Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis · African American · Limited resource producers · Military veterans · Native American · Organic producers · Small farms · Specialty crop producers · Women Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 36 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started Farming: Target - 18, Actual - 18 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 18, Actual - 18 Improved farming success: Target - 36, Actual - 35 Changes/Problems: What were the keys to success for your participants? In the third year, in addition to addressing the factors below, we have also noted the following keys to success for apprentices: 1. It is very important to screen apprentices and host farms to make sure all parties understand the commitment they are making to the program. We had several apprentices begin the program early on in the year and then drop out after just a few months/weeks. In most cases this is due to extenuating life circumstances, however 2. Involving apprentices in networking with stakeholders can have a positive effect on the program 3. Apprentices appreciate the flexibility and custom training offered through this program. We have heard from several apprentices that the flexibility of the program paired with the customized training opportunity was vital to not only their success in the program, but also vital in their overall journey as a beginning farmer. In the second year, in addition to addressing the factors below, we have also noted the following keys to success for apprentices: 1. Apprentices receiving some form of supplemental income (GI Bill, housing stipend, VA disability or compensation/pension) have a better retention and completion rate 2. Navigating long term mentor/apprentice relationships can be challenging, and and we are planning to provide additional training for mentors to clarify expectations for mentorship for both parties. 3. Apprentices are very interested in networking and cohort activities but geographic location (apprentices being located across the state) and busy production schedules can make scheduling a cohort activity challenging. So far in the first year, there are a few factors that influenced the success of the program: 1. Establishing clear program roles and procedures (including onboarding, skills assessment, interviews, etc), was very helpful in streamlining the process and reducing the paperwork/time burden on apprentices and host farm employers. 2. Recruiting host farms that understand the required commitments to be a mentor and have spent time reviewing the job book and skills competencies before an apprentice starts. These host farms end up being enthusiastic mentors for their apprentices making the experience much more positive for all parties. 3. Recruiting apprentices that are also a good fit for the program, meaning they have had some previous experience in agriculture and are ready to make the commitment to a year-long training program. Describe any unexpected results of the project: From Year 3: One unexpected result of this program is the relationships that have formed because of this program. Some apprentices have built strong relationships with their host farm employers, remaining employed on their farms after completing the program. Apprentices have formed bonds with other apprentices, becoming good friends and support systems for each other as new and beginning farmers. Some apprentices have made important social connections through the related instruction aspect of the program, taking courses that lease to new career opportunities. When participants work together during the various aspects of training, they build relationships that might not have occurred in their day-to-day roles. These connections can foster trust and open lines of communication that will enhance collaboration on future projects. From Year 2:One unexpected outcome is that veterans are taking closer to 18 months vs. 12 to complete the program which is typically a positive outcome. Apprentices are able to have flexibility and security in completing the program on a timeline that works best for them as well as tier farm hosts which ultimately leads to more positive relationships and employment outcomes. Additionally we have found that the biggest challenge to placing apprentices on farms has been matching apprentices and farms in the same geographic location. Many of the approved host farms did not have any applicants in their area and many of the apprentice applicants were unable to move and there were few if any approved farms in their target geographic location. From Year 1: We have had many inquiries about the program from active duty service members who are interested in finding an internship or apprenticeship program to complete as a part of the Department of Defense Skillbridge program. This program allows service members to continue receiving their military pay and benefits for up to 6 months as they transition out of their enlistment while gaining hands-on experience in a new job or internship. This could have a potentially positive impact on the apprenticeship program by removing some of the financial burdens from host farm employers. Since the apprenticeship is 12 months and the maximum skill bridge is 180 days, it is not feasible for active duty service members to complete the entire program during their transition back into the civilian world. However, creating a new 6-month program that is an internship or pre-apprenticeship could increase our participation and make the program more accessible to a greater number of veterans. How would you improve this project if you were to do it again? After the third year, in addition to continuing to address the factors below, we would also like to improve by implementing the following: · We are planning to add a livestock apprenticeship program that continues to serve veterans but also allows non-veterans to participate, expanding access overall to these unique registered agricultural apprenticeships. · In order to continue to serve veterans it will be crucial to partner with and work alongside other veteran farmer organizations within our state. We have found that several programs have ramped up their training capacities over the past two years, and this provides great opportunities for unique programs to work together in complementary ways rather than competing with one another. · We will continue to seek out external funding opportunities for farmers that include wage reimbursements and build in more funding for mentorship and mentor training and professional development. It is often important to enroll employers and apprentices in these programs before they begin the apprenticeship, so improving communication and timing around these processes is key. · Finally we have found that when apprentices and farmers get to spend time together in group settings, so much learning and collaboration occurs. When participants are able to share their unique insights and expertise, it enriches the learning experience for themselves and others. This exchange of ideas often leads to a more holistic understanding of organizational goals and challenges, encouraging participants to work together more effectively back on their farms.? What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 68 Total Meeting Participants: 509 Total Webinars: 17 Total Webinar Participants: 111 Total Website Visits:2,509 views and 1,527 users Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 11/4/2022: Raleigh, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 12/1/2021: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 1/28/2022: Newport, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 2/3/2022: King, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/4/2022: Efland, NC -- Number of Attendees 2 2/15/2022: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 2/17/2022: Cameron, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/21/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 3/10/2022: Lilington, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 4/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 12/1/2021: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 5/4/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/13/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/19/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 7/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/8/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 8/9/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/25/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/26/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/26/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/27/2022: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 10/10/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/10/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/27/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/27/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/28/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 1/11/2023: Burlington, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 3/13/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 3/13/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 3/14/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 4/4/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 4/5/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 4/18/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 4/24/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 9 6/1/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/5/2023: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/21/2023: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/21/2023: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 6/26/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 7/31/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 9/7/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 35 9/11/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/22/2023: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 9/22/2023: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 10/20/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 10/20/2023: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/1/2023: Eastern Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 5/2/2023: Eastern Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 8/15/2023: Western Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 8/16/2023: Western Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 11/10/2023: Apprentice Gathering, NC -- Number of Attendees 20 1/12/2024: Hampstead, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 4/15/2024: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 4/15/2024: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 5/9/2024: Linden, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 5/9/2024: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 8/1/2024: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 8/5/2024: Linden, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 9/16/2024: Greensboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 20 9/17/2024: Wiston-Salem, NC -- Number of Attendees 20 11/1/2024: Pittsboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 30 5/1/2024: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 50 Webinars 12/9/2021: Number of Attendees 19 1/6/2022: Number of Attendees 13 10/25/2022: Number of Attendees 9 11/16/2022: Number of Attendees 9 8/31/2022: Number of Attendees 4 6/29/2022: Number of Attendees 4 11/17/2022: Number of Attendees 3 10/5/2022: Number of Attendees 5 10/12/2022: Number of Attendees 5 12/6/2023: Number of Attendees 5 12/11/2023: Number of Attendees 5 12/13/2023: Number of Attendees 5 1/17/2023: Number of Attendees 5 2/7/2023: Number of Attendees 5 2/28/2023: Number of Attendees 5 3/9/2023: Number of Attendees 5 3/22/2023: Number of Attendees 5 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Boots on the Ground Cohort 1 Flyer Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Boots on the Ground Cohort 2 Flyer public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 2022 Extension Article Extension/Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Farm Credit Blog farm hosts/public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State Press Release Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State CALS Graduate Student Article public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Registered Apprenticeship Slides for presentations public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Veteran Farmer Mentor Recruitment Recruit Veteran Farmer Mentors Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 CEFS Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship Video promotion to public Apprentice Host Farm Flyer Apprenticeship Host Farms Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 General Apprenticeship Flyer public Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 Apprenticeship Info Session Flyer 2023 public Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video EJ Sutton public Meet CEFS Apprentice: Christine Best public Meet CEFS Apprentice: Darius McKoy public Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video Temika Parker public Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video Darius McKoy public USDA Undersecretary Visits Veteran Farmer Registered Apprenticeship Program public Black Farmers Address Mental Health and Find Strength in Community public 2024 Flier recruiting apprentices Last Uploaded: 10/31/2024 flier 2 host farm recruiting Last Uploaded: 10/31/2024 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Steps Steps taken to help participants Objective 1: Design and register Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program and curriculum Status 1.1 Bring Project Advisory Team together. Completed Research & review similar apprenticeship curriculums. Completed Finalize curriculum Completed Develop an apprentice manual. Completed Develop a farmer mentor manual. Completed Develop Veteran mentor guidelines. Completed 1.2 Submit curriculum to ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Finalize Registration of Apprenticeship based on feedback from ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Objective 2: Recruit and Pilot 2 cohorts of veterans (18 total) to participate in and complete the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program 2.1 Develop website, brochures, and social media outreach. Completed Develop application and apprentice portal. Completed Release call for apprenticeship applications Completed Begin recruiting cohort 1 for the Apprenticeship pilot program. Completed PD and Project Coordinator visit Lenoir Community College and FVC NC Chapter meetings to make presentations. Completed Close applications process and review applications. Completed Cohort 1 of 8 Apprentices start. Completed Farm Tour Across NC featuring veteran owned/operated farms. Completed Cohort 1 finishes and Pilot 1 closes. Not Completed 2.2 Submit paperwork to ApprenticeshipNC to alter any core competencies or other components of Registered Apprenticeship. Completed 2.3 Repeat activities B-I from Objective 2.1 with 10 apprentices in cohort 2. Completed Objective 3: Increase beginning farmer knowledge and technical skills Status 3.1 Provide access to all statewide Extension training and have cohorts choose training based on required technical skills. In-Process Conduct at least 10 technical workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2, open to other local farmers, veteran farmers, and their spouses. In-process 3.2 Conduct at least 4 workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2 around soft skills needed for successful farm management including, but not limited to: communication, organization, leadership, and managing employees. All workshops are open to local farmers, other veteran farmers, and spouses. Completed 3.3 Conduct pre-assessment of technical and soft skills before apprentices start. Completed Midterm assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. Completed Final assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. Completed Meet with apprentices, host farms, veteran mentors, and Project Advisory Team to evaluate cohort 1. Completed Repeat activities A-C with Cohort 2 of apprentices. Completed Final program evaluation. Not Completed Objective 4: Promote the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship as a model for community colleges and farmer training programs across NC 4.1 Develop informational and impact-oriented presentation about Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. Completed Present at ApprenticeshipNC conference. Completed Present at NC Community Colleges annual meeting. Not Completed Present at the Carolina Farm Stewardship Conference Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Completed Present at the national Sustainable Agriculture Education Association annual meeting. Not Completed Present at The National Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference and the State Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference. Completed Publish 1 peer reviewed article about the program. Not Completed Publish 1 extension article about the program. Completed 4.2 Develop graphics for Facebook, twitter, and Instagram sharing Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. Completed Share with printed flyers and promotional materials, and by word of mouth via partnerships with NC AgrAbility, Soldier to Agriculture, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Veterans Readiness & Employment office, and NC community colleges. Share via social media and email contact with other leading veteran-serving organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Semper-Fi Fund, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Completed 4.3 Write and submit one peer-reviewed journal article for the Journal of Extension. Not Completed Write and submit one extension article for NC State Extension. Not Completed Objective 5:Institutionalize and sustain the Boots On the Ground: North Carolina's Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship (NC VFA) program after the USDA funding ends. 5.1 Develop long-term yearly budget to continue overseeing apprenticeship. Completed Identify potential funding sources. In-process Develop long-term funding strategy. In-process 5.2 Develop apprentice/mentor farmer veteran resource network. In-Process Develop a farmer veteran support system/network to share resources with alumni continually after they graduate from the program. In-Process 5.3 Make veteran farmer and mentorship curriculum available via Extension. Not Completed
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: The program remains registered with the occupation code 11-9013.00 for Farmers, Ranchers, and other Agricultural Managers. In year 3 we did not see a need to alter or edit the curriculum, and we have maintained registration with ApprenticeshipNC and veterans are still eligible to use their GI Bill for this program. Objective 2:We successfully piloted 2 cohorts and are currently in the 3rd cohort of apprentices. We are moving towards a rolling application model, but we will still group apprentices by year (ex. 2024, 2025 etc.) Objective 3:Apprentices continue to show increases in agricultural management skills and knowledge gained through the apprenticeship as well as increased levels of experience in our competency categories. We have developed and finalized a long term evaluation plan to continue to monitor apprentice progress and increases in knowledge and technical skills. This plan includes a baseline survey, quarterly skills assessments, program completion survey, one-year post-program survey, and a focus group for apprentices and farmers. We have also developed an early exit survey for apprentices and farmers who leave the program early. Objective 4:Our team has continued to develop an expansive network of partners and interested collaborators. We have continued to build relationships with community colleges and have met with staff from Central Carolina Community College, Bladen Community College, Edgecombe Community College, and Piedmont Community College. Additionally, in April 2024 we spoke with the other primary veteran farmer training programs in North Carolina which are the Soldier to Agriculture program through the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Center and The Veterans Farm of NC to discuss how all three of our programs can complement each other.For the past 18 months we have been partnering with the North Carolina Department of commerce to develop a precedent for agricultural employers to be able to access WorkforceInnovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through local workforce development boards. These boards are directed to distribute federal WIOA funds to employers participating in workforce training programs such as registered apprenticeship. Since Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer registered apprenticeship is one of the first registered agricultural apprenticeships in NC, the workforce systems and workforce development boards are not used to working with farmers and agriculture in general, which has been a challenge to tackle on our own. Working with the NC Department of Commerce Agricultural Services division has opened a lot of doors into the workforce system in NC and we have presented our challenges and successes at several statewide conferences. These presentations took place at the North Carolina Rural Summit, NCWorks Partnership Conference, AgrAbility National Training Workshop, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition Annual Stakeholders conference. Objective 5:We have already started a third cohort of the apprenticeship and in late 2024 our program received a private donation that will allow us to begin and complete a fourth cohort of veteran apprentices beyond the life of the BFRDP grant. Additionally we are applying for more grants to continue funding these programs. One avenue that our team has been exploring which will increase our sustainability and financial independence is working with the NC department of Commerce to access WIOA funding which will help support apprentices and their employers. Feedback from our farmer mentors indicated that it takes a lot of time and effort to train an apprentice to the proper standards, so finding a way to incentivize this extra mentoring is a top priority. By doing so we support exceptional mentors who take the time to properly train and advise their apprentices, creating long lasting relationships and developing proficient future farm managers. Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Apprenticeship cohorts filled Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 14 How verified: enrollment records Result 2. Apprentices complete program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 16, Actual Number: 6 How verified: Enrollment records Result 3. Program is approved for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: Ongoing Estimated Number: 1, Actual Number: 1 How verified: GI Bill records Result 4. Program is registered with ApprenticeshipNC Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: year 1 Estimated Number: 1, Actual Number: 1 How verified: apprenticeship registration approval document Result 5. Apprentices display knowledge & skills gained through competencies checklist, training journal/log, and improvement from pre-assessment to mid-term & final assessments Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 15 How verified: logs, assessments, competency/skills list Result 6. Apprentices will complete an exit interview even if they drop out of the program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: upon leaving program Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 11 How verified: exit survey Result 7. Apprentices will complete the pre- assessment. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: quarterly Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 15 How verified: assessment instruments Result 8. Veterans will complete a training journal/log Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: end of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 15 How verified: log books Result 9. Increased # of apprentices enrolled from cohort 1 to 2 Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: after both cohorts Estimated Number: 2, Actual Number: 2 How verified: enrollment records Result 10. Increased # of military veteran farm managers and owners in NC Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: after each cohort Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 6 How verified: completion survey, year post program participant follow up survey Result 11. Decreased # of unemployed veterans Producer action: Decide, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 14 How verified: (ongoing) enrollment records, 2 year post program survey Result 12. Increased skill level of veteran farmers Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 14 How verified: skills assessments Result 13. Increased representation of disabled veterans in agricultural workforce Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 6, Actual Number: 6 How verified: enrollment records, completion survey, 2 years after program Result 14. Apprentices and mentors will stay in touch for at least two years after program completion Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 14, Actual Number: 3 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 15. Host farm employers are approved for the program Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: beginning of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 18 How verified: employer agreement forms
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Kidd, S., Cruz, A., Donaldson, J. Developing an Accessible Competency Based Registered Apprenticeship for Military Veterans. Poster Presentation at the AgrAbility National Training Workshop. (March 2024).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Cruz, A., Wood, K. Kidd, S. Who will farm? The role of workforce development in the future of NC agriculture. Oral presentation at the North Carolina Rural Summit. (March 2024)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Cruz, A., Wood, K. Kidd, S. Developing an Agricultural Registered Apprenticeship Program: A Case Study from NC. Oral presentation at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, NACTA, annual conference. (June 2024)
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Audience Emphasis African American Limited resource producers Military veterans Native American Organic producers Small farms Specialty crop producers Women Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: 36 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started Farming-Target: 18Actual: 14 Helped prepare to start farming-Target:18 Actual: 16 Improved farming success- Target:36 Actual: 30 Changes/Problems: Describe any unexpected results of the project: From Year 2:One unexpected outcome is that veterans are taking closer to 18 months vs. 12 to complete the program which is typically a positive outcome. Apprentices are able to have flexibility and security in completing the program on a timeline that works best for them as well as tier farm hosts which ultimately leads to more positive relationships and employment outcomes. Additionally, we have found that the biggest challenge to placing apprentices on farms has been matching apprentices and farms in the same geographic location. Many of the approved host farms did not have any applicants in their area and many of the apprentice applicants were unable to move and there were few if any approved farms in their target geographic location. How would you improve this project if you were to do it again? After the second year, in addition to continuing to address the factors below, we would also like to improve by implementing the following: -Better farm mentor orientation and support/training throughout the program -Look into developing more strong partnerships with other organizations/stakeholders including partnering with Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship to expand their apprenticeships into North Carolina, and working with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and regional workforce development boards to augment their OJT programs and explore additional funding opportunities for current and future farm hosts/mentors and apprentices. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 57 Total Meeting Participants: 360 Total Webinars: 17 Total Webinar Participants: 111 Total Website Visits: 1783 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 11/4/2022: Raleigh, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 12/1/2021: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 1/28/2022: Newport, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 2/3/2022: King, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/4/2022: Efland, NC -- Number of Attendees 2 2/15/2022: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 2/17/2022: Cameron, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/21/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 3/10/2022: Lilington, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 4/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 12/1/2021: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 5/4/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/13/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/19/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 7/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/8/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 8/9/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/25/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/26/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/26/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/27/2022: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 10/10/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/10/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/27/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/27/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/28/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 1/11/2023: Burlington, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 3/13/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 3/13/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 3/14/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 4/4/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 4/5/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 4/18/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 4/24/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 9 6/1/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/5/2023: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/21/2023: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/21/2023: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 6/26/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 6/28/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 7/31/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 9/7/2023: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 35 9/11/2023: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Dobson, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/18/2023: Nebo, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 9/22/2023: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 9/22/2023: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 10/20/2023: Tar Heel, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 10/20/2023: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/1/2023: Eastern Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 5/2/2023: Eastern Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 8/15/2023: Western Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 8/16/2023: Western Farm Tour, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 11/10/2023: Apprentice Gathering, NC -- Number of Attendees 20 Webinars 12/9/2021: Number of Attendees 19 1/6/2022: Number of Attendees 13 10/25/2022: Number of Attendees 9 11/16/2022: Number of Attendees 9 8/31/2022: Number of Attendees 4 6/29/2022: Number of Attendees 4 11/17/2022: Number of Attendees 3 10/5/2022: Number of Attendees 5 10/12/2022: Number of Attendees 5 12/6/2023: Number of Attendees 5 12/11/2023: Number of Attendees 5 12/13/2023: Number of Attendees 5 1/17/2023: Number of Attendees 5 2/7/2023: Number of Attendees 5 2/28/2023: Number of Attendees 5 3/9/2023: Number of Attendees 5 3/22/2023: Number of Attendees 5 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Boots on the Ground Cohort 1 Flyer Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Boots on the Ground Cohort 2 Flyer public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 2022 Extension Article Extension/Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Farm Credit Blog farm hosts/public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State Press Release Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State CALS Graduate Student Article public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Registered Apprenticeship Slides for presentations public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Veteran Farmer Mentor Recruitment Recruit Veteran Farmer Mentors Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 CEFS Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship Video promotion to public Apprentice Host Farm Flyer Apprenticeship Host Farms Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 General Apprenticeship Flyer public Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 Apprenticeship Info Session Flyer 2023 public Last Uploaded: 11/15/2023 Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video EJ Sutton public Meet CEFS Apprentice: Christine Best public Meet CEFS Apprentice: Darius McKoy public Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video Temika Parker public Farming With Fresh Ideas: Apprentice Spotlight Video Darius McKoy public USDA Undersecretary Visits Veteran Farmer Registered Apprenticeship Program public Black Farmers Address Mental Health and Find Strength in Community public What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Steps Steps taken to help participants Objective 1: Design and register Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program and curriculum Status 1.1 Bring Project Advisory Team together. Completed Research & review similar apprenticeship curriculums. Completed Finalize curriculum Completed Develop apprentice manual. Completed Develop farmer mentor manual. Completed Develop Veteran mentor guidelines. Completed 1.2 Submit curriculum to ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Finalize Registration of Apprenticeship based on feedback from ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Objective 2: Recruit and Pilot 2 cohorts of veterans (18 total) to participate in and complete the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program Status 2.1 Develop website, brochures, and social media outreach. Completed Develop application and apprentice portal. Completed Release call for apprenticeship applications Completed Begin recruiting cohort 1 for the Apprenticeship pilot program. Completed PD and Project Coordinator visit Lenoir Community College and FVC NC Chapter meetings to make presentations. Completed Close applications process and review applications. Completed Cohort 1 of 8 Apprentices start. Completed Farm Tour Across NC featuring veteran owned/operated farms. Completed Cohort 1 finishes and Pilot 1 closes. Not Completed 2.2 Submit paperwork to ApprenticeshipNC to alter any core competencies or other components of Registered Apprenticeship. Completed 2.3 Repeat activities B-I from Objective 2.1 with 10 apprentices in cohort 2. In-process Objective 3: Increase beginning farmer knowledge and technical skills Status 3.1 Provide access to all statewide Extension trainings and have cohorts choose trainings based on required technical skills. In-Process Conduct at least 10 technical workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2, open to other local farmers, veteran farmers, and their spouses. In-process 3.2 Conduct at least 4 workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2 around soft skills needed for successful farm management including, but not limited to: communication, organization, leadership, and managing employees. All workshops are open to local farmers, other veteran farmers, and spouses. In-Process 3.3 Conduct pre-assessment of technical and soft skills before apprentices start. Completed Midterm assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. Completed Final assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. In-Process Meet with apprentices, host farms, veteran mentors, and Project Advisory Team to evaluate cohort 1. In-process Repeat activities A-C with Cohort 2 of apprentices. In-process Final program evaluation. Not Completed Objective 4: Promote the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship as a model for community colleges and farmer training programs across NC Status 4.1 Develop informational and impact-oriented presentation about Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. Completed Present at ApprenticeshipNC conference. Not Completed Present at NC Community Colleges annual meeting. Not Completed Present at the Carolina Farm Stewardship Conference Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Completed Present at national Sustainable Agriculture Education Association annual meeting. Not Completed Present at The National Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference and the State Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference. Completed Publish 1 peer reviewed article about program. Not Completed Publish 1 extension article about program. Completed 4.2 Develop graphics for Facebook, twitter, and Instagram sharing Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. Completed Share with printed flyers and promotional materials, and by word of mouth via partnerships with NC AgrAbility, Soldier to Agriculture, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Veterans Readiness & Employment office, and NC community colleges. Share via social media and email contact with other leading veteran-serving organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Semper-Fi Fund, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Completed 4.3 Write and submit one peer-reviewed journal article for the Journal of Extension. Not Completed Write and submit one extension article for NC State Extension. Not Completed Objective 5:Institutionalize and sustain the Boots On the Ground: North Carolina's Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship (NC VFA) program after the USDA funding ends. Status 5.1 Develop long-term yearly budget to continue overseeing apprenticeship. Completed Identify potential funding sources. In-process Develop long-term funding strategy. In-process 5.2 Develop apprentice/mentor farmer veteran resource network. In-Process Develop a farmer veteran support system/network to share resources with alumni continually after they graduate from the program. In-Process 5.3 Make veteran farmer and mentorship curriculum available via Extension. Not Completed
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Apprenticeship cohorts filled Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 14 How verified: enrollment records Result 2. Apprentices complete program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 16, Actual Number: 0 How verified: Enrollment records Result 3. Program is approved for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: Ongoing Estimated Number: 1, Actual Number: 1 How verified: GI Bill records Result 4. Program is registered with ApprenticeshipNC Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: year 1 Estimated Number: 1, Actual Number: 0 How verified: apprenticeship registration approval document Result 5. Apprentices display knowledge & skills gained through competencies checklist, training journal/log, and improvement from pre-assessment to mid-term & final assessments Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 13 How verified: logs, assessments, competency/skills list Result 6. Apprentices will complete an exit interview even if they drop out of the program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: upon leaving program Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 0 How verified: exit survey Result 7. Apprentices will complete the pre- assessment. Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: quarterly Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 14 How verified: assessment instruments Result 8. Veterans will complete a training journal/log Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: end of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 13 How verified: log books Result 9. Increased # of apprentices enrolled from cohort 1 to 2 Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: after both cohorts Estimated Number: 2, Actual Number: 1 How verified: enrollment records Result 10. Increased # of military veteran farm managers and owners in NC Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: after each cohort Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 2 How verified: completion survey, year post program participant follow up survey Result 11. Decreased # of unemployed veterans Producer action: Decide, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 11 How verified: (ongoing) enrollment records, 2 year post program survey Result 12. Increased skill level of veteran farmers Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 11 How verified: skills assessments Result 13. Increased representation of disabled veterans in agricultural workforce Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 6, Actual Number: 4 How verified: enrollment records, completion survey, 2 years after program Result 14. Apprentices and mentors will stay in touch for at least two years after program completion Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 14, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 15. Host farm employers are approved for the program Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: beginning of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 15 How verified: employer agreement forms
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Kidd, S., Cruz, A., Donaldson, J. Developing a Competency
Based Registered Apprenticeship for Military Veterans. Poster
Presentation at the American Association of Agricultural
Education 2023 National Conference. (May 2023)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Cruz, A.; Kidd, S.; Wood, K.; Dankbar, H. "Leveraging the registered apprenticeship model as a pathway for farming for Veterans." Conference Presentation at the 2023 USDA BFRDP Project Directors Meeting. (October 2023)
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis · African American · Limited resource producers · Military veterans · Native American · Organic producers · Small farms · Specialty crop producers · Women Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 36 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started Farming: Target - 18, Actual - 7 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 18, Actual - 8 Improved farming success: Target - 36, Actual - 12 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Delivery Total Meetings: 26 Total Meeting Participants: 124 Total Webinars: 7 Total Webinar Participants: 61 Total Website Visits: 0 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 11/4/2022: Raleigh, NC -- Number of Attendees 15 12/1/2021: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 1/28/2022: Newport, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 2/3/2022: King, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/4/2022: Efland, NC -- Number of Attendees 2 2/15/2022: Chapel Hill, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 2/17/2022: Cameron, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 2/21/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 3/10/2022: Lilington, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 4/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 12/1/2021: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 5/4/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/13/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/19/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 7/29/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/8/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 8/9/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/25/2022: Mebane, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 8/26/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 8/26/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 4 5/27/2022: Burnsville, NC -- Number of Attendees 3 10/10/2022: Salisbury, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/10/2022: Asheboro, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 10/27/2022: Mount Olive, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/27/2022: Pembroke, NC -- Number of Attendees 6 10/28/2022: Lenoir, NC -- Number of Attendees 5 Webinars 12/9/2021: Number of Attendees 19 1/6/2022: Number of Attendees 13 10/25/2022: Number of Attendees 9 11/16/2022: Number of Attendees 9 8/31/2022: Number of Attendees 4 6/29/2022: Number of Attendees 4 11/17/2022: Number of Attendees 3 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Promotional Materials Boots on the Ground Cohort 1 Flyer Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Boots on the Ground Cohort 2 Flyer public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 2022 Extension Article Extension/Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Farm Credit Blog farm hosts/public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State Press Release Public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 NC State CALS Graduate Student Article public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Registered Apprenticeship Slides for presentations public Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 Veteran Farmer Mentor Recruitment Recruit Veteran Farmer Mentors Last Uploaded: 11/28/2022 CEFS Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship Video promotion to public What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Objective 1:Design and register Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program and curriculum Status 1.1 Bring Project Advisory Team together. Completed Research & review similar apprenticeship curriculums. Completed Finalize curriculum Completed Develop apprentice manual. Completed Develop farmer mentor manual. Completed Develop Veteran mentor guidelines. Completed 1.2 Submit curriculum to ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Finalize Registration of Apprenticeship based on feedback from ApprenticeshipNC. Completed Objective 2:Recruit and Pilot 2 cohorts of veterans (18 total) to participate in and complete the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship program Status 2.1 Develop website, brochures, and social media outreach. Completed Develop application and apprentice portal. Completed Release call for apprenticeship applications Completed Begin recruiting cohort 1 for the Apprenticeship pilot program. Completed PD and Project Coordinator visit Lenoir Community College and FVC NC Chapter meetings to make presentations. Completed Close applications process and review applications. Completed Cohort 1 of 8 Apprentices start. Completed Farm Tour Across NC featuring veteran owned/operated farms. Not Completed Cohort 1 finishes and Pilot 1 closes. Not Completed 2.2 Submit paperwork to ApprenticeshipNC to alter any core competencies or other components of Registered Apprenticeship. Completed 2.3 Repeat activities B-I from Objective 2.1 with 10 apprentices in cohort 2. In-process Objective 3: Increase beginning farmer knowledge and technical skills Status 3.1 Provide access to all statewide Extension trainings and have cohorts choose trainings based on required technical skills. In-Process Conduct at least 10 technical workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2, open to other local farmers, veteran farmers, and their spouses. In-process 3.2 Conduct at least 4 workshops with apprentices of cohort 1 and 2 around soft skills needed for successful farm management including, but not limited to: communication, organization, leadership, and managing employees. All workshops are open to local farmers, other veteran farmers, and spouses. In-Process 3.3 Conduct pre-assessment of technical and soft skills before apprentices start. Completed Midterm assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. In-process Final assessment with Cohort 1 of VFA. Not Completed Meet with apprentices, host farms, veteran mentors, and Project Advisory Team to evaluate cohort 1. In-process Repeat activities A-C with Cohort 2 of apprentices. Not Completed Final program evaluation. Not Completed Objective 4:Promote the Boots on the Ground: North Carolina Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship as a model for community colleges and farmer training programs across NC Status 4.1 Develop informational and impact-oriented presentation about Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. In-Process Present at ApprenticeshipNC conference. Not Completed Present at NC Community Colleges annual meeting. Not Completed Present at the Carolina Farm Stewardship Conference Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Completed Present at national Sustainable Agriculture Education Association annual meeting. Not Completed Present at The National Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference and the State Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference. Not Completed Publish 1 peer reviewed article about program. Not Completed Publish 1 extension article about program. Completed 4.2 Develop graphics for Facebook, twitter, and Instagram sharing Boots on the Ground: NC VFA. Completed Share with printed flyers and promotional materials, and by word of mouth via partnerships with NC AgrAbility, Soldier to Agriculture, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Veterans Readiness & Employment office, and NC community colleges. Share via social media and email contact with other leading veteran-serving organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Semper-Fi Fund, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Completed 4.3 Write and submit one peer-reviewed journal article for the Journal of Extension. Not Completed Write and submit one extension article for NC State Extension. Not Completed Objective 5:Institutionalize and sustain the Boots On the Ground: North Carolina's Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship (NC VFA) program after the USDA funding ends. Status 5.1 Develop long-term yearly budget to continue overseeing apprenticeship. In-process Identify potential funding sources. In-process Develop long-term funding strategy. Not Completed 5.2 Develop apprentice/mentor farmer veteran resource network. In-Process Develop a farmer veteran support system/network to share resources with alumni continually after they graduate from the program. In-Process 5.3 Make veteran farmer and mentorship curriculum available via Extension. Not Completed
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results: What Producers Learned, Achieved, Applied Result 1. Apprenticeship cohorts filled Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 7 How verified: enrollment records Result 2. Apprentices complete program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: End of each cohort Estimated Number: 16, Actual Number: 0 How verified: Enrollment records Result 3. Program is approved for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: Ongoing Estimated Number: 6, Actual Number: 2 How verified: enrollment records Result 4. Program is registered with ApprenticeshipNC Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: year 1 Estimated Number: 1, Actual Number: 1 How verified: apprenticeship registration approval document Result 5. Apprentices display knowledge & skills gained through competencies checklist, training journal/log, and improvement from pre-assessment to mid-term & final assessments Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 6 How verified: logs, assessments, competency/skills list Result 6. Apprentices will complete an exit interview even if they drop out of the program Producer action: Decide, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: upon leaving program Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 0 How verified: exit survey Result 7. Apprentices will complete the pre- assessment. The mid-term and final assessment will show measurable improvements in skills & knowledge gained Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: quarterly Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 6 How verified: assessment instruments Result 8. Veterans will complete a training journal/log Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: end of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 6 How verified: log books Result 9. Increased # of apprentices enrolled from cohort 1 to 2 Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: after both cohorts Estimated Number: 2, Actual Number: 0 How verified: enrollment records Result 10. Increased # of military veteran farm managers and owners in NC Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 11. Decreased # of unemployed veterans Producer action: Decide, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 12. Increased skill level of veteran farmers Producer action: Understand, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 9, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 13. Increased representation of disabled veterans in agricultural workforce Producer action: Implement, Topic: Labor supply, recruitment, and retention When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 6, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 14. Apprentices and veteran mentors will stay in touch for at least two years after program completion Producer action: Develop, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: 2 years after program Estimated Number: 14, Actual Number: 0 How verified: 2 year post program participant follow up survey Result 15. Host farm employers are approved for the program Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: beginning of each cohort Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 13 How verified: employer agreement forms Result 16. Veteran apprentices are paired with veteran mentors Producer action: Implement, Topic: Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships When measured: ongoing Estimated Number: 18, Actual Number: 0 How verified: enrollment records
Publications
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