Progress 09/15/20 to 09/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis: · African American · Hispanic or Latino · Small farms · Specialty crop producers · Urban producers Participants Served: Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 382 Actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started Farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Improved farming success: Target - 500, Actual - 668 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 97 Total Meeting Participants: 970 Total Webinars: 10 Total Webinar Participants: 492 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 60 Meetings 1/30/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/6/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/20/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/13/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 11/14/2020: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 11/28/2020: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 8/21/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 8/28/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 2/27/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 4/8/2021: Vernon, CO -- Number of Attendees 5 6/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 9/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 3/8/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/22/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/26/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 6/14/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 6/28/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/4/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 5/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 6/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 7/1/2021: Woodstock, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/21/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: North Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/8/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Farmington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/7/2021: New Milford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/23/2021: Falls Village, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Ellington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 5/18/2021: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/1/2021: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/8/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/20/2021: Pawcatuck, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Southbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Roxbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Barkhamsted, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Colebrook, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Canaan, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Norwich, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/9/2021: Middletown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/21/2021: Newtown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/6/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: Moosup, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/28/2021: Mosher, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/11/2021: Sharon, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 12/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 35 3/19/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 3 3/26/2022: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 51 4/2/2022: Meriden, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/8/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 4/8/2022: Glastonbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 30 2/17/2022: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 2/17/2022: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/12/2022: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/5/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 11/13/2021: Storrs, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/4/2021: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 12/11/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 7/16/2022: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 7/23/2022: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 8/27/2022: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 8/20/2022: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 10/8/2022: Quaker Hill, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 10/16/2022: Cheshire, CT -- Number of Attendees 53 10/19/2022: Canaan, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 10/22/2022: Farmington, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 10/29/2022: Columbia, CT -- Number of Attendees 9 11/12/2022: New Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 63 11/19/2022: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 13 11/19/2022: East Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 12/3/2022: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 12/4/2022: Franklin, CT -- Number of Attendees 40 1/7/2023: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 1/21/2023: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 45 1/28/2023: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 2/11/2023: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 14 2/25/2023: Rockille, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/11/2023: Middletown, CT -- Number of Attendees 38 3/23/2023: Windsor, CT -- Number of Attendees 25 4/22/2023: Morris, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 5/7/2023: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 37 7/16/2023: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 30 7/29/2023: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 40 Webinars 2/23/2021: Number of Attendees 74 3/11/2021: Number of Attendees 56 4/6/2021: Number of Attendees 36 2/16/2021: Number of Attendees 38 2/15/2022: Number of Attendees 85 2/10/2022: Number of Attendees 30 1/25/2022: Number of Attendees 85 1/13/2022: Number of Attendees 45 2/27/2023: Number of Attendees 25 3/9/2023: Number of Attendees 18 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We generated communication graphics that were distributed through our program listserv (Solid_Ground_Farmer_Trainings-L@uconn.edu) as well as project partners. Promotion materials in year 3 include: Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Series Flyer 2022-2023 AgroEcology Training SeriesFlyer - Spring 2023 Getting To The Root Video series - promotional graphic Farmland Mixer promotional graphic- Dec 2022 Farmland Mixer promotional graphic - Jan 2022 Farmland Mixer promotional graphic - Apr 2022 Urban Toolshed Listening Sessions - promotional graphic Urban Farming Trainings - promotional graphic Urban Farming Flyer What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
By our Final project. year, UConn Extension's Solid Ground Program accomplished these OUTCOMES: Through our Agriculture Mechanic Training Series that featured 20 hands-on trainings held over 3 years, 95% of all participants (n=205) reported increased understanding of cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics needed to repair or build infrastructure on the farm. Through post-surveys conducted 6 months after the training, we were able to verify 67% hadapplied cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics to repair or build infrastructure on the farm. Through our Agro-Ecology Training Series that featured 8 trainings held over 3 years (including 6 field days), 92% of all participants (n=319) reporteda better understanding of best practices for small farm enterprises and 87% reported deciding to implement a new best practice on their farm (e.g. soil health, IPM, no-till). Through our Farmland Mixers that featured 6 events held over 3 years in partnership with Land For Good and CT FarmLink to help farmland owners and farmland seekers network with each other and improve BF farmland access, 89% of all participants (n=235) reportedincreased understanding of where to find farmland for purchase or leasing, or how to make their farmland available to farmland seekers. 77% of all participants reportedtheyplan to increase their use of a featured resource (e.g. CT FarmLink, one-on-one t.a. from a land use specialist, NRCS Soil Survey). Through our Farmer Circles, coordinated in partnership with New CT Farmer Alliance and CT Northeast Organic Farming Association, we successfully coordinated 10 peer-learning circles (such as BIPOC Affinity Farmer Circle, Crop Planning Farmer Circle, Black Woman Wellness Farmer Circle, Farm Financials Farmer Circle). In our evaluation, 90% of all participantsreported (n=202) the experience interacting with peers inthe Farmer Circle helped them form new, supportive peer-to-peer relationships. Through our delivery ofOne-on-One Consultationsfor Beginning Farmers we reached a total of 124beginning farmers over 3 yearswith six coaches/experts who delivered direct one-on-one consulting on their farms plus follow up. 81% of participants reported increasing their understanding of conservation practices and 40% decided to implement new conservation practices on their farm. 40% of participantsincreased their understanding of integrated pest and disease management, and 35% decided to apply best practices in integrated pest and disease management (32%). Through our delivery of Urban Farming Trainings, in partnership with the I Got Next Farmer Coalition, we reached a total of 65 unique urban BF over 3 years through 12 half-day events in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford. Exit surveys showed that 89% of participants gained an increased understanding of urban farm production systems and 92% reported an increase in their peer farmer network as a result of participating. We designed and delivered anew online course with 12 modules in our final project yearcalled Soil Health and Climate Adaptation Strategies. 30 students successfully completed the course. Of these, 98% reported an increased understanding of soil health and 85% reported a commitment to applying new skills in soil health through an end-of-course evaluation. After 3 years, our project had assembled a new library of videos for BF. Tracking on the number of views for these videos is ongoing. Our new videos include: Getting To The Root Video Series (6 videos), featuring new farmer entrepreneurs who can share their business knowledge producers oflivestock, value-added value products, ethnic crops, indoor hydroponics, and cut flowers. DIY Farm Infrastructure Video Series (28 videos), featuring short lessons on how farmers can build wash stations, coolbots, grow in small spaces, implement season extension, humane animal handling, plus farm hack tools. · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, for a second year in a row in 2023 wedistributed CT-Grown lumber, along with soil & compost mix to construct 86 urban productionbeds in Bridgeport (19), New Haven (36), and Hartford (31). These arein addition to the 90 urban production beds distributed in 2022.Each year, 27urban BFreceived lumber for 3 beds 4' x 8', brackets, plus 2 cubic yards of soil/compost mix to build new productions beds or replace production beds. 100% of recipients increased their capacity for urban production with these resources supplied through the Supplemental BFRDP funds. · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, we distributed small stipends to farmers for the purchase of seeds, tools, and other farm inputs. We distributed $24,509 to 12 beginning farmers in 2023. We distributed $69,000 to 42 farmers in 2022. We visited nearly all stipend recipients for an in-person farm visit to discuss how the stipend had impacted their operation. 82% of farmers we visited reported the purchases they made with the stipend had helped them implement a practice on the farm that contributed to their farm viability. · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, we establishedtwo Shared Equipment Libraries in partnership with Keney Park Sustainability Project (Hartford) and Green Village Initiative (Bridgeport). These are located in Hartford (hosted by Keney Park Sustainability Project) and in Bridgeport (hosted by Green Village Initiative). Therealimpact of these two libraries will bemeasured in the future (since they were completed in August 2023).
Publications
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Progress 09/15/21 to 09/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis · African American · Hispanic or Latino · Small farms · Specialty crop producers · Urban producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 382 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started Farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Improved farming success: Target - 500, Actual - 382 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 76 Total Meeting Participants: 471 Total Webinars: 8 Total Webinar Participants: 449 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 1/30/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/6/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/20/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/13/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 11/14/2020: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 11/28/2020: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 8/21/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 8/28/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 2/27/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 4/8/2021: Vernon, CO -- Number of Attendees 5 6/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 9/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 3/8/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/22/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/26/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 6/14/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 6/28/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/4/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 5/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 6/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 7/1/2021: Woodstock, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/21/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: North Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/8/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Farmington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/7/2021: New Milford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/23/2021: Falls Village, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Ellington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 5/18/2021: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/1/2021: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/8/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/20/2021: Pawcatuck, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Southbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Roxbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Barkhamsted, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Colebrook, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Canaan, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Norwich, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/9/2021: Middletown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/21/2021: Newtown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/6/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: Moosup, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/28/2021: Mosher, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/11/2021: Sharon, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 12/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 35 3/19/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 3 3/26/2022: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 51 4/2/2022: Meriden, CT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/8/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 4/8/2022: Glastonbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 30 2/17/2022: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 2/17/2022: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/12/2022: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/5/2022: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 11/13/2021: Storrs, CT -- Number of Attendees 15 12/4/2021: Nonnewaug, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 12/11/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 7/16/2022: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 7/23/2022: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 8/27/2022: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 8/20/2022: Bridgeport, CT -- Number of Attendees 12 Webinars 2/23/2021: Number of Attendees 74 3/11/2021: Number of Attendees 56 4/6/2021: Number of Attendees 36 2/16/2021: Number of Attendees 38 2/15/2022: Number of Attendees 85 2/10/2022: Number of Attendees 30 1/25/2022: Number of Attendees 85 1/13/2022: Number of Attendees 45 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Series - Winter 2020 Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Series - Spring 2021 Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - AgroEcology Trainings Poster - Spring 2021 Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Farmland Mixer 1 - Feb 2021 Farmland Seekers/Farmland Owners Solid Ground - Farmland Mixer #2 - April 2021 Farmland Seekers/Farmland Owners Solid Ground - Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford (Aug 2021) Urban Growers Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - Promotional Graphic Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - Promotional Graphic (spanish) Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - detailed flyer Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Farmer Circles detail flyer (spansih) Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Free Consultations - landing page Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - Home page for all programming at UConn Extension Beginning Farmers Solid Ground - AgroEcology Trainings Flyer - Spring 2022 New and Beginning Farmers in CT Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Flyer 2022-2023 New and Beginning Farmers in CT Getting To The Root - promotional graphic New and Beginning Farmers in CT Farmland Mixer promotional graphic - Jan 2022 New and Beginning Farmers in CT Urban Toolshed Listening Sessions - promotional graphic New and Beginning Farmers in CT Farmland Mixer promotional graphic - Apr 2022 New and Beginning Farmers in CT Urban Farming Trainings - promotional graphic New and Beginning Farmers in CT What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Upcoming Steps: · Implement fall 2022 Urban Farming training New Haven and 2023 Urban Farming Trainings in Hartford and Bridgeport · Finalize and release four Getting To The Root videos · Plan and host four Getting To The Root webinars featuring farmer panels · Plan and implement year 6 Agriculture Mechanic hands-on trainings · Plan and implement year 3 AgroEcology webinars · Host two final Farmland Mixers · Plan and implement year 3 Farmer Circles, and add Grow Together Nites per adjustment with New CT Farmers Alliance · Implement online certificate course in Soil Health & Climate Adaptation by early 2023 · Implement the2023 Free Consultations Program for BF · Produce and distribute 6 DIY Farm Infrastructure videos · Supplemental Award - Distribute Farmer Stipends (pending 2023) · Supplemental Award - Set up 2 Shared Equipment Pools (aka Urban Toolsheds) · Supplemental Award - Distribute lumber and compost - Round 2 in 2023
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In our second project year, the Solid Ground Program accomplished the following: · We hosted seven trainings as part of our Agriculture Mechanic Series, in partnership with Rockville Agri-Science Technology High School and Nonnewaug Agri-Science Technology School. Our trainings reached 65 total unique participants. These Year 2 trainings included: Chainsaw Safety & Skills for women, Small Engine Breakdown and Assembly, Field Irrigation, Advanced Welding using Metal Inert Gas Methods, Power Tools & Carpentry Basics for Farmers (twice), and a Tractor Implement Workshop. · We hosted three trainings as part of our AgroEcology Series. Our trainings reached 148 total unique participants. The Year 2 trainings were: On Farm Composting (virtual), No Till Farming (in the field training), Ecological Growing (in the field training). · We continued to host Farmer Circles to foster peer-to-peer learning. This work is conducted in partnership with New CT Farmer Alliance and CT Northeast Organic Farming Association. The 7 Farmer Circles for year 2 were: Crop Planning, BIPOC Affinity Circle, Food Sovereignty, Farm Financials, Farmer Wellness, Cooperative Farming, and Farming on Stolen Land. · We hosted two Farmland Mixers (one was virtual, one in person) for farmland seekers and farmland owners with 75 unique participants. This work is conducted in partnership with Land For Good. · We completed two new videos as part of our Getting To The Root series, featuring entrepreneurs of livestock and cut flower production. We also hosted two webinars associated with each of the videos, with farmer panelists to discuss the business of farming livestock (35 participants) and cut flowers (85 participants). · We hosted seven full dayUrban Farming Trainingsthat took place in Hartford (2 days in June 2022), Bridgeport (2 days in October 2021 and 2 days in August 2022), and New Haven (1 day in Nov 2021). These trainings reached a total of 123 participants. This work is conducted in collaboration with urban farmers/experts of the I Got Next Coalition. · We continued to organize One-on-One Consultations for Beginning Farmers. In Summer 2022, we reached 46 beginning farmers with five coaches/experts who delivered direct one-on-one consulting on their farms plus follow up. · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, we distributed $69,000 in small stipends to 42 farmers for the purchase of seeds, tools, and other farm inputs. · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, wedistributed CT-Grown lumber, along with soil & compost mix, to 26 urban growers in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford.Each farmer received lumber for 3 beds 4' x 8', brackets, plus 2 cubic yards of soil/compost mix to build new productions beds or replace production beds. We also made progress on year 3 deliverables: · Using Supplemental BFRDP funds, we began planning for the launch of shared equipment libraries in Hartford and Bridgeport, two urban communities in CT. · We gathered video footage for our DIY Farm Infrastructure Series · We continued to assemble content to launch our online certificate course on Soil Health & Climate Adaptation (launching in Jan 2023) · We also shot video footage for two more Getting To The Root videos, this time featuring value-added production and ethnic crops production. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Advanced-level BF will increase their understanding of cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics needed to repair or build infrastructure on the farm Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety When measured: Post-training Estimated Number: 180, Actual Number: 117 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 2. Advanced-level BF that will apply cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics to repair or build infrastructure on the farm Producer action: Implement, Topic: Farm safety When measured: 6 months after training Estimated Number: 120, Actual Number: 78 How verified: Post-interview Result 3. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will understand best practices and options in vegetable/fruit pest & disease management Producer action: Understand, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: Post consultation Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 29 How verified: Consultant report to PI Result 4. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will apply new knowledge in vegetable/fruit pest & disease management Producer action: Implement, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: post-season Estimated Number: 55, Actual Number: 25 How verified: Post-interview Result 5. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will report understanding best practices in conservation Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: Post consultation Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 44 How verified: Consultant report to PI Result 6. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will apply new knowledge in conservation best practices Producer action: Implement, Topic: Conservation When measured: 6 months later Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 39 How verified: Post interview Result 7. As a result of participating in a Farmer Circle, BF will form new, supportive peer-to-peer relationships Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: End of Each Calendar Year Estimated Number: 200, Actual Number: 40 How verified: End of Year survey Result 8. Urban farmers will report gaining new knowledge in urban farming skills Producer action: Understand, Topic: Urban farming When measured: Post training Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 30 How verified: Digital survey Result 9. As a result of participating in an AgroEcology webinar, participants will report a better understanding of best practices for small farm enterprises Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management When measured: Post webinar Estimated Number: 80, Actual Number: 172 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 10. As a result of attending an AgroEcology webinar or training, participants will have decided to implement best practices on their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Soil management When measured: Post webinar Estimated Number: 55, Actual Number: 142 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 11. As a result of participating in a Farmland Mixer, participants will report new understanding of where to find farmland for purchase or leasing, or how to make their farmland available to farmland seekers. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Access to land When measured: Post event Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 139 How verified: Digital post evaluation Result 12. As a result of participating in a Farmland Mixer, participants will plan to increase their use of a featured resource (e.g. CT FarmLink, one-on-one t.a. from a land use specialist, NRCS Soil Survey). Producer action: Decide, Topic: Access to land When measured: Post event Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 121 How verified: Digital evaluation
Publications
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Progress 09/15/20 to 09/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis · African American · Hispanic or Latino · Small farms · Specialty crop producers · Urban producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 236 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 0, Actual - 0 Improved farming success: Target - 500, Actual - 236 Changes/Problems:When we submitted our proposal we had planned to deliver urban farming trainings in partnership with an entity in New Haven. By the time the project launched that entity had ended its services. We solicited for a new trainer(s) in urban farming and were very excited to be able to partner with the I Got Next Coalition (IGN) in Hartford which had just recently come into being. This new partnership with IGN has been a welcome opportunity to foster new collaboration with a team of urban farmers that bring unique skills and talents to training BF. Since our submission was early 2020,our proposal did not anticipate the heavy reliance we would need to place on virtual meetings due to COVID-19. To our surprise, the virtual meeting format was more effective than expected, even for opportunities that we thought required in person meetings, such as our Farmland Mixers. While we still place a high value on in-person contact with BF, our project was able to substitute virtual meetings most of the time without compromising the pace of our deliverables. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 60 Total Meeting Participants: 236 Total Webinars: 4 Total Webinar Participants: 204 Meetings: 1/30/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/6/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/20/2021: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/13/2021: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 11/14/2020: Rockville, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 11/28/2020: Woodbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 8/21/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 8/28/2021: Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 18 2/27/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 4/8/2021: Vernon, CO -- Number of Attendees 5 6/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 9/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 3/8/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/22/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/26/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 6 6/14/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 6/28/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 5 3/4/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/7/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 5/10/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 6/13/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 4 7/1/2021: Woodstock, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/21/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: North Haven, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/8/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Farmington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/7/2021: New Milford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/23/2021: Falls Village, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Ellington, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Bloomfield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: New Hartford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 5/18/2021: Suffield, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 6/17/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/1/2021: Danbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/8/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/20/2021: Pawcatuck, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Southbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/2/2021: Roxbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Barkhamsted, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Colebrook, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/13/2021: Canaan, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/2/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 9/7/2021: Norwich, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/27/2021: Simsbury, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Lebanon, CT -- Number of Attendees 2 7/9/2021: Middletown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/21/2021: Newtown, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/15/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/6/2021: Wallingford, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/22/2021: Moosup, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 7/28/2021: Mosher, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/11/2021: Sharon, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 8/9/2021: Coventry, CT -- Number of Attendees 1 12/12/2021: Vernon, CT -- Number of Attendees 35 Webinars: 2/23/2021: Number of Attendees 74 3/11/2021: Number of Attendees 56 4/6/2021: Number of Attendees 36 2/16/2021: Number of Attendees 38 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Series - Winter 2020 Event flyer to recruit Beginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/f193234a-6cc8-46f3-be2a-de08f0fc9b51.pdf Solid Ground - Ag Mechanics Training Series - Spring 2021 Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/3594b010-2f8f-4a07-950d-87fa81bb1cfa.png Solid Ground - AgroEcology Trainings Poster - Spring 2021 Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/486a94b5-412c-4c4c-a495-68be08871c00.png Solid Ground - Farmland Mixer 1 - Feb 2021 Event flyer to recruitFarmland Seekers/Farmland Owners -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/63653d3b-2c11-4d9a-8a95-fda7e2a40df8.png Solid Ground - Farmland Mixer #2 - April 2021 Event flyer to recruitFarmland Seekers/Farmland Owners -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/5d6edf60-86c9-491d-b6aa-56b2cf6e26bb.png Solid Ground - Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford (Aug 2021) Event flyer to recruitUrban Growers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/ddb691b6-41d1-4acd-a96d-e5d50f5f6a1e.png Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - Promotional Graphic Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/e1bbd7f1-c6ec-4804-adfe-d4f01ee2810b.png Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - Promotional Graphic (spanish) Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/cdd228bc-5882-429a-b844-cd94fa3b10e8.png Solid Ground - Farmer Circles - detailed flyer Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/af265144-28ef-42b2-922a-bfa19b678c78.png Solid Ground - Farmer Circles detail flyer (spansih) Event flyer to recruitBeginning Farmers -https://rvs.umn.edu/Uploads/PromotionalMaterials/2a768f3e-b888-44b3-8ea5-3ce7379bd383.png Solid Ground - Free Consultations - landing page Webpage to inform Beginning Farmers -https://newfarms.uconn.edu/consultations/ Solid Ground - Home page for all programming at UConn Extension Websiteto informBeginning Farmers -https://newfarms.uconn.edu/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In 2020-2021, we completed the following steps: · Capacity: Assembled 3 part time staff and engaged on payroll, set up 2 Consulting Contracts (Conservation Specialist, Video Producer), set up 4 Subaward Contracts (two Agri-Science High Schools and two producer organizations) · Communications: Refreshed Solid Ground program logo and content on newfarms.uconn.edu website, established workflow between PI, Project Co-Coordinators, and Communication Specialist · Evaluation: Set up evaluation protocol, develop template survey using Qualtrics · In partnership with Agri-Science High Schools, developed topics and schedule for Agriscience Trainings. Promoted trainings, gathered registration, implemented 6 trainings between Nov 2020 - March 2021 · Project team decided on topics for first round of AgroEcology training series, scheduled trainers, promoted trainings, gathered registration, implemented 2 webinars in Feb-March 2021 · Engaged video producer, identified first two subjects for New Entrepreneur video series, conducted video shoots. (First two videos to be released in Jan 2022.) · With New CT Farmer Alliance and CT NOFA, assembled a planning team for Farmer Circles, announced opportunity at Build Your Network, Grow Our Future in Dec 2020, surveyed farmers to select topics, recruited facilitators for each Farmer Circle, conducted training in facilitation skills, launched Farmer Circles, developed tracking systems for facilitators · Gathered footage for first DIY Farm Infrastructure video series on "Coolbot" construction · Project team met with Conservation Consultant over several months, along with UConn Online Course expert, to map out topics, resources, materials needed for new course in Soil Health and Climate Adaptation (to be offered in 2022) · Assembled planning team for Urban Farming activity, published RFP to recruit trainer, interviewed and selected trainer, developed plan for implementation in Summer/Fall 2021; first trainings in Hartford implemented in Aug 2021 · Assembled consultants for free consultation program, recruited 3 Extension Educators to participate in addition to two grant funded experts, launched sign up for BF, developed soil test option, promoted opportunity, monitored progress with consultants/experts, conducted debrief with all consultants in Aug and Sept 2021. In the coming year we will: · Implement fall 2021 Urban Farming trainings in Bridgeport and New Haven · Finalize and release first two New Entrepreneur videos, begin production of next two videos · Plan and host two New Entrepreneur webinars in tandem with the release of the videos · Plan and implement year 2 Agriculture Mechanic hands-on trainings · Plan and implement year 2 AgroEcology webinars · Plan and implement year 2 Farmer Circles, changed topics as necessary · Conduct evaluation scheduled for 6 months One-on-One consulting that took place in summer 2021 · Implement first 4 online modules for Soil Health & Climate Adaptation Course by spring 2022 · Set up and Launch the2022 Free Consultations Program for BF · Plan, strengthen, and implement Urban Farming Trainings for year 2 · Produce 2 or 3 additional DIY Farm Infrastructure videos · Supplemental Award - Distribute Farmer Stipends · Supplemental Award - Set up 3 Shared Equipment Pools · Supplemental Award - Distribute lumber and compost
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In our first project year, the Solid Ground Program accomplished the following: · In partnership with Rockville Agri-Science Technology High School and Nonnewaug Agri-Science Technology School we hosted sixAgriculture Mechanic Trainings with 52 total unique participants. These Year 1 trainings included: Chainsaw Safety & Skills, Basic Welding 101, Power Tool & Safety, Basic Electrical for 12-volt Systems, Small Engine Maintenance & Repair (4-Stroke), Basic Electrical (AC 120-volt residential wiring) · We hosted two AgroEcology Trainings. The Year 1 trainings were: To Till or Not To Till, and On Farm Composting. These two trainings reached a combined 84 unique participants. A third training was cancelled due to COVID safety concerns. · In partnership with New CT Farmer Alliance and CT Northeast Organic Farming Association, we launched a new Farmer Circles Program to foster peer-to-peer learning. This activity required the creation of a Farmer Circle Planning Team, as well as identifying Farmer Circle topics (e.g. farm financials), and recruiting Farmer Circle Leaders. In our first year of this innovative program there were 33 sign ups to join a circle.The seven Farmer Circles for 2021 were: Crop Planning, BIPOC Affinity Circle, Food Sovereignty, Farm Financials, Farmer Wellness, Cooperative Farming, and Accessing New Markets. · In partnership with Land For Good, we hosted two virtual Farmland Mixersfor farmland seekers and farmland owners with 52 unique participants. · In collaboration with urban farmers of the I Got Next Coalition, we organized and hosted two full day Urban Farming Trainings that took place in Hartford with 18 unique participants, with 3 more days planned in the fall of 2021 for Bridgeport and New Haven. · We launched a Free Consultation Program for Beginning Farmers in Summer 2021 with five coaches/experts and reaching more than 30 unique participants who received direct one-on-one consulting on their farms plus follow up. We also made progress toward the following digital deliverables, with final products scheduled for release in Year 2: · We hired a Video Producer to begin work on our New Entrepreneur Video Series. The first two videos (with six planned) were shot and edited during summer 2021. The first two featured farms/businesses are 1) BOTL Farm, a small mixed livestock operation in Ashford, CT; and 2) CT Flower Collective, with founder, Haley Billipp, of Eddy Farm in Newington, CT. · We gathered footage and edited video content for a DIY Farm Infrastructure Video Shorts. Our first selected topic was How To Build A Cool-Bot. · We began course development for an online 12-module Soil Health and Climate Adaptation Strategies Online Course. The featured trainer and staff outlined the course scope and modules, are reviewing existing PowerPoints and recorded presentations, and have begun shooting video footage to complement the lessons. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Advanced-level BF will increase their understanding of cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics needed to repair or build infrastructure on the farm Producer action: Understand, Topic: Farm safety When measured: Post-training Estimated Number: 180, Actual Number: 52 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 2. Advanced-level BF that will apply cost-saving skills in Agriculture Mechanics to repair or build infrastructure on the farm Producer action: Implement, Topic: Farm safety When measured: 6 months after training Estimated Number: 120, Actual Number: 42 How verified: Post-interview Result 3. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will understand best practices and options in vegetable/fruit pest & disease management Producer action: Understand, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: Post consultation Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 20 How verified: Consultant report to PI Result 4. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will apply new knowledge in vegetable/fruit pest & disease management Producer action: Implement, Topic: Pest, weed, and disease management When measured: post-season Estimated Number: 55, Actual Number: 15 How verified: Post-interview Result 5. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will report understanding best practices in conservation Producer action: Understand, Topic: Conservation When measured: Post consultation Estimated Number: 60, Actual Number: 20 How verified: Consultant report to PI Result 6. As a result of one-on-one t.a., early-stage BF will apply new knowledge in conservation best practices Producer action: Implement, Topic: Conservation When measured: 6 months later Estimated Number: 50, Actual Number: 15 How verified: Post interview Result 7. As a result of participating in a Farmer Circle, BF will form new, supportive peer-to-peer relationships Producer action: Implement, Topic: Interpersonal, family, and business relationships When measured: End of Each Calendar Year Estimated Number: 200, Actual Number: 25 How verified: End of Year survey Result 8. Urban farmers will report gaining new knowledge in urban farming skills Producer action: Understand, Topic: Urban farming When measured: Post training Estimated Number: 40, Actual Number: 15 How verified: Digital survey Result 9. As a result of participating in an AgroEcology webinar, participants will report a better understanding of best practices for small farm enterprises Producer action: Understand, Topic: Soil management When measured: Post webinar Estimated Number: 80, Actual Number: 24 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 10. As a result of attending an AgroEcology webinar or training, participants will have decided to implement best practices on their farm. Producer action: Decide, Topic: Soil management When measured: Post webinar Estimated Number: 55, Actual Number: 12 How verified: Digital evaluation Result 11. As a result of participating in a Farmland Mixer and receiving one-on-one t.a., BF will secure access to farmland Producer action: Implement, Topic: Access to land When measured: Post one-on-one meeting Estimated Number: 45, Actual Number: 0 How verified: Digital survey
Publications
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