Progress 09/15/23 to 09/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience: The primary audience of the Battleground to Breaking Ground Expansion Program (BGBGXP) is veterans. 70% of the fund allotment will serve veterans and active-duty military beginning farmers & ranchers. 30% of fund allotment will assist non-military beginning farmers & ranchers. Number of veterans and active duty served: 116 Number of non-military farmers and ranchers : 52 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities were conducted in-person and online for participants to gain knowledge, skills, and networks. The following program components were conducted in Year 3 of BGBGXP. 1. Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business Online Course 2. Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business 5 Day Bootcamps- 2 conducted 3. Phase 2 Business Planning Course (Cohort 15 & 16) 4. Phase 3 Agriculture Production Course (Cohort 14 & 15) 5. Phase 4 Mentor Training Program Course (Cohort4 & 5) 6. Skills Training Program (Cohort 4 & 5) Professional development activities in Year 3: Mother Earth News Fair- 250 Wichita Falls Ranch & Farm Expo- 143 AgrAbility NTW: -BGBGXP presentation-35 BGBG Agritourism Team Project-10 Urban Ag Conservation Forum 2023-100 BFRDP Project Director's Meeting-75 South Texas Farm & Ranch Show-250 Texas Cattlewomen Fall Convention-75 Discover Extension-25 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Quarterly Project Advisory Team meetings were held to disseminate project results, as well as, to collect and provide input regarding program deliverables. Additionally, program results were presented to stakeholders and program partners at the National Agrability Conference and at Mother Earth News Fair. A monthly newsletter is sent to stakeholders with program updates and upcoming training opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Year 4is a continuation of all program components. All program phases will continue to be conducted. Program curriculum and materials will continue to be updated based on participant feedback.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1: The existing in-person Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1 workshop was expanded into an Introduction to Agriculture Business online course and 5-day in-person Introduction to Agriculture Business Bootcamp in Year 1 The Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business course modules are updated annually as needed. The Phase 1 online Agriculture Business course has been accessed by 256 participants. The Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business 5 Day Bootcamp was developed and launched in year 1. BGBG staff and partners conducted (2) 5-day bootcamps for 80 participants in year 3. Sessions included hands-on training in 1. Farm Safety & Food Safety 2. Business Planning & Business Management 3. Diversification & Marketing Strategies 4. Financial & Risk Management 5. Agriculture rehabilitation & vocational training opportunities for veterans 6. Land Management & Conservation Practices including natural resource management 7. Basic Vegetable Production & Row Crop Production 8. Basic Livestock Production 9. Alternative & Value-Added Agriculture Enterprises. 2. Developed and conducted the Battleground to Breaking Ground Skillbridge Program (BGBG-SB) for transitioning military service members Goal 2: Develop and conduct the Battleground to Breaking Ground Skillbnridge Program (BGBG-SB) for transitioning military service members In Year 1, the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program updated it's curriculum, training guides, and application to meet the requirements and standards of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. Our BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program developed and piloted the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program which provides 500+ hours of hands-on and classroom training in agriculture business management and agriculture production which prepares active duty military members to transition successfully into self-employment in agriculture. The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program applied and has been approved as a registered DOD SkillBridge Program and is now listed on their website. To date, 251 transitioning military members have requested information about the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program from 24 states and 8 countries. 26 transitioning military members have applied to STP and 22 were accepted. Cohorts 4 & 5 of STP were conducted in Year 3 for 11 participants. 19 STP participants have completed and graduated through Year 3. Goal 3: Develop and conduct Battleground to Breaking Ground Mentorship Training Program (BGBG MTP) in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to increase the number of available veteran agriculture mentors in Texas and enhance their sustainability through ongoing support. Phase 4 Battleground to Breaking Ground Mentor Training Program (MTP) Cohort 4 & 5: MTP training guide, curriculum, application, expectation agreements, and mentee skills workbook was developed. The Mentor Training Program was launched and piloted in Year 1. Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1-3 graduates applied to Cohorts 4 and 5 of the new MTP course. These participants provided consistent feedback through discussion questions and meeting with instructors. Participants completed weekly modules and training sessions including BGBG mentor expectations, mentorship best practices, adult education techniques, effective communication strategies, establishing mentee relationships, personal & mentee goal setting, on-farm liability and safety best practices, etc. 16 BGBG Graduates applied for Cohorts 4 & 5 of MTP and 24 participants have completed all requirements to become Certified BattleGround to Breaking Ground Mentors. The BGBG Certified Mentors have conducted over 6200 hands-on learning hours for participants and have been awarded $66,782 in mentor stipends for their efforts to date. In year 1, the MTP training guide, curriculum, application, expectation agreements, and mentee skills workbook was developed, and the program was launched and piloted. Participants complete weekly modules and training sessions including BGBG mentor expectations, mentorship best practices, adult education techniques, effective communication strategies, establishing mentee relationships, personal & mentee goal setting, on-farm liability and safety best practices, etc. The BGBG Certified Mentors have conducted over 6200 hands-on learning hours for participants and have been awarded $66,782 in mentor stipends for their efforts to date. BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends: Application, scoring criteria, award process, and evaluation measures were developed in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition in Year 1. Applications were launched and 5 rounds of BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends were awarded to 67 participants in the amount of $67,000. Due to having 2 graduations per year, the BGBG team decided to have 2 rounds of stipend awards per year instead of only 1.
Publications
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Progress 09/15/22 to 09/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience: The primary audience of the Battleground to Breaking Ground Expansion Program (BGBGXP) is veterans. 70% of the fund allotment will serve veterans and active-duty military beginning farmers & ranchers. 30% of fund allotment will assist non-military beginning farmers & ranchers. Number of veterans and active duty served: 179 Number of non-military farmers and ranchers : 146 Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?a. Training activities were conducted in-person and online for participants to gain knowledge, skills, and networks. The following program componentswere conducted in Year 2 of BGBGXP. Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business Online Course Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business 5 Day Bootcamps- 3 conducted Phase 2 Business Planning Course (Cohort 13 & 14) Phase 3 Agriculture Production Course (Cohort 12 & 13) Phase 4 Mentor Training Program Course (Cohort 2 & 3) Skills Training Program (Cohort 2 & 3) Webinars: Farm Number and Ag Exemptions- 14 attendees & 37 views Organic and Gap Certification-17 attendees & 15 views Growing TogetHer: A women in agriculture panel 33 views b. Professional development activities in Year 2 include: BGBGXP Presentation for National Agrability-38 Agrability National Training Workshop-35 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Quarterly Project Advisory Team meetings were held to disseminate project results, as well as, to collect and provide input regarding program deliverables. Additionally, program results were presented to stakeholders and program partners at the National Agrability Conference and at Mother Earth News Fair. A monthly newsletter is sent to stakeholders with program updates and upcoming training opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Year 3 is a continuation of all program components. All program phases will continue to be conducted. Program curriculum and materials will continue to be updated based on participant feedback.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To accomplish these goals the project has: Expanded the existing in-person Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1 workshop into an Introduction to Agriculture Business online course and 5-day in-person Introduction to Agriculture Business Bootcamp. The Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business course was launched online. BGBG staff & partners recorded & posted workshop presentations into an online course including the following modules: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs, Texas AgrAbility, Rural Business Ideas, Basic Business Planning, Funding Opportunities including USDA-Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Dept. of Ag, Farm Credit, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Business planning technical assistance. Additional Modules include: USDA programs for Farmers & Ranchers including sections in Navigating Farmers.gov, Introduction to COVID-19 Farmer Resources (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Crop Insurance, Farm Programs, Paycheck Protection Program, etc.) and Applying for COVID-19 Programs. The presentations and recorded modules are reviewed and updated annually as needed. The Phase 1 online Agriculture Business course has been accessed by 193 participants. The Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Business 5 Day Bootcamp was developed. BGBG staff and partners conducted (3) 5-day bootcamps for 96 participants. Sessions included hands-on training in 1. Farm Safety & Food Safety 2. Business Planning & Business Management 3. Diversification & Marketing Strategies 4. Financial & Risk Management 5. Agriculture rehabilitation & vocational training opportunities for veterans 6. Land Management & Conservation Practices including natural resource management 7. Basic Vegetable Production & Row Crop Production 8. Basic Livestock Production 9. Alternative & Value-Added Agriculture Enterprises. Developed and conducted the Battleground to Breaking Ground Skillbridge Program (BGBG-SB) for transitioning military service members. In Year 1, the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program updated it's curriculum, training guides, and application to meet the requirements and standards of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. Our BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program developed and piloted the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program which provides 500+ hours of hands-on and classroom training in agriculture business management and agriculture production which prepares active duty military members to transition successfully into self-employment in agriculture. The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program applied and has been approved as a registered DOD SkillBridge Program and is now listed on their website. To date, 213 transitioning military members have requested information about the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program from 21 states and 4 countries. 26 transitioning military members have applied to STP and 21 were accepted. Cohorts 1-3 of STP were conducted for 11 participants. 10 STP participants have graduated the BGBG Skills Training Program . Developed and conducted Battleground to Breaking Ground Mentorship Training Program (BGBG MTP) in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to increase the number of available veteran agriculture mentors in Texas and enhance their sustainability through ongoing support. MTP training guide, curriculum, application, expectation agreements, and mentee skills workbook was developed. The Mentor Training Program was launched and piloted in Year 1. Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1-3 graduates applied to Cohorts 2 and 3 of the new MTP course. These participants provided consistent feedback through discussion questions and meeting with instructors. Participants completed weekly modules and training sessions including BGBG mentor expectations, mentorship best practices, adult education techniques, effective communication strategies, establishing mentee relationships, personal & mentee goal setting, on-farm liability and safety best practices, etc. 23 BGBG Graduates applied for Cohorts 1-3 of MTP and 17 participants completed all requirements to become Certified BattleGround to Breaking Ground Mentors. The BGBG Certified Mentors have conducted over 3,900 hands-on learning hours for participants and have been awarded $31,898 in mentor stipends for their efforts to date. BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends: Application, scoring criteria, award process, and evaluation measures were developed in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition. Applications were launched and 3 rounds of BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends were awarded to 45 participants in the amount of $45,000. Due to having 2 graduations per year, the BGBG team decided to have 2 rounds of stipend awards per year instead of only 1.
Publications
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Progress 09/15/21 to 09/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience: The primary audience of the Battleground to Breaking Ground Expansion Program (BGBGXP) is veterans. 70% of the fund allotment will serve veterans and active-duty military beginning farmers & ranchers. 30% of fund allotment will assist non-military beginning farmers & ranchers. Number of veterans andactive duty served: 114 Number of non-military farmers and ranchers : 40 Changes/Problems:1. We coordinated a separate bootcamp for our 2 STP participants for the Fall cohort because of the timing. Something we learned was that military members do not transition out at the same time and we had to be flexible with our timelines to accommodate them. We also only planned for 1 bootcamp each year but quickly realized we will need to hold 2 each year so the STP guys can complete them during their Skillbridge program. 2. Adjustment of Mentor Stipends: In the proposal, we planned for mentors to conduct Phase 3 hours for mentees. We planned for an$1,100 stipend per Phase 3 participant. Regular Phase 3 participants are required to complete 100 hours of hands-on training; however, our BGBG Skills Training Participants are required to complete 400+ hands on learning hours. We adjusted the stipends for our certified mentors so that mentors receive an $1,100 stipend per 100 hands-on learning hours that they complete instead of only $1,100 per participant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Phase 1: BGBG Introduction to Agriculture Business Online Course:BGBG staff & partners recorded & posted workshop presentations into an online course including the following modules: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs, Texas AgrAbility, Rural Business Ideas, Basic Business Planning, Funding Opportunities including USDA-Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Dept. of Ag, Farm Credit, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Business planning technical assistance. Additional Modules include: USDA programs for Farmers & Ranchers including sections in Navigating Farmers.gov, Introduction to COVID-19 Farmer Resources (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Crop Insurance, Farm Programs, Paycheck Protection Program, etc.) and Applying for COVID-19 Programs. BGBG Introduction to Agriculture Business Bootcamps (BGBG ABB):BGBG staff and partners conducted 1 5-day bootcamp in 2022. Sessions included hands-on training in 1. Farm Safety & Food Safety 2. Business Planning & Business Management 3. Diversification & Marketing Strategies 4. Financial & Risk Management 5. Agriculture rehabilitation & vocational training opportunities for veterans 6. Land Management & Conservation Practices including natural resource management 7. Basic Vegetable Production & Row Crop Production 8. Basic Livestock Production 9. Alternative & Value-Added Agriculture Enterprises. Battleground to Breaking Ground Mentor Training Program(MTP):MTP training guide, curriculum, application, expectation agreements, and mentee skills workbook was developed. The Mentor Training Program was launched and piloted. 7 Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1-3 graduates applied to Cohort 1 of the new MTP course. These participants provided consistent feedback through discussion questions and meeting with instructors. Participants completed weekly modules and training sessions including BGBG mentor expectations, mentorship best practices, adult education techniques, effective communication strategies, establishing mentee relationships, personal & mentee goal setting, on-farm liability and safety best practices, etc. 7 MTP C1 participants completed all requirements and became Certified BattleGround to Breaking Ground Mentors. These certified mentors have conducted over 600 hands-on learning hours for Phase 3 participants and have been awarded $5,500 in mentor stipends for their efforts to date. BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program (STP): The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program updated its curriculum, training guides, and application to meet the requirements and standards of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. Our BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program developed and piloted the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program which provides 500+ hours of hands-on and classroom training in agriculture business management and agriculture production which prepares active duty military members to transition successfully into self-employment in agriculture. The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program applied and has been approved as a registered DOD SkillBridge Program and is now listed on their website. 97 transitioning military members have requested information about the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program from 21 states and 4 countries. 44 have applied and 14 have been accepted. BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends:Application, scoring criteria, award process, and evaluation measures were developed in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition. Applications were launched and 1 round of BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends were awarded to 24 participants in the amount of $24,000. Due to having 2 graduations per year, the BGBG team decided to have 2 rounds of stipend awards per year instead of only 1. Evaluation:The BGBG team worked with Farmer Veteran Coalition to create the BGBGXP Evaluation methods and processes, as well as, to develop a method of sharing the data and results between the team. Quantitative and Qualitative Data was collected using eight instruments (see below). 1. Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2CQ) 2. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) 3. Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR12) 4. McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) 5. Battleground Program Skills Assessment (SA) 6. Farm and Ranch Business Readiness Assessment (FR-BRA) 7. Farm and Ranch Business Health Assessment (FR-BHA) 8. BGBGXP Satisfaction Survey (SA) Additional satisfaction surveys & evaluation tools were developed and analyzed for all BGBGXP programs. See Question 1 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Quarterly Project Advisory Team meetings were held to disseminate project results, as well as, to collect and provide input regarding program deliverables. Additionally, program results were presented to stakeholders and program partners at the National Agrability Conference and at Mother Earth News Fair. A monthly newsletter is sent to stakeholders with program updates and upcoming training opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Years 2 and 3 are a continuation of all program components. All program phases will continue to be conducted. Program curriculum and materials will continue to be updated based on participant feedback.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Phase 1: BGBG Introduction to Agriculture Business Online Course: BGBG staff & partners recorded & posted workshop presentations into an online course including the following modules: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs, Texas AgrAbility, Rural Business Ideas, Basic Business Planning, Funding Opportunities including USDA-Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Dept. of Ag, Farm Credit, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Business planning technical assistance. Additional Modules include: USDA programs for Farmers & Ranchers including sections in Navigating Farmers.gov, Introduction to COVID-19 Farmer Resources (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Crop Insurance, Farm Programs, Paycheck Protection Program, etc.) and Applying for COVID-19 Programs. BGBG Introduction to Agriculture Business Bootcamps (BGBG ABB): BGBG staff and partners conducted 1 5-day bootcamp in 2022. Sessions included hands-on training in 1. Farm Safety & Food Safety 2. Business Planning & Business Management 3. Diversification & Marketing Strategies 4. Financial & Risk Management 5. Agriculture rehabilitation & vocational training opportunities for veterans 6. Land Management & Conservation Practices including natural resource management 7. Basic Vegetable Production & Row Crop Production 8. Basic Livestock Production 9. Alternative & Value-Added Agriculture Enterprises. Battleground to Breaking Ground Mentor Training Program(MTP): MTP training guide, curriculum, application, expectation agreements, and mentee skills workbook was developed. The Mentor Training Program was launched and piloted. 7 Battleground to Breaking Ground Phase 1-3 graduates applied to Cohort 1 of the new MTP course. These participants provided consistent feedback through discussion questions and meeting with instructors. Participants completed weekly modules and training sessions including BGBG mentor expectations, mentorship best practices, adult education techniques, effective communication strategies, establishing mentee relationships, personal & mentee goal setting, on-farm liability and safety best practices, etc. 7 MTP C1 participants completed all requirements and became Certified BattleGround to Breaking Ground Mentors. These certified mentors have conducted over 600 hands-on learning hours for Phase 3 participants and have been awarded $5,500 in mentor stipends for their efforts to date. BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program (STP): The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program updated its curriculum, training guides, and application to meet the requirements and standards of the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. Our BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program developed and piloted the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program which provides 500+ hours of hands-on and classroom training in agriculture business management and agriculture production which prepares active duty military members to transition successfully into self-employment in agriculture. The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program applied and has been approved as a registered DOD SkillBridge Program and is now listed on their website. 97 transitioning military members have requested information about the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Skills Training Program from 21 states and 4 countries. 44 have applied and 14 have been accepted. BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends: Application, scoring criteria, award process, and evaluation measures were developed in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition. Applications were launched and 1 round of BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Stipends were awarded to 24 participants in the amount of $24,000. Due to having 2 graduations per year, the BGBG team decided to have 2 rounds of stipend awards per year instead of only 1. Evaluation: The BGBG team worked with Farmer Veteran Coalition to create the BGBGXP Evaluation methods and processes, as well as, to develop a method of sharing the data and results between the team. Quantitative and Qualitative Data was collected using eight instruments (see below). 1. Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2CQ) 2. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) 3. Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR12) 4. McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) 5. Battleground Program Skills Assessment (SA) 6. Farm and Ranch Business Readiness Assessment (FR-BRA) 7. Farm and Ranch Business Health Assessment (FR-BHA) 8. BGBGXP Satisfaction Survey (SA) Additional satisfaction surveys & evaluation tools were developed and analyzed for all BGBGXP programs.
Publications
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