Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached this reporting period was mostly beginning or aspiring veteran farmers with under 10 years of farming experience, some cash or credit limitations, and travel and time constraints. Due to the online nature of accessing our programs, half of the participants were from across the country, with the majority of them located within the Midwest, half were from Nebraska, or right across the river in Iowa. Changes/Problems:When we started planning for our first year of classes, we had to modify our plan to follow health and safety guidelines for COVID-19. We were already planning a hybrid, online and in person class schedule, but needed to shift to fully online. We made the decision to create a live-stream video of the class from the host farm, sending out packages to enable hands-on instruction and participation. In the first class, we found out that we could not overcome the barrier of unreliable internet service even with hot spots providing additional access. We then decided on a format with pre-recorded short videos that the host farmer (in a live video meeting) could introduce during class and then be available to answer participants' questions. This was a great solution until our participants hit the busy growing season. Many of our participants were beginning farmers in their first few years of production, and/or had young families, so they experienced schedule conflicts with the classes. We started to see participation drop off at this time, but kept in contact with participants, trying different ways to still get them the information and materials. We were able to track online views of the class videos and could follow up with participants who had questions. These strategies both indicated that we still had folks engaging with the material. We were able to host one in-person class with hands-on experiences. We then had to go back online due to spikes in COVID-19. Our host farm also made the difficult decision to close up a majority of its business, a farm-to-table restaurant. We postponed the last on-farm class to allow them to arrange business affairs. We intend to film and post the final vegetable enterprise on-farm session and schedule one-on-one business plan reviews. We had intended to have mostly Nebraska/Iowa participants, but found that we were getting folks from all over the country. Most of them were from Midwestern states bordering Nebraska; however we had participation from coast to coast, north to south. This did cause some confusion with time zones, and limited the in-class interactions we might have had with in- person classes. Participant location did influence some of our decisions, mainly to record any activities held in-person and to post the videos for the rest of the participants to review within the Google Classroom. We had presentations prepared that focused on Nebraska's growing zone, but had to expand it to be more inclusive of other growing situations. When we started planning for our second year of classes, we continued to modify the classes to avoid the busy growing season. We also continued to take into consideration those who were outside the state. We followed up with those out of state participants, recommended in state programs when available, and continued to post videos, for those out of state participants and those who were in state but could not attend the class for whatever reason. Videos were posted in the classroom, unlisted on YouTube. In year three, due to the presence of Avian Flu in the Midwest, more consideration, care and awareness was given to biosecurity. We presented about the risks early on in the class sessions, made sure that the biosecurity plan and requirements for the host farm were posted and talked about prior to the first on farm class. Throughout the third year we took appropriate precautions and checked in with on farm participants about the health of their birds. Evaluation Conclusion: Session data indicates that there was a positive impact on the military veterans who participated in the program - in both the online and in-person sessions. Of the topics covered in the online sessions, participants felt they were most likely to use what they learned in the Markets-related sessions and least likely to use the Legal Issues-related information. Additionally, they were most confident in their ability to use what they knew from the Finances-related sessions and least confident in what was covered in the Production-related sessions (which changed whether produce, pork, or poultry was being covered that year). Finally, it appears that some of the feedback from the 2022 focus groups was used in 2023 as they requested more details on caring for their animals and topics such as feed considerations when raising chickens were added in the 2023 pre-course survey. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Year 1 We conducted a class series, primarily online, with 11 educational opportunities, rotating monthly between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm videos for production skills. We recommended pandemic health and safety precautions and moved most of our activities online. We were able to meet in person, with protocols in place, only once. Topics included: Diversified Vegetable Production, hosted by Lakehouse Farm. Pre-Session: Get Familiar with Class TechnologyA step-by-step instructions and walk-through. Lots of screen-sharing, answering questions related to Google Classroom, audio/video, accessing files, adding their info to the contact sheet. (Optional Session) Farm Dreams and Land Access- Business Class A visioning class walking through their farm goals through 2 different exercises. Land Access options and strategies followed the exercises. Beginning of the Growing Season- Production Class Hands-on toolkits including seeds, a soil mix, biodegradable pots, Building a Sustainable Business book, a Multitool, and notebook were sent to all participants. A video demo was conducted live at the host farm, and shared via Zoom. Holistic Goal Setting Participants were walked through several goal setting exercises and put into breakout rooms to share with small groups. Homework sheets were provided prior to the class. Participants filled them out and class instructors commented on them with helpful resources and recommendations when appropriate. Planting and Early Season Field Prep- Production Class Videos were filmed prior to class and shown in class with the host farmer answering questions. UNL Extension Educator provided supplemental presentations. Budgets, Recordkeeping, USDA Programs Presentations about USDA resources and how to access them followed by a discussion with current farmers and aspiring farmers. Prep for Farmers Market & Wholesale Production Videos were filmed prior to class and posted online, an informal meet-up was hosted between the host farmer and participants to answer questions. Market Selection - Business Class Videos were filmed prior to the class and were posted. We interviewed our host farmer and had supplemental information from a small market Extension specialist. We had pre and post work posted to guide the participants' experience and planning. Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling This was our only in person class, mostof the Nebraskan participants made it to the class with their families. Proper social distancing and health safety requirements were observed. Participants were able to participate in harvesting, post harvest handling and a seasonal lunch with the harvested ingredients. Insurance and Legal Considerations Presentation from the host farmer was pre-filmed and uploaded. Participants were asked to submit questions prior to filming date for the host farmer to answer. This alternative style of class was utilized because participation started to wane due to seasonal activities and the fluctuating schedule of participants. End-of-Season Wrap-Up The host farm made the decision to go out of business this month so postponed this month's session. The topic will be filmed and posted by December 2021. Business Plan Delivery & Next Steps Business Class Due to participants' requests, individual meetings to go over business plans and enterprise budgets will be scheduled as follow up. Videos on legal considerations, succession planning, and business considerations were posted. Follow-up legal and business technical assistance sessions were offered. Three participants scheduled appointments. In year 2, we conducted a class series, online and in person, with 12 educational opportunities, rotating between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm for production skills. The series was similar to year 1 but the production based classes were focused on pasture pork production featuring classes on Farrowing, pasture management, cover crops for production, working with your butcher, and nutrition information. In year 3, we conducted a class series, online and in person, with 11 educational opportunities, rotating between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm for production skills focused on poultry production. Online business classes were the same as in years 1 and 2, but the production classes included egg production, egg storage and handling, coop set up, and pasture management with poultry in mind. We also included an in depth biosecurity class this year to address concerns about avian flu. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We kept the Google Classroom that stores the resources and the videos active so that we can share the class with future participants who are interested, in years 2 and 3 we had 5 registered participants ask for access to the past classrooms. A series of blogs on participants and farmer leaders were released within Nebraska. We presented about our project during the Project Directors meetings, and had follow up meetings with 2 current grantees about our processes and our project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
66 Aspiring or Beginning Veteran farmers registered for the class series on vegetable farming, pastured pork and pastured poultry. Of the 66, 46 completed the majority of the sessions (more than 50% of the classes). They participated in 6 classes dealing with production business classes, with an emphasis on specific business operations, planning, and decisions. They also participated in 6 classes focused on seasonal production activities, with an additional 2 optional classes offered. We were able to meet on-farm for most of the production classes, in years 2 and 3 and we made video recordings available. We met virtually in year 1 due to covid-19 and refined our recording skills during that class. Kits or materials were provided so participants could participate in activities on the farm. In year 1 we mailed them out.We had presentations and/or participation from UNL Extension, Agrability, and Legal Aid of Nebraska. We were able to connect participants to their local USDA offices. We also provided one on one personal technical assistance through our staff, UNL extension staff, and Legal Aid Staff. We had 77 technical assistance sessions, some participants utilized more than one session. Topics ranged from debt management, cash flow, budgeting, production assistance, enterprise budgeting, beginning farmer programs through USDA and conservation considerations and planning.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
https://www.cfra.org/blog/workshops-offer-military-veterans-chance-explore-agriculture-discover-resources
https://www.cfra.org/blog/hendls-take-advantage-center-veteran-farming-workshops-networking-opportunities
https://www.cfra.org/blog/couple-designs-their-dream-farm-direction-veteran-focused-workshops-0
https://www.cfra.org/blog/military-veteran-pursues-agriculture-provides-support-other-service-members
|
Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached this reporting period was mostly beginning or aspiring veteran farmers with under 10 years of farming experience, some cash or credit limitations, and travel and time constraints. Due to the online nature of accessing our programs, some of the participants were from across the country, with the majority of them located within the Midwest, 3/4ths were from Nebraska. Changes/Problems:When we started planning for our third year of classes, we had to modify our monthly schedule to one that had more classes in the late winter, and less in the busy growing season, and to accommodate for the project end date in August. This approach worked well, and we were able to have consistent in person attendance, and consistent views on the videos we posted after the classes. This was a great solution until our participants hit the busy growing season, at that point we worked with the farmer to discuss moving dates as needed. We had intended to have mostly Nebraska/Iowa participants, but found that we were getting folks from all over the country. Most of them were from Midwestern states bordering Nebraska; however we had participation from coast to coast, north to south. Participant location did not influence our decisions, we were already recording activities held in-person and posting the videos for the rest of the participants to review within the Google Classroom. In year three, due to the presence of Avian Flu in the Midwest, more consideration, care and awareness was given to biosecurity. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 3, we conducted a class series, online and in person, with 11 educational opportunities, rotating between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm for production skills. Series Outline and Class Notes Year 3, Pastured Poultry Diversified Farming, hosted by Neal Family Farms Pre-Session: Get Familiar with Class Technology Date: Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 A step-by-step instructions and walk-through. Lots of screen-sharing, answering questions related to Google Classroom, audio/video, accessing files, adding their info to the contact sheet. (Optional Session) FEB 22nd Farm Dreams and Land Access Business Class Date: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 A visioning class walking through their farm goals through 2 different exercises. Land Access options and strategies followed the exercises. We also introduced our host farmer, Martin Neal. FEB 25th Equipment and Facilities Production Class Date: Saturday, February 25th, 2023 A tour of Neal Family farm with emphasis on their facilities, the equipment used, and buildings utilized. MAR 1st Holistic Goal Setting with integration of enterprises emphasized Business Class Date: Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 Participants were walked through several goal setting exercises and put into breakout rooms to share with small groups. Homework sheets were provided prior to the class. Participants filled them out and class instructors commented on them with helpful resources and recommendations when appropriate. MAR 8th Budgets, Recordkeeping, USDA Programs Business Class Date: Wednesday, March 7th, 2023 Presentations about USDA resources and how to access them followed by a discussion with current farmers and aspiring farmers. Participants were walked through an enterprise budget, and had a presentation on "Egg-o-nomics" MAR 15th Market Selection and Marketing Business Class Date: Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 Presentations about Marketing strategies, Market selection, and Market considerations with a discussion about different marketing strategies used by our host farms, farmer leaders, and participants. We had pre and post work posted to guide the participants'experience and planning MAR 22nd Insurance and Legal Considerations Business Class Date: Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 Three videos were made available to class participants via the online classroom. Legal Aid also provided one on one technical assistance to any class participant. They had 25 instances of technical assistance to veterans, with some participants accessing the assistance more than once. MAY 6th, Coop and Pasture Set up Production Class Date: Saturday, May 6th, 2023 Martin Neal, Neal Family Farms, showed us how they prepare for chickens, how they set up their coop and best practices for pasturing poultry. JUN 24th Collecting, Cleaning, and Packing Eggs Production Class Date: Saturday, June 24th, 2023 Martin Neal, Neal Family Farms, discussed collecting, cleaning and packing eggs. Participants were able to use the egg washing machine, candling station and pack eggs in the refrigerated coolers. JUL 22nd Grazing System, Feeding for Production Production Class Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2023 Martin Neal, Neal Family Farms, discussed their grazing system, plant selection within the pasture, and shared what they feed for egg production. Participants were able to mix and grind feed based on Pierson's Square. AUG 26th Winter Marketing, delivery and facilities preparation Production Class Date: Saturday, August 26th, 2023 Martin Neal, Neal Family Farms, demonstrated how he would prepare the coop for winter. Participants were able to see the material and help winterize one section. We then took it down, as it was still summer. Winter markets and delivery considerations were also discussed. From our evaluation data we were able to glean the following information: Of the items that were asked about, most leaned towards positive responses, though participants' confidence in their ability to use what they had learned was almost evenly split between "A little confident" and "Somewhat confident," and the questions about whether each session had helped themidentify land access paths was the only question to where a participant used the lowest possible response of "Not at all." Participants were more likely to either agree or strongly agree that sessions were wellorganized, the visual aspects of the sessions were helpful, and that the examples used in the sessions were relevant. Things that participants liked the most from these sessions were the variety of people in the industry, and the sense that the sessions built upon each other so participants could start implementing what they had learned immediately. Things that were mentioned when asked what the participants liked least were that one person felt some of the sessions were "a little redundant or repetitive" and that the sessions were on Wednesdays which clashed with other commitments. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We will be keeping the Google Classroom that stores the resources and the videos active so that we can share the class with future participants who are interested in egg production. A series of blogs on participants and farmer leaders werereleased within Nebraska. We have also published 4 blogs/case studies that share more veteran farmers and their operations on our blog, as well as have been picked up by local papers near to at least 1 farmer we featured. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is our last year of this particular project. Next year we will be working within this sector on agritourism.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
16 Aspiring or Beginning Veteran farmers registered for the class series on poultry farming. Of the 16, 11 completed the majority of the sessions (more than 50% of the classes). They participated in 6 classes dealing with pastured poultry production business classes, with an emphasis on specific business operations, planning, and decisions. They also participated in 5 classes focused on seasonal production activities. We were able to meet on-farm for most of the production classes, and we made video recordings available. Kits or materials were provided so participants could participate in activities on the farm. We had presentations and/or participation from UNL Extension, Agrability, and Legal Aid of Nebraska. We were able to connect participants to their local USDA offices. We also provided one on one personal technical assistance through our staff, UNL extension staff, and Legal Aid Staff. We had 33 technical assistance sessions, some participants utilized more than one session. Topics ranged from debt management, cash flow, budgeting, transition planning from both an owner and person who would inherit the land, production assistance, enterprise budgeting, beginning farmer programs through USDA and conservation considerations and planning.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
https://www.cfra.org/blog/workshops-offer-military-veterans-chance-explore-agriculture-discover-resources
https://www.cfra.org/blog/hendls-take-advantage-center-veteran-farming-workshops-networking-opportunities
https://www.cfra.org/blog/couple-designs-their-dream-farm-direction-veteran-focused-workshops-0
https://www.cfra.org/blog/military-veteran-pursues-agriculture-provides-support-other-service-members
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached this reporting period was mostly beginning or aspiring veteran farmers with under 10 years of farming experience, some cash or credit limitations, and travel and time constraints. Due to the online nature of accessing our programs, half of the participants were from across the country, with the majority of them located within the Midwest, half were from Nebraska, or right across the river in Iowa. Changes/Problems:When we started planning for our second year of classes, we had to modify our month schedule to one that had more classes in the late winter, and less in the busy growing season. This approach worked well, and we were able to have consistent in person attendance, and consistent views on the videos we posted after the classes.This was a great solution until our participants hit the busy growing season. We had intended to have mostly Nebraska/Iowa participants, but found that we were getting folks from all over the country. Most of them were from Midwestern states bordering Nebraska; however we had participation from coast to coast, north to south. Participant location did not influence our decisions, we were already recording activities held in-person and posting the videos for the rest of the participants to review within the Google Classroom. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 2, we conducted a class series, online and in person, with 12 educational opportunities, rotating between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm for production skills. Series Outline and Class Notes Year 2, Pastured Pork Diversified Farming, hosted by Anchor Meadow Farm Pre-Session: Get Familiar with Class Technology Date: Monday, February 7th, 2022 A step-by-step instructions and walk-through. Lots of screen-sharing, answering questions related to Google Classroom, audio/video, accessing files, adding their info to the contact sheet. (Optional Session) FEB 14th Equipment and Facilities Production Class Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021 A tour of Anchor Meadow farm with emphasis on their facilities, the equipment used, and buildings utilized. FEB 21st Farm Dreams and Land Access Business Class Date: Monday February 21, 2022 A visioning class walking through their farm goals through 2 different exercises. Land Access options and strategies followed the exercises. FEB 28th Holistic Goal Setting Business Class Date: Monday, February 28, 2022 Participants were walked through several goal setting exercises and put into breakout rooms to share with small groups. Homework sheets were provided prior to the class. Participants filled them out and class instructors commented on them with helpful resources and recommendations when appropriate. MAR 7th Budgets, Recordkeeping, USDA Programs Business Class Date: Monday, March 7th Presentations about USDA resources and how to access them followed by a discussion with current farmers and aspiring farmers MAR 14th Market Selection and Marketing Business Class Date: Monday, March 14th, 2022 Presentations about Marketing strategies, Market selection, and Market considerations with a discussion about different marketing strategies used by our host farms, farmer leaders, and participants. We had pre and post work posted to guide the participants' experience and planning MAR 21st Insurance and Legal Considerations Business Class Date: Monday, March 21st, 2022 Three videos were made available to class participants via the online classroom. Legal Aid also provided one on one technical assistance to any class participant. They had 27 instances of technical assistance to veterans, with some participants accessing the assistance more than once. MAR 28th Business Plan walk through and Technical Assistance Business Class Date: Monday, March 28th, 2022 Demo: Business Plan tool walk through Participants are guided through a business planning tool made available by the University of Minnesota, Agplan. A farmer who has used the tool was on hand to answer any questions. APR 4 Farrowing and Setting up Nursery Facilities Production Class Date: Monday, April 4th, 2022 Anchor Meadow Farmers showed us how they prepare for farrowing pigs, how they set up their nursery and best practices for farrowing. JUNE 6th Handmating, Genetics, and Piglet Care Production Class Date: Monday, June 16th, 2022 Time: 6-7:30 pm Central Anchor Meadow Farmers discussed what they look for when considering handmating, the genetics they want to foster, and what care piglets need at different stages of growth. August 1st Grazing System, Feeding for Weight and Production Production Class Date: Monday, August 1st, 2022 Anchor Meadow Farmers discussed their grazing system, plant selection for growth within the pasture, and shared what they feed for weight gain. SEPT 5th Loading out, working with a butcher Production Class Date: Monday, September 5th, 2022 Anchor Meadow Farmers demonstrated how they load out pigs to go to the butcher, what equipment they use to load out, and what they look for in a butcher. They discussed when they use a USDA certified butcher and when they use a local processor. They also shared about their herd share program. OCT 17th Wagon Wheel Grazing System (Optional) Production Class Date: October 17th, 2022 Wagon Wheel Grazing System Participants were able to visit another farm, north of our host farm, to see a different grazing system and a different breed of pig. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We will be keeping the google classroom that stores the resources and the videos active so that we can share the class with future participants who are interested in pork production. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next six months we will be promoting and conducting our third series which will be focused on diversified poultry production. We will be releasing the third case study as part of our promotional activities. In the second six months we will be holding our classes, providing technical assistance, and surveying our participants.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
30 Aspiring or Beginning Veteran farmers registered for the class series on vegetable farming. Of the 30, 20 completed the majority of the sessions (more than 50% of the classes). They participated in 6 classes dealing with pastured pork production business classes, with an emphasis on specific business operations, planning, and decisions. They also participated in 6 classes focused on seasonal production activities, one class was optional. We were able to meet on-farm for most of the production classes, and we made video recordings available. Kits or materials were provided so participants could participate in activities on the farm. We had presentations and/or participation from UNL Extension, Agrability, and Legal Aid of Nebraska. We were able to connect participants to their local USDA offices. We also provided one on one personal technical assistance through our staff, UNL extension staff, and Legal Aid Staff. We had 35 technical assistance sessions, some participants utilized more than one session. Topics ranged from debt management, cash flow, budgeting, production assistance, enterprise budgeting, beginning farmer programs through USDA and conservation considerations and planning.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached this reporting period was mostly beginning or aspiring veteran farmers with under 10 years of farming experience, some cash or credit limitations, and travel and time constraints. Due to the online nature of accessing our programs, participants were from across the country, with the majority of them located within the Midwest. Changes/Problems:When we started planning for our first year of classes, we had to modify our plan to follow health and safety guidelines for COVID-19. We were already planning a hybrid, online and in person class schedule, but needed to shift to fully online. We made the decision to create a live-stream video of the class from the host farm, sending out packages to enable hands-on instruction and participation. In the first class, we found out that we could not overcome the barrier of unreliable internet service even with hot spots providing additional access. We then decided on a format with pre-recorded short videos that the host farmer (in a live video meeting) could introduce during class and then be available to answer participants' questions. This was a great solution until our participants hit the busy growing season. Many of our participants were beginning farmers in their first few years of production, and/or had young families, so they experienced schedule conflicts with the classes. We started to see participation drop off at this time, but kept in contact with participants, trying different ways to still get them the information and materials. We were able to track online views of the class videos and could follow up with participants who had questions. These strategies both indicated that we still had folks engaging with the material. We were able to host one in-person class with hands-on experiences. We then had to go back online due to spikes in COVID-19. Our host farm also made the difficult decision to close up a majority of its business, a farm-to-table restaurant. We postponed the last on-farm class to allow them to arrange business affairs. We intend to film and post the final vegetable enterprise on-farm session and schedule one-on-one business plan reviews. We had intended to have mostly Nebraska/Iowa participants, but found that we were getting folks from all over the country. Most of them were from Midwestern states bordering Nebraska; however we had participation from coast to coast, north to south. This did cause some confusion with time zones, and limited the in-class interactions we might have had with in-person classes. Participant location did influence some of our decisions, mainly to record any activities held in-person and to post the videos for the rest of the participants to review within the Google Classroom. We had presentations prepared that focused on Nebraska's growing zone, but had to expand it to be more inclusive of other growing situations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 1, we conducted a class series, primarily online, with 11 educational opportunities, rotating monthly between online classrooms to teach business skills, and on-farm videos for production skills. We recommended pandemic health and safety precautions and moved most of our activities online. We were able to meet in person, with protocols in place, only once. Series Outline and Class Notes Year 1, Diversified Vegetable Production, hosted by Lakehouse Farm Pre-Session: Get Familiar with Class Technology Date: Thursday, January 28, 2021 Time: 7-8pm Central A step-by-step instructions and walk-through. Lots of screen-sharing, answering questions related to Google Classroom, audio/video, accessing files, adding their info to the contact sheet. (Optional Session) JAN Farm Dreams and Land Access Business Class Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central A visioning class walking through their farm goals through 2 different exercises. Land Access options and strategies followed the exercises. FEB Beginning of the Growing Season Production Class Date: Saturday, February 27, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Demo: Season Starting, Seed Starting Hands-on toolkits including seeds, a soil mix, biodegradable pots, Building a Sustainable Business book, a Multitool, and notebook were sent to all participants. A video demo was conducted live at the host farm, and shared via Zoom. MAR Holistic Goal Setting Business Class Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Participants were walked through several goal setting exercises and put into breakout rooms to share with small groups. Homework sheets were provided prior to the class. Participants filled them out and class instructors commented on them with helpful resources and recommendations when appropriate. APR Planting and Early Season Field Prep Production Class Date: Saturday, April 24, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Demo: Planting and Early Season Field Prep Videos were filmed prior to class and shown in class with the host farmer answering questions. UNL Extension Educator provided supplemental presentations. MAY Budgets, Recordkeeping, USDA Programs Business Class Date: Saturday, May 22, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Presentations about USDA resources and how to access them followed by a discussion with current farmers and aspiring farmers. JUNE Prep for Farmers Market & Wholesale Production Class Date: Saturday, June 26, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Demo: Market Preparation Videos were filmed prior to class and posted online, an informal meet-up was hosted between the host farmer and participants to answer questions. JULY Market Selection Business Class Date: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Videos were filmed prior to the class and were posted. We interviewed our host farmer and had supplemental information from a small market Extension specialist. We had pre and post work posted to guide the participants' experience and planning. AUG Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling Production Class Date: Saturday, August 28, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Demo: Harvesting, Post-Harvest Handling This was our only in person class, ? s of the Nebraskan participants made it to the class with their families. Proper social distancing and health safety requirements were observed. Participants were able to participate in harvesting, post harvest handling and a seasonal lunch with the harvested ingredients. SEP Insurance and Legal Considerations Business Class Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Presentation from the host farmer was pre-filmed and uploaded. Participants were asked to submit questions prior to filming date for the host farmer to answer. This alternative style of class was utilized because participation started to wane due to seasonal activities and the fluctuating schedule of participants. OCT End-of-Season Wrap-Up Production Class Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Demo: Season Extension, Soil Prep The host farm made the decision to go out of business this month so postponed this month's session. The topic will be filmed and posted by December 2021. NOV Business Plan Delivery & Next Steps Business Class Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021 Time: 2-4pm Central Due to participants' requests, individual meetings to go over business plans and enterprise budgets will be scheduled as follow up. Videos on legal considerations, succession planning, and business considerations were posted. Follow-up legal and business technical assistance sessions were offered. Three participants scheduled appointments. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We will be keeping the google classroom that stores the resources and the videos active so that we can share the class with future participants who are interested in diversified vegetable production. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next six months we will be promoting and conducting our second series which will be focused on diversified pork production. We will be releasing the second case study as part of our promotional activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
20 Aspiring or Beginning Veteran farmers registered for the class series on vegetable farming. Of the 20, 15 completed the majority of the sessions (more than 50% of the classes). They participated in 6 classes dealing with vegetable operation-specific business operations, planning, and decisions. They also participated in 5 classes focused on seasonal production activities. Since we could not meet on-farm for most classes, video recordings and kits or materials were provided so participants could view the activities in real time, or could conduct some activities at home. We had presentations and/or participation from UNL Extension, Agrability, and Legal Aid of Nebraska. We were able to connect participants to their local USDA offices.
Publications
|
|