Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Apprenticeship Network: 30 beginning Tribal Farmers and Ranchers (with 10 years or less experience, Tribal affiliation, and access to land) in two regions of the United States--Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) and the Great Plains (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska). The majority of producers in this cohort are in their 40s and 50s (n=16). The youngest apprentice is 23 years of age and the oldest is 79 for this report period. Gender: 14 women, 14 men, 1 non-binary, and one Two Spirit. There are 12 farmers, four ranchers, six who are farming and ranching, one aquaponics farmer, one fruit tree orchardist, one beekeeper, and five who are preparing for farming or ranching but have not firmly selected a direction. Changes/Problems:As reflected in Year Two USDA report, time is a fundamental challenge that has not changed as BFRs respond to demands of full-time jobs, family responsibilities, care of relatives, capability to use computers, software, SharePoint, etc. In terms of business plan development, BFR feedback focused on the need to have the BoIA curriculum and training tailored for entry level producers (just thinking about starting an agricultural operation) and very small scale producers. First Nations responded with revisions to training agendas and materials to be covered during BoIA sessions. Similarly, conversation planning (introduction of the NRCS 9-step process) was reviewed in terms of workshop agendas and materials based on participant feedback. A large challenge for business and conservation plans was perceived in terms of USDA application requirements. Capital is a challenge in moving forward for BFRs--upfront funds needed for infrastructure improvements and expansion are likely unavailable. From a cultural perspective, many BFRs are working with how to balance a sense that first and foremost, farming and ranching is about community welfare and not "business." What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development are described above in the narrative about accomplishments by goals. Training primarily focused on business and conservation plan development. First Nations staff worked closely with individual BFRs to meet their requested technical assistance needs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Some of BFRs open their agricultural enterprises to communities (schools and other entities) through field trips and other educational presentations. They engage in partnerships and collaboration with other producers and agricultural organizations and networks. On an individual basis, BFRs discuss their activities with friends and family. Social media is a major way that BFRs share their activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?BFRs will continue to advance movement towards goals they've identified for their apprenticeship. First Nations staff and consultants will continue to provide technical assistance and resources to support BFRs as they complete their business and conservation plans.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 3: By September 14, 2024 (year 3/quarter 4), provide individualized capacity building technical assistance to 30 Native American BFRs through 1) individualized technical assistance in business plan development from a subject matter expert(s) who will commit a total of 135 hours; 2) on-site guidance from six experienced Native agricultural experts; 3) access to a $500 capacity building fund for each BFR for additional training or certification; and 4) quarterly check-in video calls grouped by a) farmers and b) ranchers. Objective 4: By September 14, 2024 (year 3/quarter 4), publish a report showcasing the 30 Native BFRs' processes, outputs, outcomes, learning, best practices, increased participation in the food supply chain, and any cultural, economic, and/or social effects in their communities. The report will encourage the proliferation of adaptable program elements and best practices by other Native producers. Activities: September 27 - 28, 2023 - First Nations L.E.A.D. (Leadership and Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Development) conference, Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico. All BFRs were offered support by First Nations to attend this conference. On September 28, the agenda included a workshop that highlighted the BFR project. The workshop titled "Strengthening Tribal Producers: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Apprenticeship Network" featured a panel presentation by three BFRs who shared their experiences as apprentices through PowerPoint presentations. Several apprentices attended this session and shared their own experiences informally during the Q&A with other interested participants who engaged in learning about one another and exchanging ideas and resources. February 27 - 28, 2024 (Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, Flagstaff, Arizona); April 2-3, 2024 (Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico). Business of Indian Agriculture (BoIA) training and technical assistance workshops. Seven BFRs attended these condensed yet comprehensive trainings. BFRs, over the course of the apprenticeship indicated that they needed more personalized and structured time to complete the BoIA curriculum units and their plans. In particular BFRs requested business planning to be focused at the level of entry level and very small scale business examples. Business plans continued to be submitted by BFRs for review by First Nations consultants who provided written individualized feedback and suggestions on these developing plans. Conservation Planning: Seven BFRs attended conservation planning trainings held within their own communities or close by. Two BFRs offered their land for the Field Day component of the training. First Nations consultants and staff provided one-on-one technical assistance with conservation plan development. Technical assistance funds: BFRs were provided $500 to support access to individualized technical support and resources. Funds were flexible and were spent on purchasing agricultural enterprise materials and supplies, attending a variety of trainings, and to have one-on-one visits to enterprises of interest that were similar to BFR interests. A number of BFRs utilized these funds during this report period. They continued to be provided with supplementary, curated educational materials to facilitate their learning. Public-facing report: A general audience report draft was prepared that showcases the work of the BFRs over the lifetime of the grant award.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Apprenticeship Network: 30 beginning Tribal Farmers and Ranchers (with 10 years or less experience, Tribal affiliation, and access to land) in two regions of the United States--Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) and the Great Plains (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska). The majority of producers in this cohort are in their 40s and 50s (n=16). The youngest apprentice is 23 years of age, and the oldest is 79 for this reporting period--gender: 14 women, 14 men, one non-binary, and one Two Spirit. There are 12 farmers, four ranchers, six who are farming and ranching, one aquaponics farmer, one fruit tree orchardist, one beekeeper, and five who are preparing for farming or ranching but have not firmly selected a direction. Approximately a third of the apprentices identify themselves as "very beginning." The others identified themselves as more maturing producers, although all might describe themselves as beginners as they research what next step might be beneficial in developing their farms and ranches. At the March 2023 convening, of the 27 apprentices who attended the training at Santa Ana Pueblo, 57 percent worked more than 20 hours a week farming, ranching, or other enterprise. 53 percent estimate that they generate $10,000 or less from their endeavor. Approximately 33 percent have not generated any income yet. Fourteen percent earn between $20,000-$40,000. Changes/Problems:Over the course of the grant cycle, annual project reports to USDA focused on factors of time demands, available personal funds to undertake desired strategies to grow agricultural enterprises, apprentice stage of readiness for applying innovations introduced through business and conservation plans, and cultural perspectives on what farming and ranching means--lifeways and a sense, first and foremost that farming and ranching is about community welfare rather than "business." Most apprentices have primary jobs that supplement what it takes to operate an agricultural enterprise. Jobs, family, education, and community demands made meeting initial deadlines for completing business and conservation plans and BoIA modules challenging. Feedback from apprentices suggested that curricula needed to be condensed and tailored for participants at a very beginning level and for more very small scale enterprises. Given the requirements for USDA funding, a number of apprentices commented that they were prohibitive. Apprentices did not have the necessary upfront funds to implement a strategy--reimbursement was not an option. Also, one apprentice shared that it would be helpful for the USDA to recognize the barter system in Indian Country, which is an important economic factor as personal resources were evaluated. The readiness stage for change (adoption of an innovation such as business and conservation planning) greatly varied among apprentices, as referenced throughout project reports. For most apprentices, business and conservation planning were new concepts and tools. While workshop formats were practical, apprentices wanted more time to process complex ideas and tools and to have more practice. In particular, interrelationships and connections between cultural values, Tribal governance, land stewardship, and climate change were necessary to consider regardless of business and conservation plan requirements. First Nations staff and consultants worked hard to adapt materials and training agendas to meet participants where they were. The conservation plan training Field Day was highly valued by apprentices, who commented that they learned best hands-on and from one another. Through the diffusion of innovation, authored by Everett Rogers, it is widely understood in the academic literature that the adoption of innovations is at least a three to five-year process. In keeping with apprenticeship models, formal (webinars, workshops) and informal education (peer network development to learn from one another, visit or tour other agricultural operations) were balanced. This also required a lot of effort and time from First Nations staff and consultants as much technical assistance was delivered one-on-one. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development have been detailed in the section above. First Nations staff and consultants consistently addressed apprentice needs for training and other resources throughout the project. The peer network that was being developed provided an additional opportunity for growth and development as producers. Apprentices felt that sharing with one another was a priority--lived experience among peers offered critical support as they learned from one another what was working or not. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? On an individual basis, apprentices discussed their activities and progress with friends and family. Social media was a major way that BFRs shared their activities. They partnered and collaborated with other producers, agricultural organizations, and networks. Some apprentices attended conferences and other trainings and exchanged information with attendees. Other apprentices have opened their enterprises to communities (schools and other entities) through field trips, community educational presentations, and other events (e.g., farmers markets). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All objectives listed above were met over the grant award cycle (9/1/21 - 8/31/24) except for the general audience report at project close, which is in process with First Nations design staff as this report is being finalized and designed. Outcomes 30 BFRs introduced to a specialized knowledge base and tools to be successful in developing their agribusinesses 30 BFRs introduced to agribusiness management and resources (business planning through the Business of Indian Agriculture curriculum (BoIA) and conservation plan development-NRCS 9-step process). While webinars were held online, two in-person trainings were held 30 BFRs with hands-on experience considering or managing a small agribusiness. Identified direction for starting oradvancing toward a next step in the growth of agricultural endeavors 30 BFRs networked to one another and with community stakeholders for peer support and capacity building 30 BFRs linked to experienced Native producers for their support and technical assistance 30 BFRs with curated educational and technical assistance resources through First Nations staff and consultants Opportunities to explore the Integration of traditional agricultural practices and considered western agricultural practices and programs (USDA EQIP) Evaluation framework developed and implemented that provides a narrative of progress over the course of the grant cycle through midyear and final reports Training/Professional Development 2022. March 29 and March 31. A virtual two-day networking session was held to offer apprentices opportunities to learn about the program, business planning, and conservation planning, as well as to have time to get to know one another and begin building a support network. June 28 - November 15. Six webinars on the Business of Indian Agriculture (BoIA) were offered. Ongoing technical assistance through coaching sessions and one-on-ones was also provided from June to November. March 28-30. Due to COVID-19 recovery nationally, the first in-person convening occurred at the Santa Ana Pueblo Star Hotel, Bernalillo, New Mexico. The session was split between BoIA modules and an introduction to conservation planning as well as continued peer networking. 2023. September 27-28. First Nations L.E.A.D. (Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development) conference held at Isleta Pueblo, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 22 apprentices attended the conference. Three apprentices participated in a panel presentation on their enterprises. A number of apprentices also shared their experiences during the Q&A. Conservation plan trainings. A total of six conservation plan trainings were held. Six apprentices attended an additional full five-day conservation plan training. Throughout the grant, several BFRs attended conservation plan trainings held within their own communities or close by. Two BFRs offered their land for the Field Day component of the training. First Nations consultants and staff provided one-on-one technical assistance with conservation plan development (including custom-made, data-layered maps of their land). Additionally, First Nations staff and the evaluator assisted in developing the Stewarding Native Lands training curriculum and a workbook for participants to accompany trainings. 2024. 1.5 day in-person trainings (BoIA + conservation planning) by region. February 27-28, Flagstaff, Arizona; April 2-3, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Progress Business and Conservation Plans: By the end of the grant cycle, 60 percent (18) had submitted business plans, and 37 percent (11) submitted conservation plans. Note: Approximately 20 percent began the apprenticeship with ideas for the enterprise they might want to explore but did not have a current established operation. However, the majority of apprentices, regardless of whether they had farms or ranches, had experience with these operations since childhood. Technical Assistance Funds: Apprentices were offered $500 to support an identified resource request. All apprentices used this funding to purchase materials and supplies, attend trainings, and to have one-on-one visits to enterprises of interest that were similar to ones apprentices were engaged in. Progress Evaluation: An evaluation framework and methodology were developed to balance quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was drawn from satisfaction with training surveys. Qualitative data was gathered from interviews with apprentices, and reports developed as PowerPoint essays and AirTable questions, which could be built into narratives. Ninety-seven percent (29) provided individual interviews regarding their progress and perspectives on the apprenticeship from October 2022 - March 2022; 73 percent (22) of apprentices submitted interim final project reports in 2024. The evaluator submitted mid-year and final project reports to First Nations Program officers. A general audience report is in process and has been submitted to First Nations' design department.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Allen, A., Begaye, L., Elm-Hill, R. 2024. The Native Farmer and Rancher Apprenticeship Network: Stories That Strengthen Native Food Sovereignty, Stewardship and Lifeways. First Nations Development Institute.
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Apprenticeship Network: 30 beginning Tribal Farmers and Ranchers (with 10 years or less experience, tribal affiliation, and access to land) in two regions of the United States - Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) and the Great Plains (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). The majority of farmers and ranchers in this cohort are in their 40s and 50s (n=16). The youngest apprentice is 23 years of age and the oldest is 79 for this report period. Gender: 14 women; 14 men; 1 non-binary, and one Two Spirit. There are 12 farmers, four ranchers, six who are farming and ranching, one aquaponics farmer, one fruit tree orchard worker, one beekeeper, and five who are progressing by one step or two to prepare for farming or ranching. As apprentices grow in their respective agribusiness areas, their communities, at this report period, are becoming a part of the extended audience via social media posts where activities are shared. Changes/Problems:Time continues to be a huge challenge. As noted in Year One's report, demands of full-time jobs, family responsibilities, care of relatives, capability to use computers, software, and SharePoint, and balancing demands of developing agribusinesses have impacted the completion of business plans. Work on business plans continues to be a work in progress particularly for apprentices who are still contemplating how to approach an agricultural enterprise. As diffusion of innovation is a three to five-year process, it can be predicted that a number of apprentices may begin to select tools and strategies gained during the first two years of their apprenticeships during the third year of this project. How to continue to support the adoption of innovations introduced during the grant cycle will be a concern. More apprentices are choosing to utilize the $500.00 available to them for training and professional development but, at the time of this report, half (15) of the apprentices have not used these funds. As mentioned earlier in this report, apprentices have great value for the one-on-one technical assistance received by reaching out to First Nations staff and consultants. These calls yield specific resources that strengthen agricultural enterprises among the apprentices with some immediacy. This is a time-intensive process and First Nations staff also experience capacity concerns in meeting the needs of multiple project audiences. There is a great desire to further develop the peer network over time. What this looks like is something to consider in the third year of the program as well as any other opportunities to meet and learn from one another in person. For example, apprentices who attended the L.E.A.D conference expressed interest in having time together which happened more informally rather than as a time in the agenda. How can local connections be nurtured among apprentices who may otherwise not be able to connect as well at the regional level (South/west/Great Plains). Funding resources will also be an ever-present concern for this group given the economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers who are weighing whether they are able to focus full-time on these enterprises. From a cultural perspective, farming and ranching may be seated in a perspective that, first and foremost, yields are about community welfare, and not "business". Conservation planning has been introduced that will offer a variety of resources that may not have been considered by the apprentices. A situational challenge in entering into contracts with the US government still remains in terms of risk-taking. Will positive outcomes be centered on the culturally rooted food systems, traditional practices and beliefs, and values held by the apprentices or altered? How to integrate and balance traditional ecological knowledge and Western agricultural practices and models is a long-term process. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? First Nations 2023 Leadership and Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Development (L.E.A.D.) conference, Isleta Resort and Casino, Albuquerque, NM: 22 of the apprentices in the Native Farmers and Ranchers Network attended this conference which offered continued expansion of resources devoted to traditional ways and practices of ecological stewardship (inclusive of a variety of producer concerns). Three of the apprentices provided a panel presentation on their efforts in this program to strengthen tribal producers. Several of the apprentices shared their progress in growing their farms and ranches. Attendance at the LEAD convening fulfilled the Year 3 objective of attending a 1.5-day session to learn from each other and showcase their models. Additionally, a mini BoIA workshop was offered. Some apprentices may have attended this session. In terms of diffusion of innovation (adoption of innovations offered through the apprenticeship as well as for conservation planning), it may take several repeated opportunities to understand, evaluate, and then choose to integrate business and/or conservation plans as part of the processes undertaken in addition to traditional teachings and practices that are the core of successful agricultural enterprises. Conservation plan sessions: A total of six conservation plan trainings were offered over the course of the report period. In addition to attending the March 28-30 apprentice network convening at Santa Ana Star, six apprentices attended the additional full five-day conservation plan training. Of this number, three apprentices attended more than one training. These apprentices offered their land for the "field day" component of the conservation plan training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?For the next report period, Year 3, more detailed information will be provided on this topic. Currently, apprentices are in the midst of submitting interim reports as PowerPoint stories. One of the questions that apprentices will address includes how they have shared their apprentice experiences with their families and communities. During this report period, social media has been an observed channel among apprentices for activities they have undertaken on their farms, ranches, and other agricultural enterprises. A share point site of some time, a Facebook group for apprentices, etc. has been suggested for further exploration. Apprenticeship activities were highlighted through the panel presentation at the September L.E.A.D conference described earlier in this report. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Access to individualized technical assistance with a supporting fund as well as access to individualized technical support from experienced Native farmers and ranchers will continue. Apprentices will receive supplementary, curated educational materials to facilitate their learning. In addition, during year 3, First Nations will publish and widely disseminate a report that will showcase the 30 Native American BFRs. The evaluation process will continue to offer guidance and consideration of next steps to strengthen the overall program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. By September 14, 2024, provide two in-person trainings during year 2 and educational materials (years 1 through 3) to 30 Native American BFRs in conservation plan development, business plan development, marketing/branding, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resource management. At the time of report submittal, the following activities occurred: An in-person regional gathering for BFRs was held on March 28-30, 2023 at Santa Ana Pueblo Star Hotel Casino, Bernalillo, NM. 28 apprentices attended the training which was split into two sections on the agenda: a) provision of Business of Indian Agriculture (BoIA) modules during the first day and b) an introduction to conservation planning. March 28-BoIA: Presentations concentrated on key information needed and how-to's for completion of each module. Apprentices had requested in-person support to facilitate progress on their business plans. Of 17 completed post-session surveys, 94 percent (16 of 17) indicated they "strongly agreed" or "agreed"(Likert Scale scores of "5" and "4") that they increased their understanding of tools needed to create a successful business plan, learned what they needed to do this year to grow their business, increased their confidence in developing their farm, ranch, or other agricultural enterprise. Some of the apprentices shared completed business plans with the group at the end of the day. March 29-30: Introduction to Conservation Planning - Apprentices were introduced to inventory mapping and resource concerns, principles of range management, the NRCS 9-step Conservation Planning Process, and developing a Resource Management System Alternative. Participants took home inventory maps they created on the first day. During the field day, they performed a plant/field inventory and soil testing in an outdoor space. Of 19 surveys that were collected, results indicated knowledge gained (ratings of "5" and "4" - Strongly Agree/Agree) for 84 percent (16 of 19) of the participants. Another important outcome of the in-person gathering was the creation of a space for apprentices to connect and develop a peer support network. Over the course of the first year, face-to-face contact was seen as an important and fundamental need among the group. October 2022 - March 2023 Apprentice Interviews: 29 of 30 apprentices participated in hour-long interviews with the evaluator to gain perspectives on the experiences of the apprentices over the course of the first year, moving into the second year--what was working well and where improvements could be made. Key observations were made in terms of the value of the apprenticeship: a) one-on-one support and encouragement offered by First Nations staff and consultants throughout the year; b) the significance of educational resources provided that may improve their enterprises; c) learning by sharing stories with one another and presenters from a cultural perspective. Most apprentices expressed a need for more "hands-on" learning and opportunities to see one another's agricultural operations. There was also concern about how to sustain connections among the participants regionally and locally. Access to individualized technical assistance with a supporting fund for equipment as follows: irrigation, farm supplies, training and workshops, pasture improvements, software update and website development, certification to enhance business plan, Western Meat School certification, learning about better energy for a more sustainable/efficient operation (aquaponics). A total of 16 apprentices have utilized the $500.00 stipend to cover these activities. Experienced farmers and ranchers are consultants for the apprenticeship network. These consultants deliver components of the apprenticeship in-person gathering as well as the conservation plans. Their stories are highly valued by the apprentices and have led to observable connections for practical questions and mentorship. In the next report cycle, apprentices will share their family and local mentors as part of their developing narratives in establishing and growing their farms, ranches, or other agricultural enterprises. Both BoIA materials and presentations as well as conservation planning materials and presentations continue to be reviewed for their effectiveness. Recommendations and suggestions from apprentice interviews and pre- and post-training surveys were summarized and shared with staff for their consideration and integration into the next versions of these tools. First Nations staff spent a significant amount of time locating and sharing resources as requested by apprentices.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Apprenticeship Network: 30 beginning Tribal Farmers and Ranchers (with 10 years or less experience, tribal affiliation, access to land) in two regions of the United States: Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) and the Great Plains (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). The majority of farmers and ranchers in this cohort are in their 40s and 50s (n=16). The youngest apprentice is 22 years-of-age and the oldest is 78. Gender:14 women; 14 men; 1 non-binary, and one Two Spirit. There are 12 farmers, four ranchers, six who are farming and ranching, one aquaponics farmer, one fruit tree orchard worker, one beekeeper, and five who have not yet started farming or ranching but are either in preparation or contemplation of farming or ranching. As apprentices grow in their respective agribusiness areas, their communities will also be a part of the extended audience. Changes/Problems:In order to have all apprentices complete the BoIA curriculum, a session may be added to one of the two in-person convenings in 2023. Also, Yadira Rivera, one of the authors of the BoIA curriculum, and other project staff are reaching out to apprentices on a one-on-one basis to support apprentices by understanding challenges to unit completion and possible solutions. An overwhelming majority of apprentices have a high value and priority for networking and learning from one another in person. Participants seek to build solidarity with their peers as they share what works and doesn't work; see how other apprentices run different operations that are beneficial for them and consider whether their practices may work for them, and gain confidence from one another as they progress through uncertainties of building sustainable agribusinesses.All are open to learning as much as they can and are motivated by the topics that are offered in the program. As the convenings, coaching sessions, and webinars remain on virtual platforms, it has been effective to promote communication and relationships by sharing photos and video of apprentice farms and ranches where the group can have a more personal connection to each apprentice. Apprentices, staff, and consultants look forward to in person convenings in Year Two. Some issues that have been presented during the year to date are addressed through one-on-one phone calls for resources.Six apprentices reached out and were matched for resources in the areas of co-ops, high tunnel greenhouses, rotational grazing and land management, establishment of 501c(3)s, and processing product. Time constraints are a significant challenge.Demands of full-time jobs, family responsibilities, care of relatives, capability to use computers and SharePoint, and balancing demands of developing agribusinesses has impacted progress on units. Work on business plans is less grounded in reality for some apprentices who are concerned with the first step of their agribusiness--purchase of one bison. Tailoring BoIA into "mini-units" is under consideration. Project staff and consultants consistently offer support and encouragement to all apprentices in understanding the constraints of daily life tasks. Other apprentices found the year to be challenging as crop yields were low due to drought or other conditions, breakdown of equipment, lack of dependability of workers, being single individuals farming or ranching, stress and COVID-19 pandemic fatigue, higher supply chain prices, etc.Apprentices are being interviewed in small groups until mid-December to assess their experiences during this year. The next progress report will include information on perceived challenges and how they are being addressed. In Year Two, apprentices suggest having speakers on tribal policies, grant writing, state certifications and licensing, creative financing approaches for tribal farmers and ranchers as banks and other lending institutions may be less likely to fund enterprises. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As a result of the webinars and coaching sessions, project staff and presenters are able to share resources that strengthen knowledge and skill areas identified by apprentices as they participate in these sessions. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During this report period, communication and dissemination of project activities have focused on the interactions between guest speakers, the apprentices and their communities, and project staff. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?An evaluation framework has been developed during this first year with apprentices who provided questions that will be meaningful to them, to project staff, and BoIA consultants. An evaluation methodology has been developed that aligns Indigenous ways of seeing with western evaluation concepts. An Indigenous evaluation model has been selected that is driven by storytelling that synthesizes apprentice progress and experiences (See the attached logic model and Indigenous evaluation model.) In the next quarter, and until the next progress report is due in 2023, apprentices will continue to be supported in their completion of the BoIA curriculum and business plan development, coaching sessions, and one-on-one technical assistance calls. The majority of apprentices have selected networking as a top priority for their participation in the program. As COVID recovery continues, it is hoped that the first in-person convenings can be held in March 2023 in New Mexico. In addition to conservation planning, business plan development, marketing/branding, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resource management trainings and resources will continue to be provided based on Year One activities. Additionally, $500.00 technical assistance (TA) funds will be provided to each apprentice that can be utilized for training, certification and professional development. The TA are a one-time fund that can be requested from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. In year 2, two incentive disbursements will follow on January 31, 2023 in the amount of $1,875.00 and November 30, 2023 in the amount of $1,875.00. The disbursements are intended to be used toward the Apprentice's efforts to build their business capacity and agricultural management of their operations to increase local production of and community access to food, conservation plan development, business plan development, marketing/branding, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resources management. During year 2, 30 Native BFRs will participate in one 1.5-day training (one in each region) on conservation plan development (during which they will receive custom-made, data-layered maps), access individualized technical assistance with a supporting fund, access individualized technical support from experienced Native farmers and ranchers, and receive supplementary, curated educational materials to facilitate their learning.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The First Nations' project team developed and created an RFA and had 33 submitted applications of our projected 45. Through an internal review, First Nations' selected 28 Native beginning farmers in ranchers in the Southwest and Great Plains in February 2022. Over the next six months, our community partners supported in identifying two BFR's to join the cohort. To date, we have a full cohort of 30 Apprentices. The following 12Indigenous communities are being represented: Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, Kewa Pueblo, Mescalero Apache, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Navajo Nation, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Pueblo of Jemez, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Santa Clara Pueblo, and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska A two-day virtual networking session was held on March 29 and March 31, 2022 for all apprentices.Day One's session provided opportunities for the 30 apprentices to get to know one another and toestablish a group identity by looking at their collective experience (a goal for oneself, a goal for their farm or ranch, and a goal for their participation in the Apprenticeship Network).Preparation for access to the Business of Indian Agriculture (BoIA) curriculum occurred through sharing a course link and the creation of a Thinkific BoIA account.On Day Two, a presentation was held on Carrying on Farming and Ranching Traditions with Gilbert Louis III, (Pueblo of Acoma) in which the relevance of a business plan was emphasized in developing an agribusiness and the relevance of a conservation plan was covered, and its importance in stewarding the land. Questions were centered around where apprentices see themselves in five years as well as any USDA programs that apprentices may work with that were helpful in advancing their agribusinesses. An overview of the development of BoIA was presented by Yadira Rivera, First Nations' consultant.Examples were shared of participants that completed the curriculum.This presentation was followed by an hour of work time for participants to complete the first section of the curriculum inside the Thinkific platform. Project staff was identified to provide technical assistance to participants as they engaged in unit completion. During Year 1, apprenticesbecame versed in business management of agricultural operations, bolstering their chances for economic success and sustainability of their ongoing operations. Module 1: Business. Apprentices will understand the history and culture of American Indian agribusiness generally, and their own Indigenous community specifically. Module 2: Accounting. Apprentices will understand the basic definition of accounting and its importance to agribusiness, and will know the difference between accounting and bookkeeping. Module 3: Financial Management. Apprentices will understand the differences of personal and business finances, and the considerations of co-mingling personal and business finances, particularly in family-operated business. Module 4: Agribusiness Economics and Marketing. Apprentices will understand agricultural inputs and their importance to an agribusiness. Module 5: Land Use and Management. Apprentices will understand the basic considerations of Native land use and management. Module 6: Creating a Business Plan. Apprentices will gain the basic knowledge and skills to develop and present the first draft of a business plan. Six webinars on BoIA chapter topics were offered. Webinar presenters selected were individuals who could effectively speak about chapter content from their experiences in the daily operation and growth of farms and ranches from an indigenous context, below is an overview of the webinars.In recognition of full-time employment and other obligations, the webinars were recorded and placed in a shared folder so apprentices can view at their convenience. On June 28, 2022, Webinar 1 was conducted and titled "Agribusiness Accounting & Bookkeeping." The presenter was Iya Amiotte, Ilaka Solutions LLC and facilitated by Joanie Buckley, First Nations' consultant. They discussed common elements of financial statements, and how to analyze them. Theylooked at examples of financial statements, and from there identified small problematic accounting functions that could be anticipated while operating a business. The webinar provided insight onaccounting functions that could be included in internal accounting processes, as well as specific accounting concepts such as accrual and cash basis methods. They also distinguished personnel information regarding legitimate employees versus subcontractors. They concluded with an overview of sales tax requirements. On July 26, 2022, Webinar 2 was conducted and titled "Financial Management." The presenter was John Hendrix, Director of Economic Development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and facilitated by Joanie Buckley. They discussed factors, such as staffing, tapping into multiple markets, and planning for long-term sustainability. Mr. Hendrix described the Choctaw Fresh Produce Farm as a case study of farm challenges related to financial management. They provided insights on the decision-making process involved when facing a financial dilemma, as well as the role of tribes and tribal engagement in regard to market opportunities and collaboration. On August 30, 2022, Webinar 3 was conducted and titled "Food Sovereignty in the Oneida Nation: Regulation and Self-Governance to Reach Community Goals." The presenter was Vanessa Miller, Area Manager-Food and Agriculture for the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and facilitated by Joanie Buckley. An important part of having a successful farm operation is knowing how to get your product to market. They discussed navigating markets, value-added products, and how to run a sustainable operation. Ms. Miller described her experience with Tsyunhehkwa Farms as a case study of farm challenges related to agribusiness. On September 27, 2022, Webinar 4 was conducted and titled "Land Management." The presenter was Jayme Murray, Cheyenne River Sioux Buffalo Authority, and facilitated by Joanie Buckley. Land management and conservation practices play a critical role in the sustainability of a business and farm. They discussed Jayme's real-world examples of his land management practices, considerations for sustainable grazing, and record keeping. Presenter Jayme Murray, CEO of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Buffalo Authority, described his experience as a land manager as a case study of farm challenges related to land use and management. On October 25, 2022, Webinar 5 was conducted and titled "Creating a Business Plan." The presenter Dr. Manny Encinias, Trilogy Beef, and facilitated by Joanie Buckley. Dr. Encinias presented on why and how the Trilogy Beef brand was developed out of a struggling, traditional cow-calf operation in New Mexico. The audience learned how the direct-to-consumer model has continued to evolve and how it has created an opportunity to engage his children in the business and further diversify their family-owned ranching enterprise. On November 15, 2022, Webinar 6 was conducted and titled "Business Plan and Coaching." Joanie Buckley, First Nations' consultant, built upon Coaching Session 6 to assist Apprentices in their business plan development. Ongoing Technical Assistance is offered through Coaching Sessions and One-on-Ones.To date, informal coaching sessions were offered on the following dates (6/16/22; 7/14/22; 8/11/22; 9/15/22; 10/4/22 and 11/10/22). The sessions were centered around progress updates from participants, questions of concern and support and encouragement from project staff as questions were explored.Resources were offered and the calendar of upcoming webinars and coaching sessions. The coaching sessions have been helpful in promoting dialog between apprentices.Additionally, one-on-one calls are scheduled with project staff as apprentices reach out with questions.
Publications
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