Progress 01/01/24 to 12/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited resource farmers (SLRFs), as well as farm families. Generally, SLRFs have relatively low sales, smaller farm sizes than average, minimal awareness of USDA programs, and relatively limited managerial skills, and are specifically targeted by the USDA for program assistance, because of their lack of accessibility to resources, among other characteristics. They need special assistance. Changes/Problems:Problems Recruiting producers: As indicated earlier, beginning 2024, we had 37 producers/participants, respectively, 22 in WABB and 15 in ECABB. However, during the year, WABB increased to 24 producers, and at the fourth workshop, the number increased to 25. Thus, we ended the year with, 40 producers, respectively, 25 producers for WABB and 15 producers for ECABB. Challenges with attendance: There were challenges with attendance at workshops; part of this is attributed to the status of the producers. Most of them are part-time farmers and they attend to other interests elsewhere, and sometimes this makes it difficult to attend workshops. Further, other nonwork obligations conflicted with workshop times. Challenges with implementing pre-tests and post-tests: As mentioned earlier, there were challenges in getting high responses to the pre-and post-tests because of the poor attendance at the workshops as well as technical challenges; in particular, with ECABB workshops. Changes Based on the above, (1) we will encourage participants to attend the workshops and complete the pre-and post-tests in Year 5, 2025. We indicated that we would use a face-to-face format in Year 4. However, we were only able to do so in WABB, but not in ECABB because the producers there indicated that they preferred the online format. We intend to use an online format only in Year 5 to conduct the workshops; however, if necessary, go onsite. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?(1) The students had the opportunity to learn about research in real time, especially developing an Introduction, literature review, data collection, and data analyses. (2) Several of the Team members attended the 82nd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference to network and exchange ideas about research and outreach based on experiences from the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The working paper is available to those interested in the subject matter. Also, the two theses mentioned in the 2023 report are slated to be posted online via the Digital Commons Platform, under the Tuskegee University Scholarly Publications path; also, available on the Tuskegee University Libraries website to be shared with the global community. Additionally, the two theses being worked on currently, alluded to above will be posted online later via the Digital Commons Platform. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to focus on publishing papers and conducting specialized workshops.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
(A) Meetings There were several meetings to discuss the progress of the project. (B) Recruiting Producers (1) General Summary At the beginning of the year, we had thirty-seven (37) producers. At the end of the year, we had 40 producers. However, not all the producers participated in a workshop at a given time. (2) West Alabama Black Belt (WABB) Twenty-five (25) producers participated from WABB: 17 males and 8 females; 25 Blacks and 0 from other races. (3) East Central Alabama Black Belt (ECABB) Fifteen (15) producers participated from ECABB: 12 males and 3 females; 15 Blacks and 0 from other races. (C) Workshops (1) General Summary There were eight (8) workshops: four (4) in WABB and four (4) in ECABB. All the workshops in WABB were conducted in person and all the workshops in ECABB were conducted virtually (via Zoom). Also, at the beginning of each workshop at WABB, a pre-test was conducted, and at the end of each workshop, a post-test was conducted, respectively, pre-tests and post-tests 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. However, for ECABB, there was an online technical glitch so, although the tests were uploaded each time, the participants could not access them. (2) WABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Monday, April 8, 2024, the workshop series for Year 4 began in person in WABB (that is, Sumter County and surrounding counties). The workshop focused on marketing plans. Five (5) contacts were made; Race: 5 Blacks; Gender: 1 male, 4 females. The reason for the unusually poor attendance is that several of the farmers went to another meeting. We were not informed about the other meeting until we got to the site. (ii) On Monday, May 13, 2024, the second workshop was conducted in WABB; however, one female participant was online. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets and pest management in crops; specifically, vegetables. Four (4) contacts were made; Race: 4 Blacks; Gender: 2 males, 2 females. (iii) On Monday, June 10, 2024, the third workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Nine (9) contacts were made; Race: 9 Blacks; Gender: 5 males, 4 females. (iv) On Monday, July 8, 2024, the fourth workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on financial ratios. Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 14 Blacks; Gender: 10 males, 4 females. Note: The total number of workshop contacts for WABB was 32. (v) On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, three of the team members made a farm visit to Alpine, Talladega County to observe and assess how the meat goat and vegetable producer, alluded to in the 2023 report, was doing and to provide technical assistance, an additional objective of the project. Overall, the producer is doing well; however, she needs assistance with labor. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 0 male, 1 female. (vi) Again, on Friday, July 26, 2024, the same team members made a farm visit to the participant producer referred to above as a follow-up visit. She stated that she had 22 goats: 1 buck; 3 young males; 6 does, and 12 nannies as well as 1 ram. She explained that she would have had 23 goats as one vanished recently without a trace. Thus, she indicated that she needed cameras to closely monitor the goats. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 0 male, 1 female. Note: The total number of non-workshop contacts for WABB was 2. Note: The total number of contacts for WABB was 34 (32 + 2). (3) ECABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the workshop series for Year 4 began in ECABB (that is, Lowndes County and surrounding counties). The workshop focused on marketing plans and food safety regarding vegetable production. Ten (10) contacts were made; Race: 10 Blacks; Gender: 7 males, 3 females. (ii) On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the second workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets and crop pest management. Twelve (12) contacts were made; Race: 12 Blacks; Gender: 9 males, 3 females. (iii) On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the third workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Eleven (11) contacts were made; Race: 11 Blacks; Gender: 8 males, 3 females. (iv) On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the fourth workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on financial ratios. Eleven (11) contacts were made; Race: 11 Blacks; Gender: 8 males, 3 females. Note: The total number of workshop contacts for ECABB was 44. (v) On Thursday, June 13, 2024, a select group of team members made a farm visit to Eufaula, Barbour County, to ascertain how the landowner, alluded to in the 2023 report, is managing his property/land (300 acres), an Agritourism venture, called Ted's Forestry Resort. He also grows vegetables. Several things were discussed: (1) The official grand opening is scheduled for October 2024; (2) conducting research on the Hawthorn plant and the Saw Palmetto plant; (3) conducting soil analysis; (4) setting up cottages for grilling and a pavilion for events; and (5) other activities such as bird watching, hiking, and biking. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 1 male, 0 female. (vi) Again, on Friday, August 16, 2024, the same team members made a farm visit to the participant producer/landowner referred to above as a follow-up visit. The producer/landowner has started building the pavilion on his Agtourism site. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 1 male, 0 female. (vii) Yet again, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the same team members made a farm visit to the participant producer/landowner referred to above. In this case, it was a workshop/Seminar on the topic: "Hawthorn Heritage: Cultivating Native Varieties for Sustainable Forestry and Agriculture." Several persons attended this event, including assistance providers and other producers/landowners; there were 28 attendees; but specifically for the project, one (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 1 male, 0 female. Note: The total number of non-workshop contacts for ECABB was 3. The total number of contacts for ECABB was 47 (44 + 3). Additional Note: The total number of workshop contacts for WABB and ECABB was 76 (32 + 44). The total number of contacts for WABB and ECABB was 81 (34 + 47). Overall, attendance at the workshops was not that high, especially for WABB, and the results for the pre- and post-tests were even lower (based on the technical glitches that we had with ECABB). If all producers had participated in each workshop, we would have had at least 157 (97 + 60) contacts (i.e., WABB: 24 producers x 3 workshops = 72; WABB: 25 x 1 workshop = 25 [72 + 25 = 97], and ECABB: 15 producers x 4 workshops = 60). The 76 workshop contacts resulted in an overall workshop rate of 48% (76/157), a relatively low contact rate. (D) Data Collected for Year 3 (1) The data for Year 3, 2023, (a) incentives and their effects on producers, and (b) usage of the SPMs were collected in the first quarter of Year 4, 2024, and are being analyzed. (2) The follow-up data for Year 3, 2023, were collected in the third quarter of Year 4, 2024. These data will be analyzed later. (3) These formats will be used to collect data for Year 4. However, for Year 5, the data collection methods will be modified.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/23 to 12/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited resource farmers (SLRFs), as well as farm families. Generally, SLRFs have relatively low sales, smaller farm sizes than average, minimal awareness of USDA programs, and relatively limited managerial skills, and are specifically targeted by the USDA for program assistance, because of their lack of accessibility to resources, among other characteristics. They need special assistance. Changes/Problems:Problems Recruiting producers: It was a challenge recruiting additional producers in ECABB; however, the situation greatly improved in WABB, respectively, 15 versus 24; dropped to 23 for WABB because of sudden death. Challenges with attendance: There were challenges with attendance at workshops; part of this is attributed to the status of the producers. Most of them are part-time farmers and they attend to other interests elsewhere, and sometimes this makes it difficult to attend workshops. Challenges with implementing pre-tests and post-tests: As mentioned earlier, there were challenges in getting high responses to the pre-and post-tests because of the poor attendance at the workshops as well as technical challenges. Changes Based on the above, (1) we will try our best to encourage participants to attend the workshops and complete the pre-and post-tests in Year 4, 2023. We indicated that we would use a face-to-face format in Year 3. However, we were only able to do so in WABB, but not in ECABB because the producers there indicated that they preferred the online format. Although several of them attended the workshops, the percentages ranged from 53 to 73%. Additionally, the pre-and post-test completion rates were lower. Therefore, we will have to use hardcopy methods in Year 4 for ECABB; hopefully, this will work! What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-(1) The students had the opportunity to learn about research methodology in real time, especially developing literature reviews and data analyses. (2) Also, the first and second graduate students defended their theses and completed all their requirements for the M.S. degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics. (3) Several of the Team members attended the 81st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference to network and exchange ideas about research and outreach. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-We have published two articles, respectively, in the Professional Agricultural Workers Journal and the International Journal for Economics, Commerce, and Management, based on Year 1 (2021) data. These two journals are widely read by communities of interest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-We plan to repeat Years 1, 2, and 3 activities since we are dealing with a panel data situation. In other words, we plan to conduct workshops, collect data, perform analyses, do some report writing, publish articles in journals, and present results from Years 1, 2, and 3. Thus, accomplishing aspects of the goal and objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
(A) Meetings There were three (3) major meetings by project personnel (plus other meetings) from January to December to discuss and strategize the implementation of the project. (B) Recruiting Producers (1) General Summary Thirty-seven (39) producers participated in the project. However, by the middle of 2023, we had a total of 38 producers because 1 producer passed on in July of 2023. (2) West Alabama Black Belt (WABB) Twenty-four (24) producers participated from WABB: 17 males and 7 females; 23 Blacks and 1 White. (3) East Central Alabama Black Belt (ECABB) Fifteen (15) producers participated from ECABB: 12 males and 3 females; 15 Blacks and 0 Whites. (C) Workshops (1) General Summary There were eight (8) workshops: four (4) in WABB and four (4) in ECABB. All the workshops in WABB were conducted in person and all the workshops in ECABB were conducted virtually (via Zoom). Also, generally, at the beginning of each workshop, a pre-test was conducted, and at the end of each workshop, a post-test was conducted, respectively, pre-tests and post-tests 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. The exception was workshop 3, where pre-tests 4 and 5 and post-tests 4 and 5 were conducted. There were problems with doing selected pre- and post-tests, especially for ECABB because of technical challenges. (2) WABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Monday, April 10, 2023, the workshop series for Year 3 began in person in WABB (that is, Sumter County and surrounding counties). The workshop focused on marketing plans. Two (2) contacts were made; Race: 2 Blacks; Gender: 1 male, 1 female. The reason for the unusually poor attendance is that most of the farmers went to Mobil for a farmers' conference. We were unaware until we got to the site. (ii) On Monday, May 8, 2023, the second workshop was conducted in person in WABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets and crop pest management (specifically, Management of Stored Food Product Pests or Managing Pests of Food Products in Storage). Ten (10) contacts were made; Race: 10 Blacks; Gender: 7 males, 3 females. (iii) On Monday, June 12, 2023, the third workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Seven (7) contacts were made; Race: 7 Blacks; Gender: 3 males, 4 females. (iv) On Monday, July 10, 2023, the fourth workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on financial ratios. Nine (9) contacts were made; Race: 9 Blacks; Gender: 4 males, 5 females. Note: The total number of workshop contacts for WABB was 28. (v) On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, a couple of team members made a farm visit to Alpine, Talladega County to observe and assess how one of the participants (a meat goat and vegetable producer) was doing and to provide technical assistance, an additional objective of the project. Overall, the producer is doing well; however, a few of her meat goats were killed by wild dogs. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 0 male, 1 female. (vi) Again, on Friday, July 28, 2023, the same team members made a farm visit to the participant producer referred to above as a follow-up visit. She indicated that she indicated that a coyote came and attacked and killed one of the goats. She likely has an issue with predators, even though she has guard dogs. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 0 male, 1 female. Note: The total number of non-workshop contacts for WABB was 2. Note: The total number of contacts for WABB was 30. (3) ECABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Thursday, April 20, 2023, the workshop series for Year 3 began in ECABB (that is, Lowndes County and surrounding counties). The workshop focused on marketing plans, and organic crop/vegetable production (specifically, "Insect Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Production Systems"). Ten (10) contacts were made; Race: 10 Blacks; Gender: 7 males, 3 females. (ii) On Thursday, May 18, 2022, the second workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets and crop pest management (specifically, Management of Stored Food Product Pests or Managing Pests of Food Products in Storage). Ten (10) contacts were made; Race: 10 Blacks; Gender: 7 males, 3 females. (iii) On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the third workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Eight (8) contacts were made; Race: 8 Blacks; Gender: 6 males, 2 females. (iv) On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the fourth workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on financial ratios. Eleven (11) contacts were made; Race: 11 Blacks; Gender: 8 males, 3 females. Note: The total number of workshop contacts for ECABB was 39. (v) On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, a couple of team members made a "farm" visit to Eufaula, Barbour County, to ascertain how a landowner is managing his property/land (300 acres) based on Agtourism, including, (1) Agtours; (2) forest therapy; (3) birdwatching; (4) fitness trail (biking); and (5) Gardening: vegetables and fruit trees. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 1 male, 0 female. (vi) Again, on Thursday, August 10, 2023, the same team members made a "farm" visit to the participant producer referred to above as a follow-up visit. The producer is at an advanced stage of completing the central office building on his Agtourism site. He told of his intent to practice forest management, which he had already started doing. One (1) contact was made; Race: 1 Black; Gender: 1 male, 0 female. Note: The total number of non-workshop contacts for ECABB was 2. The total number of contacts for ECABB was 41. Additional Note: The total number of workshop contacts for WABB and ECABB was 67 (28 + 39). The total number of contacts for WABB and ECABB was 71 (30 + 41). Generally, attendance at the workshops was not that high, and the results for the pre- and post-tests were even lower (especially for ECABB). If all producers had participated in each workshop, we would have had at least 156 contacts (i.e., WABB: 24 producers x 4 workshops = 96, and ECABB: 15 producers x 4 workshops = 60). The 67 workshop contacts bring the contact rate achieved to 43% (67/156), a relatively low contact achievement; the overall 67 workshop contacts bring the overall contact rate achieved was 46% (71/156), also, a relatively low contact achievement. (D) Other Activities (1) The electronic versions of the recordkeeping templates alluded to in Years 1 and 2 reports, respectively, the marketing plan, cash flow budget, economic records, financial statements, financial ratios, and examples of financial ratio calculations, were distributed to participants on jump drives. For WABB participants, the templates were distributed at the beginning of their workshops, while for the ECABB participants, the templates were distributed at the end of their workshops. (2) From July to December, several members of the project team provided technical assistance to the producers regarding SPMs and other aspects of agricultural production. (E) Data Collected for Year 1 and Year 2 (1) The data for Year 1, 2021, (a) incentives and their effects on producers, and (b) usage of the SPMs were collected in the first quarter of Year 2, 2022, and some have been analyzed and published. (2) The follow-up data for Year 1, 2021, were collected in the third quarter of Year 2, 2022. The data will be used by a student for his or her thesis. (3) The data for Year 2, 2022, (a) incentives and their effects on producers, and (b) usage of the SPMs were collected in the first quarter of Year 3, 2023, and are being analyzed. (4) The follow-up data for Year 2, 2022, were collected in the third quarter of Year 3, 2023. These data will be analyzed later. (5) These formats will be used to collect data for Year 3 and Year 4.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
(1) Tackie, D.N.O., Youssouf Diabate, Franklin Quarcoo, Nar Gurung, George Hunter, Pamela Madzima, Nora Gogo-Kumi, Mamnenge Gbim-Gbande, and Eunice K. Waweru. (2023). Relationships among Incentives, Recordkeeping Propensity, and Selected Factors of Small Producers in the Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties. Professional Agricultural Workers Journal 9 (2): 50-61.
(2) Tackie, D.N.O., Youssouf Diabate, Franklin Quarcoo, Nar Gurung, George Hunter, Pamela Madzima, Nora Gogo-Kumi, Eunice K. Waweru, and Mamnenge Gbim-Gbande. (2023). An Assessment of the Responses of Small Farm Producers on the Use of Supporting Production Mechanisms in the Alabama Black Belt. International Journal of Economics, Commerce, and Management 11 (9): 227-247.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
(1) An Analysis of the Status of Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties by Mamnenge Gbim-Gbande.
(2) The Impact of Training in Financial Basics on Small Farm Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties by Eunice K. Waweru.
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Progress 01/01/22 to 12/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited resource farmers (SLRFs), as well as farm families. Generally, SLRFs have relatively low sales, smaller farm sizes than average, minimal awareness of USDA programs, and relatively limited managerial skills, and are specifically targeted by the USDA for program assistance, because of their lack of accessibility to resources, among other characteristics. Changes/Problems:Problems Recruiting producers: It was a challenge recruiting additional producers in ECABB; however, the situation greatly improved in WABB. Challenges with attendance: There were challenges with attendance to the workshops. This may be due to the weak and erratic signals of the Internet in the rural areas of Alabama. Challenges with implementing pre-tests and post-test: There were also challenges in getting high responses to the pre-and post-tests online. Once again, this may be tied to accessibility to continuous Internet service in rural areas. Changes Based on the above, (1) we hope to recruit 4 more producers in Year 3 to hit the 40-producer target as originally intended; (2) we intend to move to a fully face-to-face workshop format in Year 3, 2023. It is expected that the face-to-face format will improve attendance and responses to the pre-and post-tests. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-(1) The students had the opportunity to learn about research methodology in real-time, especially developing a literature review and data analyses. (2) Also, the first graduate student presented her second seminar regarding the findings of her research. (3) Several of the Team members attended the 80th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference to network and exchange ideas about research and outreach. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-Nothing has been disseminated yet to the broader communities of interest. However, since the data are being analyzed and several papers are being developed, it is anticipated that in Year 3, 2023, the results of the project, at least Year 1, will be shared in several conferences and/or meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-We plan to repeat Years 1 and 2 activities since we are dealing with a panel data situation. In other words, we plan to conduct workshops, collect data, perform analyses, do some report writing, and present results from Years 1 and 2. Thus, accomplishing aspects of the goal and objectives.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
(A) Meetings There were five (5) meetings by directors and/or advisory board members from January to December to discuss and strategize the implementation of the project. (B) Recruiting Producers (1) General Summary Thirty-seven (37) producers participated in the project. (2) West Alabama Black Belt (WABB) Twenty-two (22) producers participated from WABB: 17 males and 5 females; 21 Blacks and 1 White. However, by the end of 2022, we had a total of 36 producers because 1 producer passed on in November 2022. (3) East Central Alabama Black Belt (ECABB) Fifteen (15) producers participated from ECABB: 12 males and 3 females; 15 Blacks and 0 Whites. (C) Workshops (1) General Summary There were eight (8) workshops: four (4) in WABB and four (4) in ECABB. All the workshops (except one) were conducted virtually (via Zoom) as a precaution against the Covid-19 pandemic. (2) WABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Monday, April 4, 2022, the workshop series for Year 2 began in WABB (that is, Sumter County and surrounding counties). The workshop focused on marketing plans, and vegetable production (specifically, "Cucurbit Disease Management"). Six (6) contacts were made; Race: 6 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 4 males, 2 females. Pre-test 2 was done before the workshop and post-test 2 was done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. The pre-and post-test covered only marketing plans. (ii) On Monday, May 2, 2022, the second workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets, and an aspect of livestock production (specifically, "Relationship between Nutrition and Reproduction"). Nine (9) contacts were made; Race: 8 Blacks, 1 White; Gender: 7 males, 2 females. Pre-test 3 was done before the workshop and post-test 3 was done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iii) On Monday, June 6, 2022, the third workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Ten (10) contacts were made; Race: 10 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 7 males, 3 females. Pre-tests 4 & 5 were done before the workshop and post-tests 4 & 5 were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iv) On Monday, July 11, 2022, the fourth workshop was conducted in person at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Rural Training Center, Epes, Sumter County, Alabama. The workshop focused on financial ratios, as well as the next steps. Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 13 Blacks, 1 White; Gender: 11 males, 3 females. Pre-test 6 was done before the workshop and post-test 6 was done after the workshop. Note: The total number of contacts for WABB was 39. (3) ECABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Monday, April 21, 2022, the workshop series began in ECABB (that is, Lowndes County and surrounding counties). This workshop also focused on marketing plans, and vegetable production (specifically, "Cucurbit Disease Management"). Seven (7) contacts were made; Race: 7 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 5 males, 2 females. Pre-test 2 was done before the workshop and post-test 2 was done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (ii) On Monday, May 19, 2022, the second workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets, and an aspect of livestock production (specifically, "Relationship between Nutrition and Reproduction"). Seven (7) contacts were made; Race: 7 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 5 males, 2 females. Pre-test 3 was done before the workshop and post-test 3 was done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iii) On Thursday, June 16, 2022, the third workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on economic records and financial statements. Five (5) contacts were made; Race: 5 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 3 males, 2 females. Pre-tests 4 & 5 were done before the workshop and post-tests 4 & 5 were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iv) On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the fourth workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on financial ratios, as well as the next steps. Six (6) contacts were made; Race: 6 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 4 males, 2 females. Pre-test 6 was done before the workshop and post-test 6 was done after the workshop. Note: The total number of contacts for ECABB was 25. The total contacts for WABB and ECABB were 64 (39 + 25). (D) Other Activities (1) We collected baseline data through a baseline survey for the new producers who joined the project in 2022. Breakdown: WABB: Eight (8) surveys received; ECABB: Zero (0) surveys received. (2) Hard copies for templates of supporting productions mechanisms [SPM] (economic, marketing, and financial), namely, A Guide to a Successful Marketing Plan for Limited Resource Farmers, cash flow budget version 2, farm [economic] record book, financial statements, financial ratios, and examples of ratio calculations, each, were distributed to participants after each workshop. (3) The development of the electronic versions of the templates was continued; financial ratios and examples of financial ratio calculations were completed within the first two quarters of 2022. All the electronic versions of the templates were downloaded onto jump drives in the third quarter. These will be distributed to all producers in the first quarter of Year 3, 2023. (4) From July to December, several members of the project team provided technical assistance to the producers regarding aspects of agricultural production. (E) Data Collected for Year 1 (1) The following data were collected for Year 1, 2021, in the first quarter of Year 2, 2022: (a) incentives and their effects on producers, and (b) usage of the supporting production mechanisms (SPM). These data are being analyzed. This same format will be used to collect data for Year 2 in the first quarter of 2023. (2) The follow-up data for Year 1, 2021, were collected in the third quarter of Year 2, 2022. These data are also being analyzed. This same format will be used to collect data for Year 2 in the first quarter of 2023. (F) Journal Article The foundational journal article to the project was published in the Journal of Agricultural Science. The full citation is provided: Tackie, D.N.O., K.N. Jones, F.A. Quarcoo, G.J. Johnson, J. Moore, and A. Elliott. (2022). "Effects of selected characteristics on general and financial record keeping practices of small producers in South Central Alabama." Journal of Agricultural Science 14 (7): 15-35. (G) Graduate Student Research The first and second graduate students alluded to in the Year 1 report continued with their theses. Respectively, the titles are: (a) "An Analysis of the Status of Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties"; and (b) "The Impact of Training in Financial Basics on Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties."
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Tackie, D.N.O., K.N. Jones, F.A. Quarcoo, G.J. Johnson, J. Moore, and A. Elliott. (2022). Effects of selected characteristics on general and financial record keeping practices of small producers in South Central Alabama. Journal of Agricultural Science 14 (7): 15-35.
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Progress 01/01/21 to 12/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and limited resource farmers (SLRFs), as well as farm families. Generally, SLRFs have relatively low annual sales, smaller farm sizes than average, minimal awareness of USDA programs, and relatively limited managerial skills, and specifically targeted by the USDA for program assistance, because of their lack of accessibility to resources, among other characteristics. Changes/Problems:Changes/Problems Problems -Recruiting producers: It was a challenge recruiting the producers. The team expected to recruit 20 producers each for WABB and ECABB. However, by July 2021, it had recruited 14 producers for WABB and 15 small producers for ECABB; efforts will be on-going to hit the target of 20 in each zone in 2022. -Recruiting project associate: Recruiting the Project Associate was a challenge. We went through the process and recruited a project associate in April of 2021, but the individual decided not accept the position because of personal reasons. We had to start the process afresh, and finally selected and offered the position to the selected candidate in August of 2021. This affected the administrative and support aspects of the project. -Challenges with implementing pre-tests and post-tests: We started implementing the pre- and post-tests face-to-face (via hard copy); however, this proved difficult due to the pandemic, and the nature of the small producer being time constrained. We tried using Zoom polling as one of the Directors suggested and that did not work out well, as responses were "mixed up together." We moved then to Microsoft forms; that appears to be working well; however, it turned out not all the participants were participating in taking the pre- and post-tests. Due to the challenges, data collection was not that impressive in Year 1. We are yet to see what happens in Year 2, when we actually start collecting recordkeeping data for Year 1. -Workshops: Workshops switched from in-person to virtual (zoom) because of COVID-19, as a precaution. -Challenges with producers accessing Internet easily: Some producers had challenges accessing the Internet easily because they reside in rural areas of the study area. Although most of them grasped the main content of the workshops, still some had challenges with some aspects because of the unreliable access. This challenge is beyond the scope of the project. We hope that in 2022, conditions regarding COVID-19 will ease such that we can have in-person interactions regarding the workshops. Changes Based on the above, (1) we hope to improve on recruiting to get to the 20 producers for each area as originally intended; (2) we intend to encourage participants to complete the pre- and post-tests electronically (we will have to give the face-to- face [hard copy] as an option). As indicated earlier, we may change the workshops from virtual to in-person, or at least hybrid format. It all depends on the on the COVID situation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-Nothing yet for opportunites and professional development since this is the first year of the project. It is hoped that in Year 2 such opportunities will be available. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-No results have been disseminated yet. -The bulk of the first set of data (that is, data farmers entered into their templates for Year 1) will be collected in Year 2, and then analysis of that data will be done leading to some dissemination to communities of interest. -Additionally, the data collected during the Year 1 workshops will be analyzed in Year 2, and also reported. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-We plan to repeat Year 1's activities in Year 2 since we are dealing with a panel data situation (that is, conduct additional/similar workshops). Also, we plan to collect data, perform data analysis, and some report writing to present results from Year 1. Thus, accomplishing aspects of the objectives
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
(A) Meetings There were seven (7) meetings by directors and/or advisory board members from January to December to strategize about implementation and discuss progress of project. (B) Recruiting Producers (1) General Summary By June 30, 2021, 29 producers had been recruited. It was quite challenging to recruit the producers. When producers realized they had to complete W-9s to receive research treatments/incentives, several of them were hesitant. (2) West Alabama Black Belt (WABB) Fourteen (14) producers were recruited; 11 males and 3 females; 13 Blacks and 1 White (3) East Central Alabama Black Belt (ECABB) Fifteen (15) producers were recruited; 12 males and 3 females; 15 Blacks and 0 Whites (C) Workshops (1) General Summary There were eight (8) workshops: four (4) in WABB and four (4) in ECABB. All the workshops were conducted virtually (via Zoom) as a precaution because of the Covid-19 pandemic. (2) WABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Monday, June 14, 2021, the workshop series began in WABB (that is, Sumter County and surrounding counties). This workshop focused on enterprise budgets and marketing plans. Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 13 Blacks, 1 Whites; Gender: 11 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 1&2) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 1&2) were done after the workshop, using hard copy format. (ii) On Monday, July 19, 2021, the second workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on cash flow budgets and farm economics. Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 13 Blacks, 1 Whites; Gender: 11 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 3&4) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 3&4) were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iii) On Monday, August 9, 2021, the third workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on financial statements and financial ratios, as well as vegetables (specifically, "Production, Pest Management, and Food Safety"). Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 13 Blacks, 1 Whites; Gender: 11 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 5&6) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 5&6) were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iv) On Monday, September 13, 2021, the fourth workshop was conducted in WABB. The workshop focused on an aspect of livestock production (specifically, "Beef Cattle, Nutrition, and Feeding"), as well as on omnibus view of the workshops; that is, on marketing, economic and financial aspects of the workshops in a holistic manner, including the next steps. Fourteen (14) contacts were made; Race: 13 Blacks, 1 Whites; Gender: 11 males, 3 females. (3) ECABB Workshops Breakdown (i) On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the workshop series began in ECABB (that is, Lowndes County and surrounding counties). This workshop also covered enterprise budgets and marketing plans. Fifteen (15) contacts were made; Race: 15 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 12 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 1&2) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 1&2) were done after the workshop, using hard copy format. (ii) On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the second workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop covered cash flow budgets and farm economics. Fifteen (15) contacts were made; Race: 15 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 12 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 3&4) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 3&4) were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Zoom polling]; however, we could not access the responses because they were "mixed up" and we could not separate and/or decipher them. (iii) On Thursday, August 19, 2021, the third workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop covered financial statements and financial ratios, as well as vegetables (specifically, "Production, Pest Management, and Food Safety"). Fifteen (15) contacts were made; Race: 15 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 12 males, 3 females. Pre-tests (pre-tests 5&6) were done before the workshop and post-tests (post-tests 5&6) were done after the workshop, using soft copy format [Microsoft forms]. (iv) On Thursday, September 16, 2021, the fourth workshop was conducted in ECABB. The workshop focused on an aspect of livestock production (specifically, "Beef Cattle, Nutrition, and Feeding"), as well as on omnibus view of the workshops; that is, on marketing, economic and financial aspects of the workshops in a holistic manner, including the next steps. Fifteen (15) contacts were made; Race: 15 Blacks, 0 Whites; Gender: 12 males, 3 females. (D) Other Activities (1) Collected baseline data through baseline survey Breakdown WABB; Ten (10) surveys received ECABB; Six (6) surveys received (2) Hard copies for templates of supporting productions mechanisms [SPM] (economic, marketing, and financial) were completed, and printed in hard copy at the press. The templates were marketing plan (A Guide to a Successful Marketing Plan for Limited Resource Farmers), cash flow budget, cash flow budget Version 2], farm [economic] record book, financial statements, financial ratios (Financial Ratios Made Simple: The Series Version 2), and examples of ratio calculations (Examples of Financial Ratio Calculations). These were distributed to producers after each workshop. Specifically, after workshop 1, the marketing plan was given out; after workshop 2, the cash flow budget, the cash flow budget Version 2, and the farm record book were given out; and after workshop 3, the financial statements book and financial ratios book were given out. After workshop 4, it was detected that although the financial ratios books were given out, examples of actual calculations were not given out, so the template on the examples of financial ratio calculations were developed, printed and distributed to participants. (3) Also, the electronic versions of the templates were initiated by having several meetings with the consultant. The electronic versions completed were the marketing plan, farm economic record book, cash flow budget, cash flow budget Version 2, and financial statements. The electronic versions of financial ratios and examples of financial ratio calculations will be developed first quarter of 2022. (E) Hiring of Project Associate (1) General Summary On August 12, 2021, and a candidate was selected; the selected, and started work on Monday, September 27, 2021. (2) Breakdown The project associate is to participate in the implementation of research activities and development of educational resources on profitability and viability of small and limited resource farmers; participate in recruiting and training of farmers on profitability and viability issues; coordinate various training workshops and seminars; compile project reports and develop the journal and other articles, including technical reports, on profitability and viability accurately and in a timely manner; participate in project evaluation activities; participate in scheduled and unscheduled observation visits and respond positively to suggestions for improvement; and carry out other relevant activities as directed by the supervisor. (F) Recruiting of Graduate Student A graduate student was recruited in fall 2021to assist with the project, with full tuition and work study/student wages. Another graduate student was recruited in fall 2021to assist with the project, with no tuition and wages from the project. However, would gain materially from the project. She has funding from another source. The first graduate student's thesis is titled: "An Analysis of the Status of Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties." The second graduate student's thesis is titled: "The Impact of Training in Financial Basics on Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties."
Publications
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