Source: ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
NEW BEGINNING FARMERS, RANCHERS AND VETERANS (NBFRV) PROGRAM AT ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
NEW
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1027451
Grant No.
2021-70033-35600
Project No.
MISX2021BFRDP
Proposal No.
2021-06638
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
BFRDA
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2021
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2024
Grant Year
2021
Project Director
Myles, E. B.
Recipient Organization
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
ALCORN STATE,MS 39096
Performing Department
MS Small Farm and Agribusiness
Non Technical Summary
Issue or Problem:The first critical barrier was planning for production. Pre and post-test scores from the FMEP Online Farm Fundamentals Short Course show that production was not a problem for participants. The overall score for all tests was 73% with a 13% learning lag and a 14% knowledge gain (MSFAC-FMEP, 2020). However, when it comes to planning for the production season, they generally do not plan, but purchase farm inputs as needed, incurring higher production cost throughout the season. The impact of planning mitigates production issues that challenge producers in crop and livestock production and forest management. A second critical barrier is financial planning. Approximately 90% of FMEP participantsin the current grant are farming without records or farm business plan. Without viable financial records or farm business plan, producers miss out on tracking their spending, using records to mitigate financial risks, management of agricultural credit, budget forecasting, and financial analysis. The impact of financial planning leverages access to financial capital through MSFAC Small Farm Loan Program, government loans, and other financial resources. A third critical barrier is access to markets. In the current grant, there are participants who have started farming without market identification. Knowing how much to produce, what to produce and what form to produce is essential to gaining access to markets. Data from the FMEP sessions on the marketing plan show that 93% of the participants experienced knowledge gains; 87% plan to adopt and/or use the information received, and 87% stated the information met their needs. The impact of the marketing plan helps participants to attract and enter new markets.The fourth critical barrier is instituting food safety protocols. Small farmers must follow food safety guidelines to reduce foodborne illness, with well documented records of inspections and audits. Most NBFRV have never experienced a food safety audit, partly because it is too expensive or not required at certain production levels. The U.S. Congress enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which establishes standards for safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The goal is to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce. Since 2018 MSFAC has collaborated with the Southern Center and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to host four Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings throughout the state. The Produce Safety Alliance's (PSA) mission is to develop a standardized national produce safety training program to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the Produce Safety Rule. Although most NBFRV will be exempt from FSMA, the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification and development of a food safety plan are great marketing tools.The final critical barrier is knowledge of available USDA Programs and Services. Many NBFRV are not familiar with the USDA Programs and Services. Those who are familiar get discouraged when seeking assistance. The NBFRV will link participants to their local USDA offices. Representatives from various USDA offices will present their programs and services during scheduled Zoom or face-to-face sessions. Currently, Alcorn State University has restricted travel for face-to-face meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, face-to-face meetings will resume when the university's travel restrictions are lifted.Evaluation tools will be used toanalyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data derived from the instruments. The Farm and Ranch Business Health Assessment toolbox to measure the progress of the farm financial plan components of the farm business plan will be utilized.Measuringthese outcomes and others outlined in the project by usingparticipatory, formative, and summative methodsduring theproject.
Animal Health Component
10%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
60262103100100%
Knowledge Area
602 - Business Management, Finance, and Taxation;

Subject Of Investigation
6210 - Farmer cooperatives;

Field Of Science
3100 - Management;
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of the proposed project is to provide 150 new, beginning farmers, ranchers and veterans (NBFRV) with educational training and resources to become knowledgeable and successful farmers and ranchers.Goal 1. To provide new, beginning farmers, ranchers, and veterans (NBFRV) with education, training, and resources to become knowledgeable and successful farmers and ranchers.Objective #1. To provide NBFRV with farm management educational training in basic livestock, crop farming practices, and forest management. The activities are to conduct non-formal education in (1.1) Starting a Farm Enterprise; Enterprise Selection; (1.2) Soil Preparation (soil test, enhancers, and soil PH); Pasture Management (forages, management of pastures, rotational grazing, and cross fencing); Crop Husbandry (husbandry practices for selected crops); Integrated Pest Management (pesticides and chemical application and certifications); (1.3) Livestock Farm Infrastructure; Pasture Management (fencing, housing, and watering systems requirements); (1.4) Animal Nutrition (nutritional requirements by animal class; the purpose for feeding and using free-choice supplements; Vaccination Protocols (purpose, when to vaccinate); and (1.5) Importance of a Forest Management Plan; Market a Timber Sale; Hunting Leases; and Wildlife Habitat Management.Objective #2. To improve knowledge and skills of NBFRV through educational training in farm financial and risk management, including acquiring and managing agricultural credit. The activities are (2.1) Farm Management and Decisions - steps in sound decision-making; (2.2) The Importance of Recordkeeping - financial, inventory and production; taxation (2.3) Budgeting: Counting the Cost - enterprise budgets and calculating returns. (2.4) Understanding Financial Statements - balance sheet, income statement, cash flows, and statement of owner's equity; Measuring Profitability - utilizing financial statements for analysis and (2.5) Management of Agricultural Credit - understanding the FICO credit score, credit history, and handling disputes.Objective #3. To enhance diversification and marketing strategies of NBFRV, connecting them to new markets. The activities are (3.1) Market Research - key factors to consider when conducting research; (3.2) Direct Marketing - the importance of marketing and seeking available marketing opportunities; (3.3) Marketing Risks - understanding uncertainty in pricing, weather, uninsured crops/livestock, and government actions; (3.4) Branding and Promotions - labeling, logos, websites/media, and magazine promotions; and (3.5) Social Media Marketing - Introduction to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms to attract new customers.Objective #4. To enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities of NBFRV in food safety and recordkeeping. The activities are (4.1) Importance of Food Safety; (4.2) Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP); (4.3) Developing a Food Safety Plan; (4.4) Recordkeeping Requirements and Standards; and (4.5) Farm Workers Health, Hygiene, and Training.Objective #5. To provide educational training to NBFRV on opportunities that are available to them through USDA's programs and services. The activities are (5.1) Overview of the USDA Programs and Services available to NBFRV; (5.2) USDA Programs and Services - discussion of USDA's program requirements; ((5.3) USDA Programs and Services - discussion on applying for a farm number; (5.4) USDA Programs and Services - how to access programs and connect with USDA; and (5.5) USDA Programs and Services -discussion of best practices.Goal 2. To assist NBFRV in the development of a viable farm business plan.Objective #1. To provide online educational training on the components of a farm business plan.Objective #2. To provide online farm fundamentals short course to at least 50 NBFRV, cohort two. The expected output is NBFRV's pre and post-test scores for each module of farm fundamentals. The expected outcomes are at least 50 NBFRV (cohort two) will complete the online farm fundamentals short course and merge with cohort one to complete viable farm business plans.Goal 3. To assist NBFRV in implementing an effective realistic farm plan, ultimately having marketable and sustainable farms.Objective #1. To provide follow-up visits and technical assistance with farm business plan implementation.Objective #2. To provide available resources and tools for farm business plan implementation.
Project Methods
Evaluation tools will be used toanalyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data derived from the instruments. The Farm and Ranch Business Health Assessment toolbox to measure the progress of the farm financial plan components of the farm business plan will be utilized.Measuringthese outcomes and others outlined in the project by usingparticipatory, formative, and summative methodsduring theproject. Theparticipatory evaluations during the face-to-face session with clicker technology and the Zoom sessions via online polls. These tools will capture real-time data from each session. Participatory evaluations provide thick, rich data. Administer the formative evaluations within six months each year of the project's activities. An assessment instrument that documents the individual progress of the farm business plan components will be developed.The Farm and Ranch Business Health Assessment toolbox to measure the progress of the farm financial plan components of the farm business plan. Administer the summative evaluation to measure the outcomes at the end of the project period. Utilize pictures and videos to capture transformational learning from the hands-on sessions. Document participants' use of farm records with evidence of receipts recorded in a farm record book or computer records system and documentthe number of farm business plans developed.The summative evaluation will also show proof of new farm startups.In summary, we expect participants to do the following over the life of the NBFRV:Develop and implement a realistic farm business plan.Make sound farm and financial decisions.Market a safe and quality product.Develop food safety and recordkeeping skills.Explore available opportunities or USDA programs and services.Experience transformational learning and make beneficial changes in their operations.Start new farms.

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached by our efforts include new beginning farmers, ranchers and veterans who are Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino, and White. They are members of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) - Coleman's Farm, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, National Center for Appropriate Technolgy, and Sipp Culture. To date we have reached 61 participants who are 43% male and 57% female; 92% Black/African American; 7% White, and 2% Hispanic or Latino; and 28% who are veterans. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided opportunities for training to new beginning farmers, ranchers, veterans through a series of Zoom meetings, in-person and hybrid hands-on demonstrations. This project also afforded opportunities for participants to attend the 2023Small Farmers Conference in Flowood, Mississippi. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Currently, the year tworesults have only been disseminated internally and plans are to share with stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period we plan to conduct an extensive trainings on the food safety plan, USDA programs and services, and Business Plan development.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1 was delivered during this period. Seven training sessions were held via Zoom, hybrid, and in-person for new beginning farmers, ranchers, and veterans in Mississippi. Participants gained knowledge to foster decision-making processes for farm start-up or to expand existing farm operations. Training was delivered to 61 participants in the first year. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the topics were covered during the training sessions with some topics extended. Break-out session via Zoom for mixed enterprises (crop and livestock) • Farm tour of Foot Print Farms,LLC urban farm in Jackson, MS • Farm tour of Colemans Farm, LLC rural farm in Lexington, MS • Soil and water testing demonstration • Heirs' property discussion • Small ruminant production

Publications


    Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The target audience reached by our efforts include new beginning farmers, ranchers and veterans who are Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino, and White. They are members of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) - Colemans Farm, LLC, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, National Center for Appropriate Technologyand Mississippi Center for Cultural Production. To date we have reached 48 participants who are 22% male and 26% female; 90% Black/African American; 8% White, and 2% Hispanic or Latino; and 31% who are veterans. Our efforts consisted of a series of five Zoom trainings, one hybrid training (Zoom and in-person), and one in-person training. The twoin-person meetings consisted ofhands-on demonstrations in soil and water quality and food safety basics.During the Zoom sessions we delivered the following: Soil Preparation, Pasture Management, Crop Husbandry, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Livestock Farm and Pasture Infrastructure Animal Nutrition and Vaccination Protocols Of the three topics presented, Soil Preparation, Pasture Management, Crop Husbandry, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) received the highest average rating (4.5), representing a 90% effectiveness rate. Livestock Farm and Pasture Infrastructure received a 4.23 or 84.6% overall rating. Animal Nutrition and Vaccination Protocols scored 81.6% or alternatively, an average rating of 4.08. Most participants had already been exposed to content presented during the session as indicated by the 3.81 average rating. Participants' intentions to use gained knowledge or change farm practices was relatively strong and rated 4.5 or 90% in the final question of survey. Farm Management and Decision Making The Importance of Recordkeeping Budgeting and Counting the Costs Understanding Financial Statements Of the four topics presented, Farm Management and Decision Making as well as Understanding Financial Statements received ratings of 4.44, for an effectiveness rate of 88%. The Importance of Recordkeeping and Budgeting and Counting the Cost equally received the highest ratings (4.5), representing a 90% effectiveness rate. The information presented during the session was relatively new to most participants as indicated by the average rating of 4.31. Lower ratings for this item (below 3.0) could indicate that participants had already been exposed to content at some earlier time. Participants' intentions to use gained knowledge or change farm practices was relatively strong and rated 4.56 or 92%. Forestry & Wildlife Management Marketing Timber The Importance of Forest Management Of the three topics presented, Forestry & Wildlife Management and The Importance of Forest Management equally received 4.59 ratings, representing 92% effectiveness. The rating for Marketing Timber (4.37) is equivalent to an 87.4% comprehension rate. The information presented during this session was relatively new to most participants as indicated by the average rating of 4.15. Lower ratings for this item (below 3.0) could indicate that participants had already been exposed to content at some earlier time. Participants' intentions to use gained knowledge was relatively strong. Participants' intentions to use information to establish or change farm practices was relatively strong and was rated 4.67 or 93.4%. Changes/Problems:There were no major changes to the approaches as outlined in the project. We collaborated with a plethora of expert speakers in agriculture. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided opportunities for training to new beginning farmers, ranchers, veterans through a series of Zoom meetings, in-person and hybrid hands-on demonstrations. This project also afforded opportunities for participants to attend the 2022 Small Farmers Conference in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Currently, the year one results have only been disseminated internally and plans are to share with stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period we plan to conduct an extensive trainingon the food safety plan, USDA programs and services, and Business Plan development.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1 was delivered during this period. Seventraining sessions were held via Zoom, hybrid, and in-person for new beginning farmers, ranchers, and veterans in Mississippi. Participants gained knowledge to foster decision-making processes for farm start-up or to expand existing farm operations. Training was delivered to 48 participants in the first year. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the topics were covered during the training sessions with some topics extended. Topics to be extended: Objective 4.3:Developing a Food Safety Plan; (4.4) Recordkeeping Requirements and Standards Objective 5.1: Overview of the USDA Programs and Services available to NBFRV (Objective 5); Objective 5.2: USDA Programs and Services - discussion of USDA's program requirements; Objective 5.3: USDA Programs and Services - discussion on applying for a farm number; Objective 5.4:USDA Programs and Services - how to access programs and connect with USDA; and Objective 5.5:USDA Programs and Services - discussion of best practices. Other activities not listed were delivered as follows: Break-out session viaZoom for mixed enterprises (crop and livestock) Farm tour of Foot Print Farms,LLC urban farm in Jackson, MS Farm tour of Colemans Farm, LLCrural farm in Lexington, MS Soil and water testing demonstration Heirs' property discussion Small ruminant production

    Publications