Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audiences for this project were African American, Limited Resource Producers, Small Farms, Specialty Crop Producers, and Traditional Crop Producers. The participants in the program were involved in the following enterprises: row crops, vegetable crops, livestock, and forestry. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Beginning Farmer's Class in our Beginning Program provided opportunities for the training and development of participants. The class consisted of seven one-day (5-6-hour) workshops annually for three years. Consequently, 21 five-to-six-hour workshops were conducted during the project. The workshops covered Soils, Pest Control, USDA Agencies and Programs, Farm Business Planning with USDA Operating Loans, Conservation Programs and Practices, Calibrating and Pesticide Use, and Urban Agriculture. Participants also had an opportunity for training and development because of the site visits to their operations. Approximately 160 site visits from the staff were made to provide Cooperative Extension Services (CES) recommendations to Beginning Farmers. Participants also received additional conservation site visits to assist them in selecting Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) conservation practices for their operations. Some of these participants also submitted conservation applications to NRCS and were funded. In addition, approximately 200 Beginning farmers visited the UAPB and East Arkansas Enterprise Community (EAEC) local offices and received crop production and conservation assistance from the staff. In addition, some participants participated in other educational training and workshops. For example, some participants attended the (1) Oklahoma State University Goat Boot Camp, (2) Tennessee State University Vegetable Field Day, and the Tuskegee University Professional Agricultural Workers Conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Beginning Farmers Program information was disseminated through local news articles about the program. These articles were distributed at the beginning of the program and throughout the year. News articles about program participants were also distributed in the local newspaper. Overviews about the program were conducted at the East Arkansas Enterprise Community (EAEC) Annual Meeting in Forrest City, Arkansas, and the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) Annual Field Day in Altheimer, Arkansas. Karen Lee, program assistant, also presented an overview of the program at The Arkansas Grown Conference in Hot Spring, Arkansas, in January 2024. The biggest promotion of the program came from participants in the program. The participants shared information about the program and brought other individuals to the program. Many absentee landowners, especially forest producers, participated in the program due to information about the program provided by program participants. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective One- To provide BSDLRPs with farm business/ farm financial education and training on the process, including using USDA Loans. This objective was designed to teach BSDLRPs how to calculate the economic feasibility of a business before starting one. It was also intended to educate BSDLRPs on the tools (enterprise budgets, financial statements) used in the calculations. Other aspects associated with business, such as business structures, crop insurance, and the need to apply for the USDA Disaster Programs during natural disasters, were also included. A total of 350 Beginning Farmers (BFs) participated in this program. The Small Farm Program (SFP) conducted several financial planning workshops, and approximately 800 individuals participated in the workshops. As a result, 40% of participants gained knowledge of financial planning and worked one-on-one with the SFP Staff to develop Annual Business Plans, which helped them make financial decisions. In addition, 26 of these BFs were assisted in obtaining USDA loans for $2,153,000. Business structures were included in the workshops. As a result of this education, 12% of participants changed their business structure from a sole proprietorship to an LLC to help shield their assets from business debts or lawsuits. The Staff provided crop insurance education for row and vegetable crops and Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) education for vegetable crops. As a result of this education, 20% of participants purchased crop insurance. Objective Two- To provide nonbiased research-based CES crop and livestock production recommendations to BSDLRPs and to educate them on using the USDA conservation program to obtain funding to install land-improving conservation practices that increase their productive capacity. Workshops were conducted on the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and the Natural Resources Conservation Services (CES). The workshops provided information about the agencies, their programs, and services. Approximately 800 individuals participated in these workshops. In addition, approximately 400 site visits were made to provide production and conservation recommendations to producers. CES Production Practices - The BFs Program stressed the need to start production by using a minimum of three CES-recommended practices: a recommended variety, a recommended fertility program, and a recommended weed control program. After learning about the services offered by the CES, 30 % of participants changed their behavior and started using CES-recommended varieties for the area, 40 % of the BFs changed their behavior and took soil tests to determine the fertility needs for their crops, and 14% took soil compaction test to determine if hard pans were in their soils. After learning about the resistant weed problems in the Arkansas Delta, 26% of BFs changed their behavior and started using CES-recommended resistant weed control plans. It appeared that after participants learned about CES-recommended production practices, they were willing to adopt the practices. However, when the soil test recommended a lime application, there was a problem in finding someone to apply lime on farms with small acres (20 acres and less). Approximately 40% of participants received on site-visits to their operations. Twelve percent learned about the benefits of cover crops and installed cover crops, 17 % of participants developed CES-recommended Integrated Pest Management Plans, and 10% of cattle producers began planting fall ryegrass for winter grazing. NRCS Conservation Practices - In the conservation workshops, participants were educated about the financial incentive (90 percent of the average cost of the conservation practice) received by SDPs to install the conservation practices and the need to have a USDA Farm Number to participate in the programs. After learning that a Farm Number was required to participate in the conservation program, 30 % of participants went out and got farm numbers to participate in the program. Afterward, 46% of participants visited with the SFP Staff and selected a list of conservation practices for their operations. Twenty percent of these participants then submitted Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Applications and received $1,785,000 in funding to install conservation practices. In addition, during site visits with participants, 32% of participants were introduced to and shown how to use the NRCS Soil Web App; afterward, these producers adopted the use of the NRS Soil Webb App. Objective Three- To provide special marketing education, training, and technical assistance to BSDLRPs who grow or add alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to their operations. Many BFs in Arkansas operate small tracts (1-10 acres) of land, which are ideal for fresh vegetable crops. However, marketing fresh vegetables can be a significant problem. Many small farmers are not accustomed to talking directly to vegetable vendors. When told to speak to vegetable vendors about buying their vegetables, most ask the extension agent to talk to the vendors for them. Therefore, the staff decided to bring vegetable vendors to vegetable marketing workshops. A total of 10 vegetable marketing workshops were conducted, and 10 vegetable vendors participated in the workshops. Approximately 300 individuals participated in the vegetable workshops. As a result of bringing vegetable vendors to do the workshops, 50% of the vegetable farmers changed their marketing plans and started using the vegetable vendors that participated in the UAPB vegetable marketing workshops. Twenty percent of the vegetable farmers changed their record-keeping ways and began calculating their break-even cost before selling their crops. Also, 5% of the vegetable farmers changed from using the Catastrophe NAP (crop insurance coverage) to the 65% NAP buy-up coverage. There was also a 5% change in the number of vegetable farmers who started implementing written vegetable plans. Objective Four- To conduct a new and beginning farmer's class to educate and train approximately 20 crops and livestock producers annually about managing farms and ranches. The Beginning Farmers Class was designed to provide intense agriculture education to participants. The class introduced participants to most USDA Agricultural and state agencies. It also offered intense crop and livestock production education to class participants. Approximately 105 individuals completed the BFs class. Those who completed the class received a Certificate of Completion and credit for one year of managerial experience, which is required when applying for a USDA operating Loan. Two participants from the class successfully purchased a farm, obtained a Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contract for their forestland, and are currently implementing the agritourism component of their operation. Additionally, ten other participants install conservation practices on their farms after learning about land-improving techniques in the BFC.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The participants had opportunities to participate in several educational meetings outside of the Beginning Farmers Class provided by the project. Thirty (30) individuals graduated from the seven (7) workshops and (7) month classes. In addition to participating in the Beginning Farmers Class, participants and the UAPB Staff had a chance to participate in the following educational activities: September 8, 2022, Tennessee State University, Small Farm Expo, Knoxville, TN (participants-20 and UAPB Staff-7) September 14-16, 2022, Ag Finance, Tax & Asset Protection, Atlanta, GA (Staff-6) September 29, 2022, Alcorn State University, Fall Field Day, Mound Bayou, MS (Participants-3 and UAPB Staff-2) November 13-15, Tuskegee Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC), Montgomery, AL (participants-15 and UAPB Staff-7) October 17-19, 2022, Meat Goat Boot Camp, Ada, OK (Participants-5 and UAPB Staff-2) November 2022, Train-the-Trainer, Understanding Heirs' Property at the Community Level, Atlanta, GA (UAPB Staff-4) January 5-8, 2023, Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA (Participants-1, and UAPB Staff-4) January 25-28, Arkansas Grown Conference & Expo, Little Rock, AR (Participants-5, and UAPB Staff-5) February 14-15, 2023, Southern Cover Crop Conference, Baton Rouge, LA (UAPB Staff-3) March 27-29, 2023, Extension Risk Management Education Conference, Chicago, IL (UAPB Staff-3) June 15, 2023, The 9thAnnual Edible Gardens Conference, Marianna, AR (participants-20, and UAPB Staff-7) June 28, 2023, Horticulture Field Day, Hope, AR (Participants-5, and UAPB Staff 4) July 13, 2023, Watermelon Field Day, Blackville, SC (UAPB Staff-4) July 17, 2023, National Black Growers Council, Model Farm Field Day, Altheimer, AR (Participants-20, and UAPB Staff-5) July 18, 2023, National Black Growers Council, Model Farm Field Day, Bastrop, LA (Participants-10, and UAPB Staff 1) August 2-3, 2023, Southern Regional Risk Management Conference, Pensacola Beach, FL (UAPB Staff-1) August 31, 2023, LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, 2023 Field Day, Delhi, LA (UAPB Staff-7) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We originally planned to disseminate the project results through a presentation at our Annual Rural Life Conference. However, because of COVID, we did not have the Annual Rural Life Conference. Therefore, the project results were disseminated primarily through word of mouth from participants and by our two partners: East Arkansas Enterprise Community (EAEC) and Silas H. Hunt Community Development Center (SHCDC). In addition, our partners from FSA and NRCS also inform individuals about our Beginning Farmers Program. However, our biggest supporters are those who take the course; they tell our story to others. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to follow the tasks outlined in the proposal to accomplish our goals. However, we will schedule training for participants earlier (not the Beginning Farmers Class), and we plan to get more participants accustomed to attending meetings and networking with others. We will make more on-site team visits with beginning farmers in the Arkansas Delta or eastern Arkansas. This is the poorest area in the state, and we would like to see more small vegetable farms in the area. We will put more emphasis on helping beginning farmers in this region.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective One - To provide BSDLRPs with farm business/farm financial education and training as well as education and training on the process/use of USDA Loans. During this period, the staff worked directly with 91 BSDLRPs in the farm financial planning and business area. The staff assisted 53 BSDLRPs in developing farm financial plans, including using enterprise budgets, break-even analyses, and their farm records. From these financial plans, 41 were developed into USDA loan applications and submitted to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Participants received education on balance sheets, cash flow statements, and income statements for these loan applications. Of the loan applications, eight were approved for $849,000. However, one Extension Associate reported that all 19 of his loan applications for $9,621,000 were not approved. The BSDLRPs were also educated on types of crop insurance and farm business structures (LLC, Corporation, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietor). As a result, 47 BSDLRPs purchased crop insurance for their operations, and 20 changed their business structure from sole proprietors to LLCs. Objective Two - To provide nonbiased research-based CES crop and livestock production recommendations to BSDLRPs and to educate them on using the USDA conservation program to obtain funding to install land-improving conservation practices that increase their productive capacity. This objective was designed to teach BSDLRPs about two (2) agencies that are used for production recommendations and advice: The Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Cooperative Extension Services (CES). Consequently, BSDLRPs were provided with education on both agencies and their programs. Emphasis was placed on the NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The NRCS EQIP Program provides a cost share payment (90% of the average cost of the conservation practices) on installed conservation practices (cover crops, land leveling, no-till, irrigation pipeline, etc.). Consequently, this was emphasized many times in the eleven (11) educational sessions that were conducted. Approximately 400 BSDLRPs participated in the educational sessions. To assist the BSDLRPs in using the EQIP Program, the UAPB Staff contacted 70 BSDLRPs directly (one-on-one) to inform them about the EQIP and CSP conservation programs and their practices. Since a USDA Farm Number is required to participate in the programs, 20 BSDLRPs were assisted in obtaining USDA Farm Numbers. To help BSDLRPs understand the EQIP Program, the extension associates assisted 38 BSDLRPs in completing a UAPB Conservation Practice Identification Tool that allowed participants to select specific conservation practices for their operations. Forty-eight (48) BSDLRP submitted EQIP Applications to NRCS for funding. Approximately 25 of the EQIP Applications were funded. We have yet to determine the amount of EQIP funding the participants will receive, but it is estimated to be above $500,000. Many BSDLRPs needed to be made aware of the CES and the services they provided. To help BSDLRPs use the CES services, the UAPB Extension Associates contacted 100 BSDLRPs and provided them with CES-recommended production practices. Consequently, 40 BSDLRPs took soil tests to determine their land's fertility and lime recommendations. Ten (15) BSDLRPs took soil compaction tests as recommended. Twenty-five (20) BSDLRPs started using CES-recommended varieties, and ten (10) were assisted in developing weed control plans for their operations. Objective Three - To provide special marketing education, training, and technical assistance to BSDLRPs who grow or add alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to their operations. Vegetable marketing workshops were conducted to help BSDLRPs identify vegetable markets for their fruit and vegetables. Three (3) vegetable marketing workshops were conducted. These three (3) marketing workshops included presentations from vendors looking for growers to buy their products. Approximately 75 BSDLRPs attended the workshops. The UAPB Extension Associates also talked with 20 additional BSDLRPs, advising them to identify their markets first and then develop written marketing plans for their vegetable operations. All 20 BSDLRPs the Extension associates talked with developed vegetable marketing plans before planting, and three (3) developed written marketing plans. Ten (15) BSDLRPs sold their vegetables to vendors participating in the UAPB marketing workshops. BSDLRPs were also informed about the opportunity to extend their growing season by using high tunnels. These high tunnels could help to increase income, especially on small acreage farms. They were also told that NRCS provides financial incentives (90 percent of the average cost of the high tunnel) on high tunnels. The team also talked directly with 35 BSDLRPs about using high tunnels on small acreage farms, and five (3) BSDLRPs received funding to install high tunnels. Objective Four - To conduct a new and beginning farmer's class to educate and train approximately 20 crop and livestock producers annually about managing farms and ranches. The beginning farmer's class was designed to provide intense agriculture education to participants to increase their chances of being successful. The course introduces participants to most USDA agricultural and state agricultural agencies. It also provides intense technical assistance to class members. The assistance provided to participants includes business planning, risk management education, completing USDA Loans, conservation planning, soils, crop or livestock production, Heirs Property Education, and marketing plans. Also, individuals completing the class receive credit for one (1) year of managerial ability, which is required for new farmers to receive additional FSA Operating Loans. Participants also receive a Certificate of Completion from UAPB. This certificate proves to FSA that individuals have completed the class. Twenty-five (25) individuals completed the Beginning Farmers Class in 2023. Due to COVID, the class was virtual. The course consisted of seven (7) workshops. The workshops were conducted monthly. The first (1st) class was completed in February, and the seventh (7th) class was completed in August. Each class was about five (5) hours.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience for this project is Socially Disadvantaged Producers (SDPs) and Limited Resource Producers (LRPs). Our SDPs comprise African American (80%) and Hispanic Producers (5%). The African American group was targeted because of the rapid loss of land that African American farmers are experiencing and the rapid decline in the numbers of African American farmers. Our audience is reached through training workshops (a Beginning Farmers Class), Extension Associates, and Newsletters. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided many opportunities for the participants and the staff to receive training and professional development. The participants had an opportunity to participate in the Beginning Farmer's Class, which consisted of seven (7) classes offered over seven months. In some classes, up to 60 beginning farmers would participate in the class however, 32 graduated from the class. In addition, participants and UAPB Staff had an opportunity to participate in the following trainings: December 15 - 19, 2021 National Black Growers Council Annual Meeting Memphis, TN (Participants-6 and UAPB Staff-4) January 6-9, 2022 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference, Savannah, GA (UAPB Staff -1) March 11, 2022, Beekeeping Training Class (Three Monthly Classes) Pine Bluff, AR (Participants-5 and UAPB Staff-4) March 29-31, 2022 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference, Omaha, Nebraska (UAPB Staff-3) April 2-5, 2022 - Association of 1890 Research Directors, Atlanta, Georgia (UAPB Staff-3) June 10, 2022 - Horticulture Field Day, Hope, AR (UAPB Staff-4) June 17, 2022 - National Black Growers Council Model Farm Field Day, Pine Bluff, AR (Participants-6 and UAPB Staff-5) July 31 - August 4, 2022 - Association of Extension Administration, Orlando, FL (UAPB Staff) August 18, 2022 - Sweet Potato Field Day, Chase, LA (Participants and UAPB Staff) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We originally planned to disseminate the project results through a presentation at our Annual Rural Life Conference. However, because of COVID, we did not have the Annual Rural Life Conference. Therefore, the project results were disseminated primarily through word of mouth from participants. The project staff received telephone calls from beginning farmers requesting assistance with various problems. The staff also receives calls from individuals interested in taking the Beginning Farmers Class offered through the project. Many individuals who take and want to take the class are absentee landowners. The staff receives many telephone calls from absentee landowners interested in returning to Arkansas to operate their farmland. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to follow the tasks outlined in the proposal to accomplish our goals. If we can complete the planned tasks, we will be successful. We want to make more on-site team visits with beginning farmers. The team would consist of a conservationist, a productions individual, and an economic individual.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective One - To provide BSDLRPs with farm business/farm financial education and training as well as education and training on the process/use of USDA Loans. This objective was designed to teach BSDLRPs how to calculate the economic feasibility of a business before starting a business. It was also designed to educate BSDLRPs on the tools (enterprise budgets, financial statements) used in the calculations. The need to consider the business structure and crop insurance was also included. Many BSDLRPs are unfamiliar with the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Loan Programs. So, we provided information about the FSA Loan Program. This was accomplished by having FSA employees make loan presentations. In addition, the UAPB Extension Associates provided detailed information on FSA Loan Applications for participants. Four (4) FSA loan program presentations were made during this period (including one session in the Beginning Farmers Class). An estimated 200 BSDLRPs participated in the sessions on FSA Loan Programs. The UAPB Extension associates worked directly with 20 BSDLRPs in developing Annual Farm Financial Plans for their operations. Five (5) BSDLRPs obtained FSA Operating Loans totaling $500,000. Seven (7) BSDLRPs were assisted in developing business entities, LLCs, for their operations--three (3) row crop participants who obtained operating loans purchased crop insurance. Also, the staff assisted four (4) ranchers in applying for the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), where they received payments. Objective Two - To provide nonbiased research-based CES crop and livestock production recommendations to BSDLRPs and to educate them on using the USDA conservation program to obtain funding to install land-improving conservation practices that increase their productive capacity. This objective was designed to teach BSDLRPs about two (2) agencies to use for production recommendations and advice: The Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Cooperative Extension Services (CES). BSDLRPs were provided with in-depth education on the services offered by both agencies. BSDLRPs were educated about the NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and its Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). They were educated about EQIP's land-improving conservation practices (land leveling, high tunnels, cover crops, no-till, etc.) and the financial incentive (90 percent of the practice average cost) received to install the conservation practices. Therefore, the staff conducted eight (8) educational sessions about the EQIP Program and conservation practices. Approximately 300 BSDLRPs participated in EQIP education, and 200 participated in CSP education. The UAPB Staff and conservation consultant contacted 120 BSDLRPs directly (one-on-one) to inform them about the EQIP and CSP conservation programs and their conservation practices. A USDA Farm Number is required to participate in the programs. Consequently, 30 BSDLRPs were assisted in obtaining USDA Farm Numbers. Four (4) BSDLRPs submitted their EQIP Applications and received $450,000 in EQIP Funding. Many BSDLRPs were also unaware of the CES, and most did not use the services provided by the CES. Consequently, three (3) educational sessions were conducted where CES employees informed BSDLRPs about the CES and their services. The UAPB Extension associates also told BSDLRPs about the services offered by the CES. Consequently, approximately 225 BSDLRPs were made aware of the CES and its services. The UAPB Extension Associates contacted 90 BSDLRPs and provided them with CES-recommended production practices. Consequently, 30 BSDLRPs took soil tests to determine the fertility and lime recommendations for their land as recommended. Ten (10) BSDLRPs took soil compaction tests as recommended. Twenty-five (25) BSDLRPs started using CES-recommended varieties, and ten (10) were assisted in developing weed control plans for their operations. Objective Three - To provide special marketing education, training, and technical assistance to BSDLRPs who grow or add alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to their operations. BSDLRPs in the Arkansas Delta are mini versions of the large (1000 acres and more extensive) row crop farms. Consequently, most BSDLRPs farmers in this area think that regardless of farm size, growing row crops are an economically viable option. However, this is not true. Most Beginning Farmers will operate small tracts (1-10 acres). These small tracts need to be larger (1000 acres) to be profitable when growing row crops (soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, cotton, or grain sorghum). This Beginning Farmers Program taught attendees that small-acre farms needed to grow alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to be profitable. Consequently, all small acreage farmers were advised to grow fruits and vegetables. When considering growing fruits and vegetables, the first step is identifying markets. Therefore, producers were advised to identify their markets and develop written marketing plans before planting their crops. Vegetable marketing workshops were conducted to help BSDLRPs identify vegetable markets for their fruit and vegetables. Three (3) vegetable marketing workshops were conducted. These three (3) marketing workshops included presentations from vendors looking for growers to buy their products. Approximately 100 BSDLRPs attended the workshops. The UAPB Extension Associates also talked with another 25 BSDLRPs about identifying markets first and then developing written marketing plans for their vegetable operations. Approximately 25 BSDLRPs developed vegetable marketing plans before planting, and five (5) developed written marketing plans. Ten (10) BSDLRPs sold their vegetables to vendors who participated in the UAPB marketing workshops. BSDLRPs were also informed about using high tunnels on small acreage farms to extend the growing seasons to obtain additional income. They were also told they could receive funding from NRCS to get 90 percent of the average cost of the high tunnel paid for through the EQIP Program. The farmers were informed through the UAPB Beginning Farmers Class and two (2) additional high tunnels presentations conducted by the staff. Consequently, 75 BSDLRPs were informed about high tunnels. The team also talked directly with 25 BSDLRPs about using high tunnels on small acreage farms, and five (5) BSDLRPs received funding to install high tunnels. ?Objective Four - To conduct a new and beginning farmer's class to educate and train approximately 20 crop and livestock producers annually about managing farms and ranches. The beginning farmer's class was designed to provide intense agriculture education to participants to increase their chances of being successful. The course introduces participants to most USDA agricultural agencies and state agricultural agencies. It also provides intense technical assistance to class members. The assistance provided to participants includes developing farm financial plans, farm business plans, conservation plans, crop or livestock production plans, and marketing plans. Also, individuals completing the class receive credit for one (1) year of managerial ability, which is required for new farmers to receive additional FSA Operating Loans. Participants also receive a Certificate of Completion from UAPB. This certificate proves to FSA that individuals have completed the class. Thirty (30) individuals completed the Beginning Farmers Class in 2022. Due to COVID, the class was virtual. The course consisted of seven (7) workshops. The workshops were conducted monthly. The first (1st) class was completed in March, and the seventh (7th) class was completed in September. Each class was about five (5) hours. Topics for the workshop/classes included Farm Business Planning, Soils, USDA Agencies, Pest Management, Crop and Livestock Production, and Mentor Beginning Farmers.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audiences are Socially Disadvantaged Producers (SDPs) and Limited Resource Producers. The SDPs are African Americans (90%) and Hispanic Producers (5). The breakdown of SDPs in the targeted counties is90% African American and 5% Hispanic. The participants are reached through our extension agents, located in the three targeted areas, through our newsletter mailed to SDPs in the targeted area, through meetingsconducted in the three regions, and through Zoom Meetings that reach all areas. Changes/Problems:COVID caused us to cancel all our Beginning Farmers Classes and other workshops to virtual. It also limited the number of on-site visits we planned to make. Consequently, we had more telephone calls and emails than normal. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Due to COVID, there were limitedopportunities for training or professional development during this period. However, the UAPB Extension staffreceived training on soil health and updates on NRCS Conservation programs from the NRCS Program State Specialists. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The result of the Beginning Farmers Classand the other counseling services provided were disseminated by participants who took the class and those who received one-on-one assistance. We originally planned to disseminate results at our Annual Rural Life Conference. However, the conference was canceled due to COVID. Several individuals called requesting to be in the next Beginning Farmer Class. Since the class was virtual, individuals from other states requested to be in the next class. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To accomplish our goals during the next reporting period we will continue to conduct the tasks that were identified in our original proposal. However, we intend to make changes in our Beginning Farmer Class and add to the information that will be provided in our farm business training. Wewill also put more add education about the Rural Development (RD) Value Added Producer Grant. This may encourage someone to consider making jam or jellies from their fruit or vegetable products.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective One - To provide BSDLRPs with farm business/farm financial education and training as well as education and training on the process/use of USDA Loans. Most BSDLRPs need to become more familiar with enterprise budgets, break-even analyses, income/expense projections, or financial statements. This objective was designed to teach them how to develop a business or financial plan. It was also intended to teach them how to complete USDA Loan Application. Many BSDLRPs are unfamiliar with the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Loan Programs. So the first thing we did was provide BSDLRPs with information about the FSA Loan Program. This was accomplished by having FSA give information on its loan program. In addition, UAPB Extension Associates, who work with farmers seeking FSA Loan Applications, provided details on completing the FSA Loan Application. Eight (8) loan program presentations were made during this period (including one session in the Beginning Farmers Class). An estimated 672 BSDLRPs participated in a session on FSA Loan Programs. The UAPB Extension associates worked directly with ten (25) BSDLRPs in developing Annual Farm Financial Plans for their operations. Seven (7) of the BSDLRPs implemented their plans. Three (3) BSDLRPs obtained FSA Operating Loans totaling $804,000. Five (5) BSDLRPs also assisted in developing business entities, LLCs, for their operations. BSDLRPs were also educated on and assisted in applying for disaster programs such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). We estimate that BSDLRPs in the UAPB Beginning Farmers Program were assisted in obtaining approximately $5 million in Disaster Assistance. Objective Two - To provide nonbiased research-based CES crop and livestock production recommendations to BSDLRPs and to educate them on using the USDA conservation program to obtain funding to install land-improving conservation practices that increase their productive capacity. Many BSDLRPs are unfamiliar with the services available through the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Cooperative Extension Services (CES). Therefore, the BSDLRPs were provided with in-depth education on the services offered by these two agencies. All participants were advised about the benefits of both agencies. They are also unaware that Socially Disadvantaged Producers (SDPs)and Limited Resource Producers (LRPs) can receive 90 percent of the average cost of all conservation practices (land leveling, high tunnels, cover crops, no-till, etc.) with NRCS. Therefore, the staff conducted eight (8) educational sessions about conservation programs (Environmental Quality Incentive Program EQIP) and Conservation Steward Program - CSP). Through this process, 200 BSDLRPs were made aware of the NRCS and their conservation programs. The UAPB Staff and conservation consultant contacted 178 BSDLRPs directly and informed them about conservation programs and practices. Fifty-five (55) BSDLRPs were advised of EQIP conservation practices that could be used on their farms, ranches, or forestland. To participate in the conservation programs, USDA Farm Numbers are required. Consequently, the staff assisted 33 BSDLRPs in obtaining USDA Farm Numbers. An estimated 10 BSDLRPs were assisted in completing EQIP Applications. Approximately five (5) BSDLRPs received EQIP Contracts for an estimated $200,000. Also, mostBSDLRPs were not aware of the CES or the services provided by the CES. Consequently, two (2) educational meetings were conducted where CES employees informed BSDLRPs about the CES and services provided by the CES. The UAPB extension associates also told BSDLRPs about the services offered by the CES. Consequently, approximately 200 BSDLRPs were made aware of the CES and its services. The UAPB Extension Associates contacted 80 BSDLRPs and provided them with CES-recommended production practices. Approximately 20 BSDLRPs took soil tests to determine the fertility and lime recommendations for their land. Another 7 BSDLRPs took soil compaction tests as recommended. Objective Three - To provide special marketing education, training, and technical assistance to BSDLRPs who grow or add alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to their operations. Most Beginning Farmers will operate small tracts (1-10 acres). These small tracts need to be larger to grow row crops (soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, cotton, or grain sorghum) which require many acres (1000 Acres) to be profitable. This Beginning Farmers Program taught attendees that small-acre farms needed to grow alternative enterprises (fruits and vegetables) to be profitable. Consequently, all small acreage farmers were advised to grow fruits and vegetables. These producers were also advised of the need to have a marketing plan developed before planting their crops. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable and must be sold soon. To help BSDLRPs understand the importance of identifying markets for their perishable fresh fruit and vegetables, a unique marketing presentation was conducted in the Beginning Farmer's Class. In addition, two (2) other vegetable and fruit marketing educational meetings were conducted. These two (2) marketing meetings included presentations from vendors who were seeking growers to buy from. Approximately 70 BSDLRPs attended the meeting. The UAPB Extension Associates also talked with another 25 BSDLRPs about the need to develop written marketing plans for their vegetable operations. Although 25 BSDLRPs developed vegetable marketing plans after learning about the importance of having a plan before planting, only two (2) developed written marketing plans. Approximately ten (10) BSDLRPs sold their vegetables to vendors participating in the UAPB marketing workshops. BSDLRPs were also informed about using high tunnels on small acreage farms to extend the growing seasons to obtain additional income. They were also told they could receive funding from NRCS to get 90 percent of the average cost of the high tunnel paid for through the EQIP Program. The farmers were informed through the UAPB Beginning Farmers Class and two (2) additional high tunnels presentations conducted by the staff. Consequently, 75 BSDLRPs were informed about high tunnels. The team also talked directly with 25 BSDLRPs about using high tunnels on small acreage farms, and five (5) BSDLRPs received funding to install high tunnels. Objective Four - To conduct a new and beginning farmer's class to educate and train approximately 20 crop and livestock producers annually about managing farms and ranches. The beginning farmer's class was designed to provide intense agriculture education to participants to increase their chances of being successful. The course introduces participants to most USDA agricultural agencies and state agricultural agencies. It also provides intense technical assistance to class members. This assistance provided to participants includes developing farm financial plans, farm business plans, conservation plans, crop or livestock production plans, and marketing plans. Also, individuals completing the class receive credit for one (1) year of managerial ability, which is required for new farmers to receive additional FSA Operating Loans. Participants also receive a Certificate of Completion from UAPB. This certificate proves to FSA that individuals have completed the class. Fifty (50) individuals completed the Beginning Farmers Class in 2021. Due to COVID, the class was virtual. The course consisted of seven (7) workshops. The workshops were conducted monthly. The first (1st) class was completed in March, and the seventh (7th) class was completed in September. Each class was about five (5) hours. Topics for the workshop/classes included Farm Business Planning, Soils, USDA Agencies, Pest Management, Crop and Livestock Production, and Mentor Beginning Farmers.
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