Progress 05/01/23 to 04/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The overall goal of the Center for Farming Systems, Rural Prosperity and Economic Sustainability (CFSRPES) is for 1890 land grant universities (LGUs) to develop, leverage and share best practices, innovations, technologies and personnel across an 18-state region and address the profitability, sustainability and prosperity challenges of small farmers, ranchers and forestland owners (SFRLs), and targeted rural communities. Emphasis is placed on socially disadvantaged and underserved SFRLs and rural communities. CFSRPES uses an integrative research-education-Extension approach with multiple disciplinary, multi-university partnerships, private and public sector partnerships, to benefit and strengthen SFRLs and engage and educate students in the food, agricultural, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences at the 1890 LGUs.CFSRPES has five Thrust Area (ThA) teams with four to eight members per team from 19, 1890 LGUs. The ThA teams are farm commodities, processes and systems; ranch commoditiesprocesses and systems, forest commodities, processes and systems; value addedtechnology; and integrated environment and social impacts. All ThA teams include marketing and entrepreneurship components. Cross-ThA, International collaborations, and Rural Prosperity initiatives are encouraged. Changes/Problems:A new PD will assume leadership of CFSRPES. Walter Hill who served as PD since project inception in 2021 is retiring.Raymon Shange who has served as CFSRPES Co-PD since the project's inception, has been approved by Tuskegee University and USDA NIFA as the new PD. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Alabama A&M University (AAMU), ThA3:Students have been exposed to forestry technology through our forestry fairs and apprenticeship programs that demonstrate the use of new technology like data collectors, drones, and remote sensing. Students in the forestry capstone course are also using new data collection equipment to record and analyze their inventory data.TU in partnership withFVSU, DSU, and UMESreceived aCenter of Excellence grant for Poultry and Meat Processing Workforce Development funded by USDA NIFA ($2 Million).Since a pipeline with these institutions is established, program prototypes are being developed to ensure that students are competitive and successful. At TU students completed meat processing courses and were selected to participate in onsite workshops and internships sponsored by meat industry and government partners.Internships in the meat industry allowed students to gain insight into several fields within the industry. Students were involved during birth of the animals, growth, and animal management, post-harvest processing, and value-added product (meat) development. Thus, students will enter the workforce with the skills and perspective needed to succeed.The TU Future Farmers and Agricultural Specialist (2FAS) program, during 2020-24, engaged over 150 high school and college students in three (3) apprenticeship/training programs (Summer Agents, Carver Integrative Sustainability Center Summer Experience, and the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Intern Program).The first apprenticeship/training programs were 8-weeks and site specific. The current program was a year-long and at multiple TU service areas. Students worked alongside local farmers, extension agent professionals, agribusiness entrepreneurs, rural policy experts, natural resource professionals, and with the local Farmer's market, while gaining knowledge on small-scale farming techniques, sales, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GHP), soil and water conservation, and marketing.There were weekly workshops/seminars and mandatory certification courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Food Safety, and Sustainable Food Systems.As a result, 100 percent of the students gained knowledge of operating components of a food system and how these components can be influenced; 95% increased their knowledge in the use and application of GIS; and 82% indicated an increased likelihood to pursue a career in agriculture and related sciences.? Selected CFSRPES Student Development Mr. Michael Kennedy, AAMU, graduated and took a job with the US Forest Service.New students: Samuel Jeffers and Annabeth Defoe.Jorge Vera (Marshall University is completing a graduate degree, Joseph Hayslette - finished an internship). New students include Corey Foster, Haylee Skiles. 'FireDawgs' (undergraduate students) carried out longleaf pine planting and prescribed fire burns. ASU Students gained skills in preparation of microorganism culture medium and isolating and culturing clean mushroom isolates. They gained experience with Hands on mushroom cultivation, Timber Stand Improvement, and using waste woods for Shiitake logs. Students learned about the enormous opportunity woodland may offer for animal production and concomitantly managing the system better than not bringing the system under grazing at all. A graduate student from Tuskegee University presented his work on woodland-grazing research at the American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal science (ASAS-CSAS) Annual Meeting, June 26-30, 2022 and Canadian Society of Animal science (ASAS-CSAS) Annual Meeting, June 26-30, 2022. Six scholars (5 Master's and 1 Doctorate) were selected for participation in the first year of this Inter Institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS) program, hosted at UC Davis. The other 21 Carver scholars are awarded stipends to participate in the PAWC research competitions. A Summer experience was carried out for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. In this program, the students are placed with farmers, food entrepreneurs, Extension and Outreach, and University professionals while working on a summer long project that is directed at community development. A "Needs Assessment Survey" was conducted by an animal science graduate student. The results of the survey helped plan all of the educational opportunities that were provided to producers. Forty participants participated in the survey representing 3 states and 2 countries. The graduate student was responsible for recruiting and contacting each of the producers that completed the survey. Four new TU students worked on ThA1, ThA2, and ThA5 projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Workshops Conferences Videopresentations Zoommeetings/conferences YouTubepresentations Websites Formalcourses Certificatecourses Informalmeetings One-ononemeetings Peerreviewedpublications Professionalmeetingpresentations What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Each of the Theme Areas (ThA) has made progress in addressing the Center's purpose of developing, leveraging and sharing best practices, innovations, technologies and personnel across the 1890 Land Grant, 18 state region. The focus remains to address challenges of sustainability and profitability for socially disadvantaged and underserved farmers, ranchers and forest landowners and to enhance rural prosperity.CFSRPES will continue to use an interactive research-education-Extension approach with multidisciplinary university partnerships, private and public sector partnerships to benefit and strengthen SFRLs and engage and educate students in food, agricultural, natural resources and human (FANH) sciences. The plan of work for 2024 - 2025 will continue to use the five ThAs as the basic organizing units for the Center. Each participating university contributes unique information to each ThA. Several universities are involved in more than one ThA, based on their interests, and strengths. This phenomenon has strengthened the ThA outcomes and outputs as are enumerated in Table 2. In order to increase the these metrics of the CFSRPES, center leadership will meet with the ThA leadership in order to settle on shared measurable outcomes prior to application for the next round of awards. CFSRPES leadership will also continue to promote cross-thrust collaboration by establishing and continuing projects with other LGU bodies with specific programs (Association of Research Directorsand Multi-state Climate Project;Association of Extension Administratorsand the Multi-state Task Forces for ANR, CRD, FCS, and 4H Youth Development; as well as other entities such as the1890s SDFR Policy Center at Alcorn State University, theExtension Disaster Education Network, and theNational Extension Climate Initiative). CFSRPES will continue to strengthen and centralize certain multi-institution projects that have already been established as the Climate, Economic, Energy, and Environmental Justice Academy (Goals 2 and 5) will start its second cohort of training, the Future Farmers and Agricultural Specialists Program (Goals 3, 4, and 5) will expand to include 2 more CFSRPES institutions as host sites for interns, and the Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit will continue to be an outlet for Extension in Community and Economic Development amongst 1890 LGUs (Goals 2, 4, and 5). Additionally, the Meat and Poultry Processing Project (Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) is a collaboration of ThA 2 & 4 and includes about 9 institutions. This group has multiples sources of outside support with the opportunity for wide scale impact.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Farming Systems Florida A & M University (FAMU), ThA1conducted Food Hub Marketing and distribution demonstrations and evaluated economic feasibility and cost-effectiveness of facilitating schools as alternative market outlets for small farmers. Farm products were marketed to schools in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Corn cobettes, a value-added product, were used in the school lunch program. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), ThA1,small-producers used the followingto improve their operations: FSA Loan Programassisted 40 SDPs in obtaining $3.0 Million in loan funds. Emergency Relief Program assisted 200 SDPs in obtaining $2.0 million in ERP funds. Livestock Forage Program assisted 10 SDPs in obtaining $10,000 in funding. Environmental Quality Incentive Program assisted 45 producers in obtaining $1.2 million. Discrimination Financial Assistance Program assisted 450 SDPs with applications. Rural Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) a total of 182 black farmers signed up. Hemp seeds, 4 varieties fromKentucky State University (KSU)were planted at 67 kg/ha with 18 cm spacing between rows by collaborators atDSU, VSU, TUandCSUVarieties included two fiber varieties (MS77 and SS-Charlie), and a grain variety (NWG2730).New seed sources are being assessed for testing.. .In 2023, theLangston University (LaU),ThA2goat program received funds to eradicate briars, giant ragweed, common ragweed, and sumac vegetation while limiting the encroachment of Eastern red cedar. These efforts were successful in reducing harmful environmental impacts and recycling nutrients into the soil.A Research-Extension Goat working group led byLaUwithFAMU, FVSU, LaU, PVAMU, TSU, TU,andVSUheld annual sessions, and developed a Quality Assurance Program and an online certification site for meat and dairy goats. Mobile device usage increased to over 89,000. An 1890Beef Cattle Extension-Research working group, was established byPVAMU (lead),LaU, UMES, TSU, TU and FAMU and provided workshops for practitioners and producers.Workshops included Annual Beef Cattle Lunch & Learn Webinar Series, Chute Side Best Management, Herd Management, Beef Cattle Production & Management Virtual Program, Hybrid Beef Cattle Production & Pasture Management Following Drought, Cow Country Congress, and Beef Cattle Selection.All workshops resulted in 85+% Change in the Level of understanding.TU and FVSU jointly hosted aBeef Cattle Short Course. Participants received Beef Quality Assurance training, and information on marketing, grazing, herd health, and pasture health; 40 producersimplemented information they.. TheTSUbeef cattle herd of heritage Irish Dexter and rare Zimbabwean Mashona breeding stock(small stature).Hair shedding in Dexter cows impacts fertility and calf performance in the spring calving herd, andcrossbreeding with a Sanga (Mashona) breed can enhance performance.. A working relationship has been established between TSU and USDA-ARS to conserve and assess genetic diversity.West Virginia State University (WVSU), ThA5:???implementeduse of a drone trailer equipped with a spray/seeding drone and a mapping drone, 15 feet long, a generator to charge drone batteries, and spray tank and other equipmentWVSUreceived a Property Heirs grant fromthe Southern Rural Development Centerto work with beginning and continuing farmers.West Virginia State University Extension continued work on their garden series in two areas in 2024 which included calendar planning, seeding, transplanting, planting, and harvesting. VirginiaStateUniversity(VSU),ThA5,conducted outreach, training, and technical assistance and reached over 10,000 participants. These efforts included one-on-one on-the-farm visits, demonstrations, farm and marketing tours, mobile education unit, and workshops. VSU conducted 281 agricultural education workshops, on planning, production, marketing, value added, financial management, risk management, and climate smart practices. Respondent survey results indicated: 86, 77 and 63% of respondents, respectively, indicated that they applied the information learned at workshops, production and business improved, and farm income increased. VSUcreated and distributed 150 Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Kits and provided education on farm safety. DelawareStateUniversity(DSU),ThA4,empowered farmers on value-added meat fabrication by enabling farmers to engage in direct sales to consumers and adopt best practices for meat processing,.AgentsandproducersutilizedtheMobilMeatProcessingLab(MMPL)toincrease profits for farms with both poultry and small ruminant production.Collaboration between Delaware State University (DSU), GreenFin company, local agricultural stakeholders, and agencies facilitated knowledge transfer and skill-building among farmers and educators through a "Train the Trainer" approach and the introduction of the MMPL.North Carolina A & T State University (NCA&T), ThA5,and collaborators from NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and NRCS designed and created a series of videos to document small and minority farmer working relationships with NRCS. Socially disadvantaged producers, served as role models and mentors, shared their perspectives and experiences; and encouraged underserved producers to enhance profitability. Videos received up to 2500 views.NCAT has become a primary and popular training site for organic specialty crops in NC.support from a NRCS cooperative agreement and the CFSRPES (1890 COE) during the past year supported 60 workshops and demonstrations in organic specialty crops and conservation practices for over 1000 small-scale producers. Environmental Sustainability Alcorn State University (ASU), ThA3,collaboratedwith the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and the Mid-South Progressive Agricultural Group and increased mushroom production and consumption.Videos were effective in creating awareness on "How to Grow Shiitake Mushrooms Using Hardwood Waste" and focusing on the health benefits of mushroom consumption, timber stand improvement, and salvaging small hardwood logs for mushroom cultivation Fort Valley University (FVSU),ThA3,collaborated with National Wildlife Federation, Georgia Forestry Commission, National Fish and Wildlife Federation, and Georgia Wildlife Federation, The Longleaf Alliance and, USDA NRCS to restore 75 acres of FVSU forest land. This restoration effort was designed to enhance the participation of unserved, underserved and minority individuals in forestry and establish an educational forest for students, staff, extension agents, and landowners. The educational component included site evaluation, tree planting, and use of drones and computer software programs for evaluations and analyses. North Carolina A & T State University (NCA&T), ThA5,received a $1 million grant (C. Liang) to conduct research in support of the USDA AFRI Environmental Justice program. This project is assisting government agencies create innovative and integrated platforms to capture benefits across funding programs, focusing on undeserved communities. NCAT alsoreceived a grant, at $500,000 to offer experiential learning and training to NC K-12 teachers to enhance their curriculum design using agrosystem concepts. Alabama A&M University (AAMU), ThA3:AAMU Worked with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives to develop a sampling framework, initiate a social network analyses, and provide advise on managing pine forests for silvopasture, vegetation surveys, identification of invasive species and poisonous plants for goats and sheep; prescribed burnings on local landowners' properties; and advise on how to manage their forestland, and work with government agencies. In 2024, collaborators from TU, AAMU, UMES and VSU began weekly virtual information sessions Climate-Smart Agricultural projects.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension. 2023. State of African Americans in the Black Belt, Volume 2. pp. 63.
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Progress 05/01/22 to 04/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The overall goal of CISFRL is to develop and share best practices, innovations and technologies to better address the profitability and sustainability challenges and opportunities of SFRLs across an eighteen-state area and beyond. An integrative Research-Extension-Education approach is used to benefit and strengthen SFRLs and incorporate the collective learnings into food, agriculture, natural resources and health (FANH) sciences programs/curricula for students at the 1890 LGUs. Special focus is on historically disadvantaged SFRLs. Participating universities and abbreviations used throughout the report: are as follows: Alabama A&M University (AAMU), Alcorn State University (ASU), Delaware State University (DSU), Florida A&M University (FAMU), Fort Valley State University (FVSU), Kentucky State University (KSU), Langston University (LaU), Lincoln University (LiU), North Carolina A&T State University (NCATU), Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), South Carolina State University (SCSU), Southern University (SU), Tennessee State University (TSU), Tuskegee University (TU), University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Virginia State University (VSU) and West Virginia State University (WVSU). Changes/Problems:Forestry Systesm-AAMU: Collaboration with the University of Georgia on the USDA-AFRI project will significantly increase the reach of our results. Forestry Systesm-ASU: Outdoor hands-on mushroom cultivation training has increased small-scale farmers' knowledge of producing wine caps and oyster mushrooms. AAMU & FVSU: On-site forestry plots (identified with assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission) will serve as research and demonstration sites and will enhance the community-student outreach on drone technology study for mapping and forestry evaluation. WVSU: Established weather stations have assisted producers, weather watchers, and schools with monitoring microclimates and created working relationships with more stakeholders. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Goal 3. Increase educational opportunities for future SFRLs and agricultural specialists Forestry (ThA3) TheAAMUstudent wildfire team (the FireDawgs) and Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) conducted fire drills in a shortleaf-oak forest on Keel Mountain, Madison County. With assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission, on-site forestry plots that will serve as research and demonstration sites containing healthy pine and unhealthy (beetle-infested) pine trees were identified. The site will be used for data collection and community-student outreach on drone technology for mapping and forestry evaluation. Between May and October 2022, the WV Tree Minders program delivered over fifteen workshops and other stakeholder interactions, reaching more than 300 persons; over 200 were youth from a middle school that was introduced to tree identification during outdoor learning days. Three student interns were introduced to urban forestry as part of this program, and one is now seeking a graduate degree in the field. AAMU - Continued providing experiential learning: More students have gained skills in preparation of microorganisms' culture medium, isolating and culturing clean mushroom isolates such as Shiitake (Lentinula edodes); Nameko (Pholiota nameko); Blewit (Clitocybe nuda); Almond mushrooms (Agaricus subrufescens), and Wine cap (Stropharia rugosoannulata) and two oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus osterearus). Students: AAMU:Mr. Michael Kennedy graduated and took a job with the US Forest Service.New students: Samuel Jeffers and Annabeth Defoe. ASU:Derryin Stampley. WVSU:Jorge Vera (Marshall University - now completing a graduate degree), Joseph Hayslette (WVSU - finished internship). New students: Corey Foster (Glenville State University), Haylee Skiles (WVSU) Added Value (ThA4) TheTUCISC Summer Experience. In 2022, a total of 19 students completed the program (6 high schoolers from 3 counties; 10 undergraduates from 3 institutions; and 3 post-graduates). Recruitment is currently underway for Summer 2023. New focuses in Organic Agriculture and Poultry/Meat processing will be available for all students in addition to Small Farms, Urban Farming, Local Food Systems, and Fruit and Vegetable Processing. TU:Partnership with the Inter-institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS, hosted at UC Davis) TU:The first cohort of the CISC HBCU Fellows Program includes 13 students from 11 HBCUs. These students, as well as additional students were invited to present their work at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference in November 2022. Students have monthly meetings with mentors (expert faculty), staff, and colleagues to deepen their understanding of food systems, gain professional skills, and expand their networks. Their graduation from the program will be marked by a Showcase in June 2023. Cohort two will begin in Fall 2023. TU: Meat Processing COE CFSRPES applied for a Center of Excellence grant for Poultry and Meat Processing Workforce Development. This project seeks to enhance the effort of recruitment from underrepresented institutions as well as increase the rates of industry workers in this prominent field. The program will provide structured guidance and mentorship to ensure that the students and workers are trained effectively. The collaborating efforts from three other 1890 land grant institutions (Delaware State University, Fort Valley State University, University of Maryland at Eastern Shore) will also increase students' engagement within research and development. Since a pipeline with these institutions has been established, program prototypes can be developed to ensure that students are successful and competitive within their desired area. Once established, students, producers, and industry workers will gain experience in various components of the farm to table directive. The objectives of the program are to; update and modernize equipment, facilities and infrastructure, provide hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities (curricular and co-curricular) for students and pre-professionals, and to create a farm to-fork meat processing curriculum targeting extension agents, existing processors, and frontline professionals. Overall, incorporating these efforts will create a thriving environment that will create a continuous flow of driven professionals that have the desire to learn. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Goal 2. Enhance Cooperative Extension Delivery and Programming for SFRLs and Communities Animal Systems - Goats (ThA2) The Goat Research-Extension working group led by LaU, held a special session during the Association of Extension Administrators Conference in Orlando, FL 6/20/22. Many goat producers obtain information from the World Wide Web. While proper, science-based information does exist on the internet, producers with little to no livestock experience have no background to discern "good" versus "bad" information. Langston University led a consortium of universities and goat associations to develop an authenticated, science-based online presence. The objectives are 1) to provide reliable educational information incorporating a Quality Assurance Program that is suitable for dairy and meat goat producers, county agents and other agriculture professionals and 2) to provide testing methodologies allowing for certification of dairy and meat goat production. To qualify for Dairy Goat Producer Certification, a participant must successfully complete all of the 18 core modules and 7 of the 10 elective modules. To qualify for Meat Goat Producer Certification, a participant must successfully complete all of the 21 core modules and 9 of the 12 elective modules. In the first two years of the Dairy Goat Producer Certification program, 1564 participants enrolled and 119 received certification; 495 participants have enrolled and 47 have received certification in the Meat Goat Producer Certification program. Since 1990, 84 participants have received the Internal Parasite workshop certificates and purchased FAMACHA cards. Many goat producers believe that artificial insemination (AI) will increase the rate of genetic progress in their herds but feel that they lack the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to use artificial insemination. An AI workshop was held and 1) small ruminant producers were educated in sustainable internal parasite control, which should reduce the reliance upon anthelmintics, and 2) Practical knowledge, skills and abilities were provided so producers could immediately use artificial insemination in their herds. Animal Systems - CATTLE (ThA2) PVAMU, Results: Third Annual Beef Cattle Series (Continued from the last report, participant numbers are underlined Session 5- Beef Cattle Market Update, 18 Session 6- Pasture Management for Hay Production, 21 Session 7- New Technology for Herd Recordkeeping and Animal ID, 13 Session 8- Blood Based Pregnancy Testing, 32 In addition to the "live" participants, people took advantageoftheYouTubeplaybackoption, 20. All 8 sessions have been posted to our YouTube Page. Changeinlevelofunderstanding(All8SessionsCombined), Chute Side Best Management Practices (6/9/22 & 6/11/22), Participants, 25 (6/9) & 22 (6/11) Change in the Level of understanding (Both Sessions Avg), 93% increase Herd Management Clinic (6/10/22), 21 - Change in the Level of understanding: 88% increase Beef Cattle Production & Management Virtual Program (8/17/22), Pasture, Range, & Forage Workshop (9/15/22), 58 Change in the Level of understanding: 84% increase Hybrid Beef Cattle Production & Pasture Management Following Drought Conditions (10/06/22), 12 Change in the Level of understanding: 80% increase Beef Cattle Production & Management (10/21/22), 13 - Change in the Level of understanding: 79% increase 2022 Cow Country Congress (10/21/22), 58 - Change in the Level of understanding: 93% increase 2022 Beef Cattle Management Workshop (3/29/22), 46 - Change in the Level of understanding: 96% increase Beef Cattle Production & Management (11/30/22), 17 - Change in the Level of understanding: 87% increase Beef Cattle Selection (12/1/22), 18 - Change in the Level of understanding: 81% increase Impact(s): The virtual platform transition expanded our clientele reach and program participants also included international attendees. Hybrid options are becoming increasingly popular. "Screen fatigue" has people reluctant to sit at a computer for extended periods. Participants were appreciative of in person events this year and especially, hands- on portions. TU and FVSU The Beef Cattle Short Course was jointly hosted on September 30 and October 1 and had 62 participants all of the producers became received Beef Quality Assurance training/certification. Producers received information on marketing, grazing, herd health, and pasture health, and were provided with a post-test/survey to assess their willingness to change their production practices. Most participants (73% of), indicated that they intended to incorporate what they learned in their production system to improve sustainability. The forty producers we have followed up with have implemented at least one piece of information they learned at the event. Forest Systems (ThA3) Thrust Area 3: Forest Commodities, Processes, and Systems AAMU organized a Field Day for local landowners on 7/17/22 at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station on: managing pine forest for silvopasture, vegetation survey, and identification of invasive species and poisonous plants for goats and sheep. AAMU re-established contact and communication (post-Covid 19) with several minority and underserved landowners in Alabama. Communication channels were also re-established with several community leaders. AAMU coordinated efforts to elect the new Executive Committee for the 1890 Agroforestry Consortium. ASU conducted additional hands-on training workshops at Mount Olive, MS., to educate mushroom growers about using subrufescens to colonize woodchips mixed with compost substrate using indoor and outdoor cultivation. ASU conducted specialty crop outreach educational training in Liberty and Jackson, MS, focusing on harvesting, processing, and marketing. WVSU Extension System developed an online community tree care certification program (the WV Tree Minders program) in collaboration with the WV Division of Forestry and West Virginia University partners. WVSU collaborated with the WV Department of Agriculture and several farmers to test the economic viability of high-density apple orchard systems in the southern and central parts of the state to generate income in areas unsuitable for other crops and support agritourism. The WVSU Moodle eLearning portal shifted to a Canvas platform (https://www.wvstateu.edu/ExtensionOnline/). It houses the WV Tree Minders tree care certification program, Statewide Microclimate Weather Study, new Traditional and Urban Orchards, and Healthy Grand families Social Work Training programs. Value Added Systems (ThA4) LiU - Organic Crop Production Held a workshop on Food Safety Modernization Act/Produce Safety Rule was conducted to help minority farmers learn and adopt food safety practices. An exhibit on organic Horticulture was displayed at the State Fair of Missouri A presentation on Growing Brussels sprouts in organic and conventional systems was conducted at the Small Farm Conference A workshop on growing crops organically in high tunnel was conducted to educate and encourage minority farmers to adopt organic and to high tunnel practices. During the reporting period, program staff conducted 2644 direct contacts with farmers through 409 farm visits, 741 phone calls and 1494 emails. The program also conducted 2736 direct contacts through Facebook posts During the reporting period, program staff posted five Face book posts with a reach of 217 Program staff authored 57 publications during the reporting period. Publications included fact sheets and guide sheets Some publications were translated to Hmong to accommodate Homong farmers that do not speak English. NCAT Small Farm Week (March 27 to March 31): https://www.ncat.edu/caes/cooperative-extension/small-scale-agriculture-development/sfw/index.php Winter high tunnel field day in Jan 2023, 35 participants, fruit and vegetable production, Cherry Research Farm, in Goldsboro, NC. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Will continue to make progress on Goals 1, 2 and 3 as described above, and additionally will sustain the activities and partnerships for Goals 4 and 5 below. Goals 4 and 5 - Partnerships, Rural Prosperity and Environmental Sustainability Animal Systems - Goat and Sheep (ThA2) LaU: Many local (tribal and municipal) governments and landowners are interested in utilizing goats for biological control because of concerns about chemical use or misuse, rugged and steep terrain can create issues for both traditional machinery, risk of prescribed burns becoming uncontrollable. A demonstration site was established for the use of goats in controlling unwanted vegetation. The site was fenced using ElectroStop portable electric fencing and a solar power fence charger. Goats were introduced in early July and removed in early October. The Goats were a viable alternative to chemical, mechanical, or fire removal of unwanted vegetation. Animal Systems - Cattle (ThA2) PVAM (ThA2 Participants) Faculty, Staff, Student, Clientele, and Partner Involvement(s). Include internal (university) and external partnerships, and interdisciplinary/integrative partnerships. Prairie View A&M University- Cooperative Agriculture Research Center Prairie View A&M University - International Goat Research Center Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service UDSA- Farm Service Agency Texas Farm Bureau Merck Animal Health Corteva AgriScience Cargill JD Hudgins Cattle Company Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education Southwest Cattle Raisers Association Cattle Max Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction RGV Small Acreage Committee PVAMU FACULTY/STAFF Dr. Clarence Bunch- Cooperative Extension- AgNR Program Leader Ashley Pellerin- Extension Program Specialist (AgNR unit) Dr. Alfred Parks- Cooperative Agriculture Research Center Interim Director Dr. Bill Foxworth- International Goat Research Center (Researcher) Dr. Alphina Ho-Watson- PVAMU Attending and Research Veterinarian Dr. Nelson Daniels- Extension Program Specialist (AgNR) Clint Taylor- PVAMU Beef Cattle Research & Demonstration Herd Manager PVAMU County Extension Agents The TSU program works closely with breeder groups such as the American Dexter Breeders Association and non-profits like the Livestock Conservancy to increase awareness of the benefits of using non-traditional, alternative, and heritage cattle breeds. These breeds provide genetic diversity and unique attributes that small-scale, limited-resource, and socially-disadvantaged managers may consider to approach alternative market options outside of the traditional commodity beef channel. Forest Systems (ThA2) Faculty, Staff, Clientele, and Partner Involvement(s). Faculty and Staff: AAMU: Troy Bowman, Kozma Naka, Colmore Christian, and James Bukenya. FVSU: Cedric Ogden, Mohammed Ibrahim, Leon Porter, Stephon Price. ASU: Frank Mrema, Franklin Chukwuma, and Leonard Kibet. WVSU: Elizabeth Moss and Eden Clymire-Stern Partners: AAMU: Federation of Southern Cooperatives, University of Georgia, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, and the University of South Carolina. FVSU: Georgia Forestry Commission (Dry Branch, Georgia), Langdale Forest Products Company (Valdosta, Georgia), and Interfor Sawmill (Perry, Georgia). ASU: Mississippi State University Extension (Dr. Thomas Nyatta). WVSU: WV Division of Forestry, West Virginia University Extension, Glenville State University, Eastern WV Community & Technical College Clientele: FVSU: Small Minority Forestry Landowners- Herbert Battle, Charlie Price, Herman Ragin, Clifford Dixon, and James P. Carter WVSU: Communities- Hurricane, WV; Charleston, WV; Saint Albans, WV; Dunbar, WV; Ravenswood, WV. Spring Hill Cemetery (Charleston, WV). Homeowners, Master Gardeners. Farms as part of high-density orchard program- The Potager Farm (Hurricane, WV), McDowell County Farms (Berwind, WV), Murphy Mountain Farm (Clay, WV), Wonder Valley Farm (Gandeeville, WV) Value Added Systems (ThA4) TU launched a study of "the State of African Americans in the Black Belt," and a new training program for High School students. The program utilizes the skills and knowledge of vocational teachers, who, in turn enroll in one of the programs at the TU in the summer to enhance their knowledge. The program provided mentorship from local and university/extension professionals as well as year-round participation in workshops, conferences, field days, etc. The TU Strategic Planning Task force initiated in 2022 has met many times with local citizens and leaders in rural areas. The following general topics have high priority for the rural residents: health care, housing, K-12 education, Historical Tourism, Business Development (small business and large industry, Broadband, Infrastructure/Energy, Workforce, quality of life, food/agriculture, and art/culture. Initial topics addresses were housing (incentives to re-populate rural areas-renovating vacant houses, adding container houses, identification of multiple sites of historic significance to add to a county-wide signage program, workforce development for new industries in Macon County. A newly constructed fiber pipeline for broadband now covers several main roadways throughout the county. Recent meetings are seeking ways so that more remote areas in the county can be added. TU hosted the 80th PAWC on November 13-15, 2022 and the 130th Farmers conference on March 28-30, 2023 with participant numbers of 400 and 300 respectively. Topics covered served to strengthen rural prosperity and environments sustainability in line with priorities of USDA.TU joined with AU and TUACC to submit a $3M proposal to MDBA to strengthen small businesses in Macon, Montgomery and Dallas Counties. Faculty and staff from CAENS ad CBIS worked together on development of the proposal. TU: Established the State of African Americans in the Black Belt (SAABB). Last year, the SAABB team released 2 Policy Briefs, and 1 Annual Report. They presented their work at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference in November 2022. Work is currently underway for the 2nd Annual Report that will focus primarily on the Farm Bill and Heir's Property. As the outreach/extension aspect of SAABB, a need for Economic, Environmental Develop has consistently been raised in the research. In a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, the 1890 Environmental Justice Academy for Economic Development was launched in September 2022. Over 40 participants were recruited from 9 1890 institutions (AAMU, FAMU, UAPB, NCATU, TU, ASU, FVSU) that includes Extension professionals, Community-Based Organizations, and Graduate Students. These teams are trained in Community Economics and Environmental Justice over seven months and develop localized projects and proposals for grants/contracts to implement upon graduation. TU Black Belt Innovation Marketing Center (BBMIC) as an outreach and training facility near Selma, AL. TU has started a pilot program with two aggregators looking to source from small farmers in the Black Belt. The BBMIC will be used as an initial aggregator for processing and quality control. In an effort to provide alternative outlets for small farmers, TU has begun partnering with Montgomery Area Food Bank and Selma Area Food Bank to facilitate direct sales of produce. This work has led to the submission of 3 proposals (1 NRCS, 1 Local Food Marketing Program, and 1 Farmers Market Promotion Program) that will further enhance the work at the BBMIC. Two Demonstration/Training Tunnel Houses have been established at the site. Integrated Systems (ThA5) NCAT: Two grant writing training sessions for the extension agents in March.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1. Adaptive Research and Technology for SFRLs Crop Systems (ThA1)) In late June of 2022 hemp seeds from 4 varieties were shipped from KSU to collaborators at DSU, VSU, TU and CSU Varieties included two fiber varieties (MS77 and SS-Charlie), and a grain variety (NWG2730). Seeds were planted at 67 kg/ha with 18 cm spacing between rows. This stand was planted on June 10 2022. At KSU plants were harvested on October 4. Biomass yield estimates and flower samples were determined. Interest is also growing in hemp for production of fiber and grain. A significant challenge has been finding quality seed that germinates consistently. We are searching for new seed sources for the 2023 growing season. Animal Systems (ThA2)-GOATS AND SHEEP A Research-Extension Goat working group led by LaU was created and consists of FAMU, FVSU, LaU, PVAMU, TSU, TU, and VSU. A proposal was developed and submitted to the USDA Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. The goat working group held a special session during the Association of Extension Administrators Conference in Orlando, FL on June 20, 2022. Producers with little to no livestock experience have no background to discern "good" versus "bad" information on the internet In some cases, information posted could be harmful to animals and to the economic viability of goat enterprises. LaU led a consortium of universities and goat associations to develop a, science-based online presence. The objectives of this web site are 1) to provide reliable educational information incorporating a Quality Assurance Program and 2) to provide testing methodologies allowing for certification of dairy and meat goat production. The online certification site (certification.goats.langston.edu) has training modules for a dairy goat track and a meat goat track. To qualify for Dairy Goat Producer Certification, a participant must successfully complete all of the 18 core modules and 7 of the 10 elective modules. To qualify for Meat Goat Producer Certification, a participant must successfully complete all of the 21 core modules and 9 of the 12 elective modules. In the first two years of the Dairy Goat Producer Certification program's existence, 1564 participants have enrolled and 119 have received certification. 495 participants have enrolled and 47 have received certification in the Meat Goat Producer Certification program. Theoretically, the nematode-trapping fungi, Duddingtonia flagrans, in Livamol® with BioWorma® preys upon the L3 larvae in the fecal pellet and therefore, should decrease the number of infective larvae. However, this study did corroborate that hypothesis. In fact, Livamol® with BioWorma® had equal or greater number of L3 larvae per gram of feces as did the control group. Therefore, based upon this study, the added expense and labor cost associated with Livamol® with BioWorma® is not warranted. Animal Systems (ThA2)-CATTLE TSU: Novel findings in the preliminary data from the TSU program are that hair shedding in Dexter cows impacts fertility and calf performance in the spring calving herd and that crossbreeding with a Sanga (Mashona) breed can further enhance performance relative to a Bos taurus (Dexter) base herd. A working relationship has been established between TSU and USDA-ARS to conserve and assess genetic diversity of germplasm within the US population of Mashona cattle that is a rare breed in the US and classified by FAO as an at-risk breed in its country of origin. The TSU beef cattle herd consists of 100 head of heritage Irish Dexter and rare Zimbabwean Mashona breeding stock. Both are breeds of relatively small stature. This is the only institutional beef herd of its type in the US. The focus of the breeding program is to assess the benefits of heat-tolerant phenotypes in small-scale cattle production and provide small-farm producers with examples of non-traditional breed management. Small, alternative, or heritage cattle breeds have unique attributes that can make them good fits for small-farm beef herd managers looking for an edge in production efficiencies and(or) niche' marketing opportunities in the southeastern region. Forest Systems (ThA3) AAMU Continued working on the survey and interviews of minority and underserved forestry business professionals in the Black Belt region. Progress has been made on building the sampling frame for the interview and survey process; AAMU reached some minority landowners, contractors, and companies not listed in online databases. AAMU continued collaborating with the University of Georgia and Clemson University to include South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi and with FSC. FVSU expanded on its mixed-method pilot surveys and interviews to examine attitudes, perceptions, and experiences regarding forestry activities (timber sales, forest products, silviculture activities, and business relationships) in selected counties in Georgia. Survey results provided a more positive experience from foresters in Twiggs, Ware, Laurens, Baldwin, and Taylor counties that have significantly more forest land (over 200,000 acres each) and more forest industries and activities compared to Forsyth, DeKalb, Irwin, Cobb, and Bibb counties (all under 100,000 acres of forestry). ASU tested the ability of A. subrufescens to colonize woodchips mixed with compost substrate using indoor and outdoor cultivation. Data collection included phenol oxidation assessment, substrate colonization days, and mushroom sizes. The results showed Agaricus subrufescens had a positive Bavendamn reaction, only 18% below the control plates indicating its ability to produce phenol oxidase and colonization of ligninolytic substrate. Indoor woodchips colonization took 18-22 days, while outdoor substrate colonization took 21-24 days. The indoor-grown mushroom sizes were smaller by 12% compared to the outdoor first-flush mushrooms. The results suggest that A. subrufescens mushrooms can be cultivated in a controlled environment and incorporated into backyard gardens. Value Added (ThA4) TU Black Belt Innovation Marketing Center (BBMIC) is an outreach and training facility near Selma, AL. TU started a pilot program with two aggregators looking to source from small farmers in the Black Belt. The BBMIC will be used as an for processing and quality control. In an effort to provide alternative outlets for small farmers, TU has begun partnering with Montgomery Area Food Bank and Selma Area Food Bank to facilitate direct sales of produce. This work has led to the submission of 3 proposals (1 NRCS, 1 Local Food Marketing Program, and 1 Farmers Market Promotion Program). Two Demonstration/Training Tunnel Houses have been established at the site. Integrated Systems (ThA5) WVSU Extension Service continued the development of a web-based ArcGIS portal accessible via desktop and mobile platforms to allow SFRLs to access information pertinent to local climate and community trees. Initial beta testing focused on canopy data assembled for the WVSU Virtual Campus Arboretum and the statewide microclimate project. Through the microclimate project, WVSU supplied professional-grade weather stations to SFRLs and schools that offer real-time weather data and forecasting ability. The equipment monitors the temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed on a hyperlocal basis, which helps farmers and cooperatives maximize their production efforts on otherwise marginal land.
Publications
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Dollar Enterprise by L. Liao
https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/dollar-enterprise-theory-reality-experiential-learning-exercise-applying-community.
Focus is on reuse, recycle, re-purpose, and up-cycle contents to reduce waste and to achieve the bioeconomy
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Progress 05/01/21 to 04/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in eighteen states Rural communities in counties in eighteen states Students andinterns intersted infood systems and envronmental sustainability related careers and businesses Changes/Problems:A new Thrust Area (ThA6) will be added focused on meat processing as a result of a recent grant awarded by USDA. New leadership that specializes in meat science and education will lead this effort with support from the Animal Systems ThA (ThA2) and Value Added Team (ThA4). Four universities will initiate this new area - TU, FVSU, UMES and DSU. At least one new staff member will be hired by CFSRPES to facilitate communications among the CFSRPES participants and timeliness of reporting. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Alabama A & M University: 'FireDawgs' (undergraduate students) carried out longleaf pine planting and prescribed fire burns. Alcorn State University: Students gained skills in preparation of microorganism culture medium, and isolating and culturing clean mushroom isolates. They gained experience with Hands on mushroom cultivation, Timber Stand Improvement, and using waste woods for Shiitake logs Tuskegee University: Students learned about the enormous opportunity woodland may offer for animal production and concomitantly managing the system better than not bringing the system under grazing at all. The students gained the skills and knowledge in conducting research with animal involvement in woodlands and silvopastures, collecting samples and data, analyzing them, presenting findings to the scientific community. Moreover, they developed skills writing manuscripts and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and preparing thesis. A graduate student from Tuskegee University standing with his digital poster at the American Society of Animal Science. A graduate student from Tuskegee University presented his work on woodland-grazing research at the American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal science (ASAS-CSAS) Annual Meeting, June 26-30, 2022 and Canadian Society of Animal science (ASAS-CSAS) Annual Meeting, June 26-30, 2022. Tuskegee University Held a solar installation training for young professionals in the AL Black Belt Executed the Carver Integrative Sustainability Center's Summer Experience to increase student experiential learning for Sustainable Food Systems. Six scholars (5 Master's and 1 Doctorate) were selected for participation in the first year of this Inter Institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS) program, hosted at UC Davis. The other 21 Carver scholars are awarded stipends to participate in the PAWC research competitions. The TU CISC Summer experience was carried out for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. In this program, the students are placed with farmers, food entrepreneurs, Extension and Outreach, and University professionals while working on a summer long project that is directed at community development. This program is transdisciplinary, as there are professionals running community-based organizations, senior farmers, architecture and design professionals, and education professionals. These students are also enrolled in a weekly seminar series for Sustainable Food Systems. Leaders and speakers from local and regional organizations that are impacting local food systems. TU launched a new training program for High School students about to either enter the workforce or college. The program also utilizes the skills and knowledge of current vocational teachers to work with the students. The teachers then in turn enroll in one of our teacher's programs at the University in the summer to enhance their knowledge base. The program, Supervised Extension Experience, provides mentorship from local and university/extension professionals as well as year-round participation in CISC and Extension programming (workshops, conferences, field days, etc.). There are currently 24 students enrolled, and 12 teachers. The teachers are currently enrolled in our summer teaching programs for Geographic Information Systems and Food Safety. A large impact of this program is demographic, as it focuses on students and teachers in counties in the western Black Belt of Alabama, which has been overlooked in the past with programming because of its distance from the University. A "Needs Assessment Survey" was conducted by a Tuskegee University animal science graduate student. The results of the survey helped plan all of the educational opportunities that were provided to producers. Forty participants participated in the survey representing 3 states and 2 countries. The graduate student was responsible for recruiting and contacting each of the producers that completed the survey. Of the respondents, females represented 28.2% while males represented 71.79%. When asked what describes their racial or ethnic composition, 5.13% responded "Caucasian" while 94.87% "African American". Most of the respondents indicated that they had 0-10 years of experience (64.10%) in the livestock industry. Many of the producers that TUCEP provides educational opportunities for have an average herd size ranging from 10-20 head of cattle in their cow-calf operation (44.74%). Overwhelmingly, many of the respondents expressed interest in attending training related to nutrition/forage production, reproduction, value-added marketing, and herd health. Finally, producers indicated their desire to attend in-person events while still having video access for them to refer back to at a later date (92%). The results from this survey will be published in the Professional Agricultural Workers Journal. A Tuskegee University undergraduate plant science major invented and patented a system for increasing water holding capacity in soils and thus enhance crop growth and production during the growing season. She is applying for a Small Business Innovation Research Grant to further develop her invention and bring it to market. She also invented and patented a fire retardant that has potential to assist with minimizing house damage from fires. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest??As documented in the products, other products and accomplishment parts of this report the following methods have been used to disseminate the results to communities of interest: Workshops Conferences Video presentations Zoom meetings/conferences YouTube presentations Web sites Formal courses Certificate courses Informal meetings One-on one meetings Peer reviewed publications Professional meeting presentations What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The next reporting period is the second year of the expanded CFSRPES Project funded initially in 2021. The activities planned by objective, and expected outputs, outcomes and impacts are detailed in Tables 1 and 2 below. These planned activities and expected outputs, outcomes and impacts for Year2 include rural prosperity and environmental sustainability. The experiences and results obtained in year 1 will guide our activities in the following ways: Financial reports will be required at least twice a year and quarterly if possible. The objective on sustainabilityin ThA1 row crops was dropped when the scientist from Tennessee State Universityopted out ofCIFSRL before CFSRPES was initiated. ThA1 has added more crop scientists from other universities to focus on cropping systems. ThA2 and ThA3 will continue their excellent work and collaboration in animal systems and forest systems. It is expected that the work with cattle will continue to increase over time and involve more universities. ThA4 has expanded its areas of focus and will further impact Goals 4 and 5, specifically in the areas of rural prosperity and environmental sustainability. Additional grants forthcoming will facilitate this work. New funds will result in a new Thrust Area (ThA6) that will also strengthen work in Goal 3, through a focus on workforce development in meat processing and marketing. ThA6 will be structured to interact with ThA2 and ThA4. ThA5 is a role model for communication among team members, impacting farmers and sharing results with other ThAs. We hope to use the ThA5 communication model to benefit all the ThA Teams. Table 1. CISFRL Thrust Area (ThA) Objectives and Approaches Incorporated into CFSRPES Note: Underlined text indicates project expansions and inclusion of rural prosperity and environmentsl sustainability ThA Objectives Approaches 1-Farms Increase profitability of small- scale, traditional, and specialty/alternative crop operations through improved production systems, marketing opportunities and resource accessibility 1. Evaluate selected specialty/alternative crops, including hemp for farm production and market feasibility. 2. Replicate successful marketing system models including farm to school 3. Evaluate production management systems that focus on sustainable production, rural prosperity and environmental sustainability. 4. Enhance smart-use of NRCS-EQIP, CSP; FSA loans and other programs for SFRLs 2-Ranches Support ruminant livestock producers to achieve diversified, profitable, and sustainable production systems and marketing plan. 1a. Establish a small ruminant Extension-Research working group; establish a database and website of previous, on-going, and potential research projects, revitalize the eXtension Goat Community of Practice (https://goats.extension.org/), and provide leadership to the National Goat Conference, to encourage collaborative research and extension activities 1b. Establish a cattle Extension-Research working group; establish a database and website of previous, on-going, and potential research projects 2. Provide workshop opportunities for small ruminant and cattle producers system-wide. Include incentives where appropriate (e.g., continuation credits) 3-Forestlands Facilitate small forest landowners' understanding of forest health, ecosystem services and social and economic benefits. 1. Increase collaborative partnerships with federal and state agencies, private sector, and non-profit organizations to identify and remedy small forest landowners' knowledge and technology gaps to increase their market opportunities and access to information and capital. 2. Collect information on underserved forest landowners, loggers, mills, non-timber forest goods processors, and related industries. 4-Added Value Introduce value-added and new technology systems to increase SFRL profitability, rural prosperity and environmental sustainability 1. Conduct field trial research to evaluate SFRL value-added, post-harvest and organic systems for SFRLs. 2. Use the Train the Trainer approach to transfer BMPs, novel technologies and results to agricultural professionals, agents, and SFRL leaders within value-added, post-harvest and organic systems 3. Use outreach programming for SFRLs, agribusinesses, and communities to share USDA and private sector opportunities to enhance marketing, sustainability and prosperity 5-Integration Improve methods of assessing, tracking and communicating environmental, economic, social effects, processes and services to SFRLs 1. Develop a digital and geographical clearinghouse of technologies processes and best management practices for stakeholders (SFRLs). Collect & collate data from each ThA. 2. Create regional agricultural training hubs to equip small farmers with the basics of supply chain management to include variety selection, marketability, production and adding value. Table 2. Measurable Outputs, Outcomes and Expected Impacts for CFSRPES (Goals 1-5) (Note: Underlined text indicates inclusion of rural prosperity and environmental sustainability Goal 1 Outputs 1 Database developed Papers published Commodities tested New markets established Outcomes 1 Change in knowledge/awareness of programs and processes around the 1890 network Increase in use of database Increase in the number of markets SFRLs participate in Expected Results1 Increase in the sharing of data amongst the 1890 network and their Extension clientele Goal 2 Outputs2 Workshops and trainings conducted Professional development for workshops Outcomes 2 Change in knowledge of sustainable and smart-ranching solutions for p;roducers and agents Change in use of novel technologies for SFRLs Expected Results 2 Adoption of next- generation technologies in SFRL enterprises and 1890 CEPs Goal 3 Outputs 3 Courses enhanced Number of students and interns New technologies and processes introduced to students and technical personnel Students and technical personnel involved in rural prosperity and environmental sustainability activities Outcomes 3 Change in knowledge of students and technical personnel in SFRL situations, technology, and programs and in rural prosperity and environmental sustainability parameters Expected Results 3 Raising awareness of students and technical personnel of SFRL and rural issues and participation in addressing issues Goal 4 Outputs 4 Number of workshops and trainings Numbers of producers, entrepreneurs, and community organizations reached Oucomes 4 Change in knowledge of USDA programs Change acceptance rate of SFRLs in programs Change in knowledge of entrepreneurs Change in knowledge of environmental sustainability issues Expected Results 4 More USDA engagement with SFRLs Positive impact on community prosperity and environmental sustainability parameters Goal 5 Outputs 5 Meetings of SFRL/SDFRL clusters, collaborations, cooperatives Outcomes 5 Increase in collaborations that increase market opportunities and efficiencies for SDFRLs/SFRLs Expected Results 5 Increased Profitability and Sustainability
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A strength of CFSRPES is that scientists, professional staff, and students are increasingly working across disciplines, universities and communities in addressing challenges and opportunities to increase profitability and sustainability of SDFRLs and enhance rural and community prosperity. Each year more participants from the 1890 LGUs join ThAs, and share new approaches and results. One indicator of the early success of this approach is the number of new grants submitted and funded that involve multiple universities and states. A new initiative within the Animal Systems Team (ThA2) iscattleproduction, Extension and research. This initiative will increase the number of SDFRs involved and facilitate their sustainability. The approach by the Integrative Impact Team (ThA5) has facilitated communication and sharing, and the approach by the Value Added Team (ThA4) is facilitating support for new food systems and rural business development. The Forestry Systems Team (ThA3) facilitates information and technical support for small private landowners seeking to better manage their trees, wildlife and land-holdings. Through the ThA1 Team the potential for enhancing fruit and vegetable marketing and specialty crops through commercial outlets and direct sales through adoption of technologies and marketing innovations, including supplying directly to school systems. A newly funded project (ThA6) will expand workforce development significantly in an important agricultural sector, meat processing. Goal 1 Langston University(ThA2)- developed and delivered web-based, science-based information to goat producers; mobile device usage increased to 89,006.in 2021 compared to 6, 019 in 2016. Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) -A new 1890 Beef Cattle Extension/Research working group was initiated in 2021to and includedPVAMU(lead),LaU, UMES, TSU, TU, andFAMU;a first goal is to establish a data base. Seventy percent (70%) and 72%, respectively, of attendees at virtual and face-to-face beef cattle events carried out byTuskegee Universityindicated an increase in knowledge gained regarding beef production, feeding, and herd health. West Virginia State University (WVSU)(ThA5)-Created a data model to import precipitation, temperatures, and humidity readings into an ArcGIS database. The GIS system associates microclimate data with topographic layers, ultimately allowing SFRLs to select better crops or uses for those areas. Market data input into the ArcGIS system will help SFRLs assess potential market areas and identify potential cold-chain and value-chain partnership opportunities and efficiencies to increase profitability. Goal2 Alabama A & M University (AAMU)(ThA3)-Developed and piloted survey and interview instruments for establishment of an Alabama and Mississippi SD landowner database. Alcorn State University (ASU) -Small-scale farmers learned and adopted the cultivation technology of shiitake, wine cap and oyster mushrooms. Fort Valley State University (FVSU)- On-site forestry plots were identified that will serve as a research and demonstration sites containing healthy and unhealthy (beetle-infested) pine trees for data collection and community-student outreach on drone technology for mapping and forestry evaluation Delaware State University (DSU)(ThA4)agents and producers utilized the Mobil Meat Processing Lab (MMPL) to increase profits for farms with both poultry and small ruminant production.. Virginia State University (VSU) (ThA5)held 22 workshops with the following results: 71 participants gained knowledge about production methods and techniques to and improve their current farm operation. 47 participant increased knowledge of financial management. 41 participants gained knowledge of current marketing techniques and platforms they could use to market their produce. 175 participants received information about USDA programs and services and other partnering Ag-related agencies. 14 participants gained firsthand knowledge from successful farming operation during a marketing tour on how to translate drone video outputs Workshop evaluations indicated that 50% of respondents agreed and 50% strongly agreed, "I am more able to make informed decisions about my current or future farming enterprise." 25% strongly agreed and 75% agreed that, "after completing the program, my knowledge of the topic covered has increased." 50% strongly agreed and 50% agreed that, "I plan to utilize the information I have learned to improve and enhance my current or future farming operation." Drones were successfully used to create soil nutrient maps to help farmers in developing nutrient management plans that fulfills conservation practices requirements and improve soil health.As a result of COVID-19 alternatives to in-person workshops for Small Farmers were implemented including online and hybrid methods WVSU Constructed an online education portl designed to deliver free content, training, and agency links to SDFRLs in the Mountain State. Incorporated remote workshop delivery via video conferencing services as a standard practice to extend programming reach. Developed capability to deploy sub-meter GPS and two quadcopter-style unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to generate detailed three-dimensional maps and spatial analysis-based reports for SDRFLs Distributed 90 digital weather stations to SDRFLs, urban gardeners, and schools to capture microclimate data across all of West Virginia's 55 counties Outfitted a fleet of 10 CoolBot-equipped insulated trailers with environmental data loggers to collect information relevant to user behaviors and other factors impacting farm product shelf-life and quality. Developed links to two videos that will be great additions to WV State University Extension. Enlisted over 100 "citizen scientists" to collect environmental data relevant to their operations. These efforts include three UAV flights, distribution of 90 WiFi-enabled digital weather stations and five laser thermometers, and more than 100 participants in Spatial Mapping for Sustainable Production, Urban Farming, and Tree Care programming. Over 60 SFRLs enrolled in spatial land management programming through web-based and hybrid delivery in the previous reporting period. We have a waiting list of SFRLs requesting our spatial mapping services and content, and we have begun revisions and plan to redeploy and expand content offerings in 2022. To date, more than 36 veterans received an introduction to spatial and digital technologies through the VA FARMS and WVDA Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture programs. An additional 90 SDFRLs and agricultural educators contribute microclimate data through weather stations provided by WVSUES, with 109 more anticipated for action in 2022. Approximately 500 youth have become oriented to the climate study through their schools. Active participants generate relevant data and then apply technology to achieve immediate economic benefits with little to no cash investment. Goal 3 ASU(ThA3) - Students gained skills in preparation of microorganisms' culture medium, isolating and culture clean mushroom isolates TU(ThA4) - Of 23 participants in the train the trainer programs 100% of the interns reported a gain in knowledge of food system components and how they can be influenced; 87% increased their knowledge in the use and application of GIS while 100% increased their knowledge of produce safety and the Food Modernization Act. 100% of the participants indicated an increased likelihood to pursue a profession in agriculture and related sciences. Over 85% of participants reported a gain in knowledge in all areas presented. Ninety one percent (91%) said that they will utilize knowledge and skills gained and change their behavior to improve operations in their local food system. Goals 4/5 TU (ThA4) - A Community-Industry partnership Task-Force was initiated by TU (led by CFSRPES) to address rural prosperity issues and opportunities.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
1.Atoloye IA, Adesina IS, Sharma H, Subedi K, Liang C-L(Kathleen), Shahbazi A, et al. (2022) Hemp biochar impacts on selected biological soil health indicators across different soil types and moisture cycles. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0264620. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264620
2.Demko, I., SantAnna, A. C., & Liang, K. (C. L.). (2021). An overview of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and implications for agricultural enterprise recovery from COVID. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2021.111.00X
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
https://www.wvstateu.edu/ExtensionOnline/
https://bit.ly/WVSUPostharvest.
https://goats.extension.org/
https://vasmallfarmers.com/
https://www.ext.vsu.edu/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
https://youtu.be/EmHOdhM9gqA
https://youtu.be/e9mJTRZH0uE
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