Progress 05/01/20 to 04/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited-resource farners Extension Educators Under-served farmers Others Changes/Problems:None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The holistic farm management training and workshops provided allowed farmers to better understand the relationship between plants, livestock, people, the environment, succession planning, risk management, land, and property rights. This allowed participants to gain a greater understanding of farm management. The concept of holistic management considers the well-being of everything involved in managing a farm and those impacted by the farm and the farm family. The participatory training approach utilized during the training sessions where participants were given problem scenarios and were asked to discuss in groups and identify appropriate solutions. Thus, this trains the trainer approach allowed participants to share knowledge and ideas with their peers. This project focused on teaching the concepts, providing the information, and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable, and successful agricultural businesses. Thus, this project aims to assist small and disadvantaged producers and landowners with understanding the importance of decision-making and risk reduction associated with agricultural production. The scope of the project is to improve the sustainability of the small and disadvantaged farming operation through the utilization of appropriate USDA programs and resources. By reducing the risks associated with farming, producers will improve the overall economics of their farming operation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Workshops Farm Visits Field Days Conferences Presentations bulletins What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?End of the project but will will continue to conduct traings during Extension programming activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project-Enhancing Food Security in Rural Mississippi through Family farming Initiatives educated the farmers through one-on-one settings, on farm visits, listening sessions, virtual training including on farm workshops, conferences (Small Farmers, Women in Ag and Veterans) and field days. Thus, the holistic farm management participatory training approach was utilized during training. This training method allowed participants to gain a greater understanding of the farm management program. Participants were also given problem scenarios and were asked to discuss them in groups and identify appropriate solutions. Printed resource materials related to the topics being discussed at the workshops. The materials were also provided to participants. A total of 24 (twenty-four) workshops, six conferences, ten farm visits and eight field days were conducted during the life of the project. A total of nine hundred and fifty farmers participated in the training events including the field days and the conferences. Farmers were also educated on food safety practices- Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification. Due to not being certified, the farmers were unable to sell their produce to retail markets. Thus, causing farmers to utilize a third party, which results in less profit margin for the farmers. Therefore, the project staff conducted food safety training workshops for local farmers. Information was also provided on USDA Produce GAP. These trainings covered information on the farm food safety policies, self-audit, risk assessments, pest control, etc. A food safety video was shown to demonstrate how to properly handle food and packaging from planting to harvesting. Participants were also educated on how to add value to their produce. Thus, farmers were educated on how to properly wash, cool, grade, package, hence, adding value to their produce. As a result of the information received from the workshops a total of twenty (20) farmers that participated in the workshop have received their GAP certifications. These farmers are now able to sell their produce at the farmers' markets including retail markets without the use of a third party. Additionally, many farmers were experiencing issues with obtaining agricultural chemicals needed for their farming operations. In response to farmer's issues/request the project staff in collaboration with Mississippi State University Extension Service conducted pesticide application training workshops on selecting the right pesticide for the crop, when to apply and equipment calibration. As a result a total of twenty seven farmers obtained a 5-year Pesticide Application license. Accessing markets to sell their produce can be particularly problematic for small, limited-resource farmers that lack sufficient volumes of products to feasibly attract and retain larger-scale buyers. Thus, farmers were educated on how to develop a consortium that leverages the strengths of each partner in a manner that builds capacity of small farmers to work together on planning, organizing and marketing such that sustainability of their agricultural operations are enhanced. In this regard the project assisted to strengthen three (3) farm cooperatives in the area by educating them on how to plan their planting operations, harvesting and diversifing their farming operations and improve their marketing potential. The lack or poor financial planning and lack of good record keeping limit farmers' access to credit opportunities in turn limit small farmer's potential to obtain financial capital to upgrade or purchase modern farm equipment and enough materials and supplies for their operation. Hence, limits the farmer's capabilities for growth and development. Therefore, a total of two hundred and twenty five farmers attended nine hands-on training workshops on farm financial planning, good record keeping and cash flow analysis associated with sustainable farming operations on how to improve their farm income and also enable them to determine expected expenses and their returns from their operation
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Progress 05/01/22 to 04/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited resource underservedfarmers. Changes/Problems:None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The holistic farm management training and workshops provided allowed farmers to better understand the relationship between plants, livestock, people, the environment, succession planning, risk management, land, and property rights. This method of training allowed participants to gain a greater understanding of farm management. The concept of holistic management considers the well-being of everything involved in managing a farm and those impacted by the farm and the farm family. The participatory training approach utilized during the training sessions where participants were given problem scenarios and were asked to discuss in groups and identify appropriate solutions. Thus, this trains the trainer approach allowed participants to share knowledge and ideas with their peers. This project focused on teaching the concepts, providing the information, and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable, and successful agricultural businesses. Thus, this project aims to assist small and disadvantaged producers and landowners with understanding the importance of decision-making and risk reduction associated with agricultural production. The scope of the project is to improve the sustainability of the small and disadvantaged farming operation through the utilization of appropriate USDA programs and resources. By reducing the risks associated with farming, producers will improve the overall economics of their farming operation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Workshops Farm Visits Field days Conferences One-on-one What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To continue educatingfarmers on sustainable crop production practices and differnet market opportunities; (2) expand the scope of trainig module for project participants via ineractive video/teleconference and zoom conferencing; (3) educate farmers on USDA about USDA program and services and (4) educate farmers about farm financial management.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project staff continued to educate farmers through one-on-one settings, on farm visits, listening sessions, virtual training including on farm workshops, conferences (Small Farmers, Women in Ag and Veteran) and field days. Thus, the holistic farm management participatory training approach was introduced; this training method allowed participants to gain a greater understanding of the farm management program. Participants were also given problem scenarios and were asked to discuss them in groups and identify appropriate solutions. Printed resource materials related to the topics being discussed at the workshops were also provided to participants. Six workshops, three conferences, five farm visits and two field days were conducted during this reporting period. A total of two hundred and seventy farmers participated in the training events including the field day and the conferences. Additionally, some of the farmers needed the Good Agricultural Practice certification. Due to not being certified, the farmers were unable to sell their produce to retail markets. Thus, causing farmers to utilize a third party, which results in less profit margin for the farmers. Therefore, the project staff conducted food safety training workshops for local farmers. Information was also provided on USDA Produce GAPmaterialswhich covered information on the farm food safety policies, self-audit, risk assessments, pest control, etc. A food safety video was shown to demonstrate how to properly handle food and packaging from planting to harvesting. Participants were also educated on how to add value to their produce. Thus, farmers were educated on how to properly wash, cool, grade, package, hence, adding value to their produce. As a result of the information received from the workshops ten (10) farmers that participated in the workshop have received their GAP certifications. These farmers are now able to sell their produce at the farmers' markets including retail markets without the use of a third party. Farmers were also experiencing issues with obtaining agricultural chemicals needed for their farming operations. In response to farmer's issues/request the project staff in collaboration with Mississippi State University Extension Service conducted pesticide application training workshops on selecting the right pesticide for the crop, when to apply and equipment calibration. As a result, 19 farmers passes the pesticide licence certitfication examination and were awarded5-year Pesticide Application license.This allows them to obtain chemicals in a timelier manner and assist with their GAP certification. Accessing markets to sell produce can be particularly problematic for small, limited-resource farmers that lack sufficient volumes of products to feasibly attract and retain larger-scale buyers. Thus, farmers were educated on how to develop a consortium that leverages the strengths of each partner in a manner that builds capacity of small farmers to work together on planning, organizing and marketing such that sustainability of their agricultural operations are enhanced. In this regard we helped to strengthen two (2) farm cooperatives in the area. Participants also educated on how to diversify their farming operations and improve their marketing potential. The lack or poor financial planning and lack of good record keeping limit farmers' access to credit opportunities in turn limit small farmer's potential to obtain financial capital to upgrade or purchase modern farm equipment and enough materials and supplies for their operation. Hence, limits the farmer's capabilities for growth and development. Therefore, twenty five farmers attended five training workshops on financial planning, good record keeping and cash flow analysis associated with farming was conducted to educate limited-resource farmers on how to improve their farm income and also enable them to determine expected expenses and their returns from their operation
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Progress 05/01/21 to 04/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited-resource farmers Extension Educators Changes/Problems:None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The overall project goal is to bridge the gaps between the ability of the small farmers to grow vegetable crops and their ability to package and market their crops in a manner that results in enhanced profitability and sustainability of their farming operations. Therefore, a participatory training approach was also utilized during the training's sessions utilized where participants were given pest problem scenarios and were asked to discuss in groups and identify appropriate solutions. Participants were also given printed resource materials relative to the topics being discussed at the workshops. Regardless of the enterprise type, small producers typically invest more time and effort in production than in marketing. As a result, producers usually do not reap the potential benefits from their enterprises since marketing is the revenue generating apparatus or lifeline for any enterprise. Therefore, technical assistance and trainings were provided to program participants on how to gain valuable information on cooperative marketing, markets, market prices, marketing plan, competition, and strategies on how to access markets strategically and successfully to enhance sales and profit. Trainings were also provided on how to determine the most marketable varieties to produce and how to deliver high quality produce to consumers at a profit. Trainings and professional development were provided on how to gather and procure the resources needed to cultivate a profitable crop including how to manage the finances of farm operations and how to access money, finances, USDA available cost share programs, capital assets, farm supplies, and technology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?fielddays fact sheets small farmers conferences hand-outs bulletins presentations What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To continue the hands on trainings regarding sustainable vegetable production practices, alternative marketing strategies and farm recording keeping,
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) through its extension programming activities have worked with small farmers including limited-resource farmers and new immigrants farmers to address the fundamental problems of sustainability and profitability of small farm operations. Thus, this project-Enhancing Food Security in Rural Mississippi through Family Farm Initiatives allow us to explore ways on how to produce quality products, expand small farm access to local and regional markets, identify bottlenecks in local and regional food purchasing and distribution, and create strategies that increase farmer/distributor/customer connections. Therefore, six both face to face and virtual workshops that included hands-on trainings on sustainable crop production practices, alternative market strategies and effective management plan for sustainable farming operations were conducted for our target audience. The trainings utilized the curriculums on vegetable production, marketing and farm management obtained from Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) and resource library and revised to meet the specific objectives of the project. The trainings covered a diversity of horticultural enterprises on how to coordinate production and harvesting of produce, market outlet opportunities and good farm record keeping. For sustainable crop production processes, the training/workshops focused on site selection, soil fertility, composting, crop rotation, cover crops, tillage equipment and field preparation, seeds and transplants, irrigation and spraying systems, harvest and postharvest handling, integrated pest management as it relates to managing insects, diseases, weeds, and wildlife. We trained farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and Good Handling Practices (GHPs). Project participants were also trained on pesticide use and safety, selecting the right pesticide, and equipment calibration and optional tests of participants interested in becoming certified (or recertified) applicators of restricted pesticides). Trainings and workshops were also conducted on financial planning, good record keeping, and cash flow analysis associated with farming. The trainings enabled farmers determine expenses and returns from their operation. Additional trainings were provided to program participants on how to leverage the strengths of each partner in a manner that builds capacity to work together on planning, organizing, and marketing of their produce. Thus, ninety percent (90%) of the participants indicated working together on planning, organizing and pooling their resources together with respect to production and marketing of their products to commercial markets.
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Progress 05/01/20 to 04/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Workshops Farm Visits One-on-One Field days Conferences Changes/Problems:None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The overall project goal is to bridge the gaps between the ability of the small farmers to grow vegetable crops and their ability to package and market their crops in a manner that results in enhanced profitability and sustainability of their farming operations. Secondly, to leverage the strengths of each partner in a manner that builds capacity of small farmers to work together on planning, organizing and marketing such that sustainability of their agricultural operations are enhanced. Therefore, trainings and professional development were provided for participants on sustainable production practices, effective marketing practices, which is essential for profitable small-scale farming and agribusiness operations. Regardless of the enterprise type, small producers typically invest more time and effort in production than in marketing. As a result, producers usually do not reap the potential benefits from their enterprises since marketing is the revenue generating apparatus or lifeline for any enterprise. Therefore, technical assistance and trainings were provided to program participants on how to gain valuable information on cooperative marketing, markets, market prices, marketing plan, competition, and strategies on how to access markets strategically and successfully to enhance sales and profit. Trainings were also provided on how to determine the most marketable varieties to produce, to deciding how to deliver high quality produce to consumers at a profit. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research based information were disseminated at the training workshops,through presentations, hand-outs, factsheets and bulletins that covered sustainable vegetable crop production practices that utilize inputs that can be derived from on-farm biological resources, good farm record keeping and marketing strategies for commodities produced. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To expand the scope of training module for project participants who cannot attend workshop/training meeting due to COVID-19 pandemicvia an interactive video/teleconference and Zoom conferencing
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project enabled us to educate small and limited-resources farmers on how to produce quality products, expand small farm access to local and regional markets, identify bottlenecks in local and regional food purchasing and distribution, and create strategies that increase farmer/distributor/customer connections. Therefore, hands-on training workshops on sustainable crop production practices, marketing strategies and effective management plan for sustainable farming operations were conducted for small and limited resources in rural south Mississippi. Thus, Alcorn State University Extension Program conducted six (6) virtual and 3 face-to-face training workshops The face-to-face meetings were conducted at the Alcorn State University demonstration center located in Lorman, Mississippi. The training workshops were utilized to educate small and disadvantaged farmers activities as it relates to sustainable vegetable, fruit, and other specialty crops production which are considered "Alternate Crops" when compared to crops such as Cotton, soybeans, and field corn. The alternate crop is generally high value (high returns) per acre but are also high labor input crops. New producers or producers changing/adding a new alternate crop to their production scheme often need assistance with production methods. Farmers needing to learn production method for new alternate crops received receive hands-on cultural techniques training, while producing the new crop on the farm with assistance from Alcorn Extension personnel. Activities at the farms expanded to include demonstrations and field days that support alternative crop production. Thus, the trainings covered a diversity of horticultural enterprises on how to coordinate production and harvesting of produce, market outlet opportunities and good farm record keeping. For sustainable crop production processes, the training/workshops focused on site selection, soil fertility, composting, crop rotation, cover crops, tillage equipment and field preparation, seeds and transplants, irrigation and spraying systems, harvest and postharvest handling, integrated pest management as it relates to managing insects, diseases, weeds, and wildlife. Farmers were also educated on Hoop House production, management and utilization, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and Good Handling Practices (GHPs). Additionally, project participants were trained on pesticide use and safety, selecting the right pesticide, and equipment calibration including optional tests of participants interested in becoming certified (or recertified) applicators of restricted pesticides. Trainings and workshops were also conducted on financial planning, good record keeping, and cash flow analysis associated with farming. The trainings enabled farmers determine expenses and returns from their operation. Furthermore, trainings were also provided to program participants on how to leverage the strengths of each partner in a manner that builds capacity to work together on planning, organizing and marketing of their produce. The Farms also serves as an Outreach center where Alcorn Extension Specialists expanded their reach by establishing demonstrations and program to reach farmers and the general public in other parts of the State. Field demonstrations included tomatoes, okra, basil, watermelons, sweetpotatoes, hot pepper, summer squash, moringa, pumpkins, and several types of gourds. These planting were planned as part of a field day, but they also serve as demonstrations to the participants and other visitors to the farm. Forty-five (45) farmers attended the face-to-face workshops while 95 farmers participated in virtual training workshop.
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