certification) 2. Heirs property (landownership workshops and farm registration) 3. Financial literacy and 4. Working with commodity groups to align beginning farmers and ranchers with markets
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have established a network of more than 100 beginning farmers, veteran farmers (military) and experienced farmers who serve as advisors. We have also established collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations which have assisted us in identifying key barriers that stand in the way of success to limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers. A total of 20 beginning farmers have been trained in produce safety management, 16 of whom have received certificates. A total of 30 beginning farmers received training in Agricultural Entrepreneurship (Starting a farm, Financial literacy, Marketing and Heirs property). Twent five received certificates of completion. Two beginning farmersobtained nursery licences and two have registered their farms with the FSA. Two beinning farmers have received internships with organic farms. We have also identified one fresh food distributor (Integrated Fresh Soultions) with a mandate to buy from limited resource/socially disadvantaged farmers. Several farmers with land holdings in excess of 20 acres have been put in direct communication with this compny. We are making slow but steady progress and are confident that the numbers will go up in the years ahead as more beginning farmers get access to our program.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is primarily socially disadvantaged beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans in the state of Florida. As a result of ongoing recruitment, the project has surpassed its projected number of 60 participants. To date, a total of 98individuals have been served by the program. One notable observation for this reporting period, is the disproportionate number of women farmers who have enrolled in the program with approximately 44 percent of the current enrolled being women farmers. For this reporting period, 87percent of the participants served are African American, 6percent White, and 7percent Hispanic. Changes/Problems:One major challenge encounterd this reporting period was the difficulties in program delivery as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.To cirumvent this problem, we made changes to our methodological approach to include zoom meetings, online instruction. We also resorted to small groups (no more than 12 individuals at a time) for field demonstrations and field trips to agricultural facilities.This turned out to be a huge success because not only did it increase our reach, it enabled us to continue providing our target audience with farmer education. However, several problems in project execution still remain as we were unable to establish sufficient farm internships and set up on-farm and on-station demonstrations due to CDC protocols. We will work towards expanding these over the next reporting period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Internships: Three farmersinterned with Heifer International where they received training in organic crop and livestock production. Developing technologically savvy beginning farmers and ranchers: Ten beginning farmers/landowners received training in the use of drones to generate maps of their farms and homesteads. The technology will be extended to the use of drones to locate stray animals on livestock farms. Agricultural Entrepreneurship: All ofthe beginning farmers and ranchers participating in the program have been trained to understand the legal, ethical and professional skills required for: farm business planning, starting a farm, accessing credit, identifying market opportunities and creating markets. Produce safety training: Ten beginning farmers successfully completed traing and received certificates of completion in produce safety safety management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two publications were developed and circulated: One publication was disseminated nationally using the Association of Extension Directors Newsletter. The second was disseminated locally via our internal Extension Strikes Newsletter, but is also available on the world wide web and Social Media (Facebook) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Develop more extension publications that highlight project outcomes.Publications that highlight significant project outcomes will be uploaded to the RVS. We will also work on establishingan online platform for monthly farmer discussions. The idea was promted by the weekly zoom meetings that were utilized during the Covid-19 lockdown whichalso gave us the opportunity to serve farmers in distant parts of the state. The success of this mode of delivery promoted insights to establish a platform for troubleshooting farm related problems well beyond the life of the project. Continue to establish demonstration sites that give beginning farmers and ranchers access to sites where they can build on their knowledge and skills and transition into master farmers. Field trips will also be made to model crop, and livestock farms. An Agrability workshop is on schedule for August 26 to 27 this year. This planned output is part of our funded BFRDP narrative which promises togive military veterans and farmers with disabilities an opportunity to learn about government programs and services available to them. So far, 37 individuals have registered for this event.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have established a shared database with the contact information (emaill, telephone, county of residence) of ALL participants. Participants have been sharing ideas, images,videos and making visits to each others' farms to discuss common and or unique farming related problems. We intend to work towards establishing a permanent platform to promote farmer to farmer and farmer to agent/specialist discussions including technical sessions (troubleshooting).
Publications
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is primarily socially disadvantaged beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans in the state of Florida. Currently, a total of 63individuals are enrolled with the program. Approximately 83percent of the participants are African American, 11 percent White and 6percent Hispanic. The program has met its 3-year goal of recruiting up to 60 BFRs by the second year. It is important to note that retention hasalways been and will continue to present a challenge working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and military veterans. Changes/Problems:Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been forced to rely mostly on distance education for farmer training workshops. Content are made available to participants via PowerPoint presentations, short videos and video-conferencing. We still utilize a contractor from the previous year to provide online training to participants. Recently, we have been utilizing small groups of 10 or less individuals to facilitate face-to-face events. These small groups allow us to implement social distancing and other CDC guidelines. All farmers use face masks at all times during these sessions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All (100 percent) of the current participants have been provided training that allows them to participate in distance education and videoconferencing. This has been particularly helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic where program activities have had to be conducted remotely. Prior to the pandemic, we hosted several online and in-house workshops. These include: A full day workshop in pasture management at the Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station in Central Florida. This was a highly successful event since it involved field tours and first time participants were given the opportunity to observe best management practices in pasture management for cattle (including identifying noxious weeds), make observations of the typical equipment used on livestock farms, and get an assesment of startup costs for small to medium sized herds. A workshop (Greenhouse 101) where participants received training in the fundamentals of greenhouse construction and management. Other workshops included: Weed management, Disease management, Advanced disease management,Crop selection and classification (including selection based on USDA plant hardines zones) Geospatial mapping to enhance land use (still in progress) and Soil types and suitability for selected crops. A workshop in compost production and Organic Farming that was scheduled to begin in March had to be cancelled due to the 'stay at home' ordinance imposed by the government. However, we have since resumed by making visits to demonstration sites and progressive farms. We utilize small groups (10 or less) to allow for social distancing. All beginning farmers wear face masks during these events. We recently added a geospatial mapping component. This allows us to train landowners in developing property maps that assist with efficient land use. Most importantly, we have begun to seek intenships for BFRs to ensure that they receive hands-on experiential training. Two BFRs have recently started internships with Heifer International and one will be starting an internship with a commercial hot pepper farm in the Fall. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?To date: The main form of dissemination has been via word of mouth where participants spread word about the project and its potential benefits to their peers. However, this has had a positive 'snowball effect' where individuals call our numbers to register for the program. Although we have had one television broadcast, this was mainly to recruit participants and not to disseminate results. More robust methods for the dissemination of project outputs and impacts will be utilized as the project matures. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to put more emphasis on providing BFRs with internships. Working with progressive farms, especially commercial farms is a great way to provide BFRs with much needed experiential learning. We will also conduct marketing evaluations and financial literacy training to prepare participating BFRs for the challenges ahead.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have successfully established a Microsoft Excel database that includes the contact information (names, mailing addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers) for everybeginning farmerand military veteran participating in the project. This list is made available to ALL project participants. We now have a lively 'discussion board' via which participants discuss common farming-related issues such as: The ones recently discussed include: waterlogging issues, land use issues, pest and disease problems and marketing problems. during the Covid-19 pandemic, these have been intensely discussed by way of telephone, email and video conferences, whereby participants share commentaries and pictures of their niche crops, diseased plants,flooded soils,production systems (eg composting and other organic methods) and market information. One participant was able to advertise their need to sell 40,000.00 pounds of watermelons via the discussion board.The 'academy' has now grown to 63participants which is more than the anticipated number for the three years of the grant. The current group consists of a mix of beginners and more experienced farmers who provide mentorship for the beginners.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is primarily socially disadvantaged beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans in the state of Florida. Recruiting sessions were held in Tallahassee, North Florida (February, 2019); Brooksville, Central Florida (March, 2019); Miami, South Florida (April, 2019) and Quincy, North Florida (June, 2019). To date, a total of 55 individuals are enrolled with the program. Approximately 95 percent of the participants are African American, 1 percent White, 3 percent Hispanic and 1 percent of Other racial and Ethnic classification. There have been 5 dropouts. Had it not been for the dropouts, the program would have met its 3-year goal of recruiting 60 BFRs in the first year alone. Changes/Problems:One major change was the inclusion of online instruction as part of our methodological approach. During the recruiting sessions, we realized that it would be extremely difficult to reach audiences in all parts of the state. We are therefore contracting with eligible (qualified) institutions to provide basic online instruction consistent with our objectives and curriculum. One such contractor is the University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We provide face-to-face meetings and online instruction. All training activities are designed to measure participant progress. We are currently implementing outdoor classrooms (gardens) at the training sites to allow participants to receive practical experience. Field visits to successful crop and livestock farms are also included in their formal training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will place more emphasis on hands-on (practical) instructional methods, expand collaboration with more veterans' organizations, continue recruiting, and beef up visits to model farms so that participants can get first hand experience about what it takes to become successful in farming.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have successfully established a cohort of beginning farmers, ranchers and military veterans who aspire to adopt farming as an ocupation (the academy). During our recruiting sessions, we conducted "town hall type meetings" where prospective participants were allowed to verbally discuss current challenges to their farming activities and or what have prevented them from going into farming as a business. We identified several critical factors: These ranged from wanting to farm but despite having land lacks knowledge and skills, not knowing what to produce, and the failure of government to provide direct financial assistance to limited resource farmers. Our program is not only designed to address these limitations but to offset the traditional belief that government should provide direct financial assistance to farmers. Our instructional approach involves a preliminary and post assessment of each topic area to determine how much each participant knows about the specific topic areas. Our post asessments indicate individuals who are making satisfactory progress (scoring 70 or higher on the assessments) and those who require different forms of training (for example more hands on and less academic instruction) to help them to become proficient. This is a 'work in progress' and we are constantly making adjustments to enable all participants to become proficient by the end of the program.
Publications
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