Progress 09/15/24 to 09/14/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project include beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, and the youth in rural communities and counties in Georgia and North Carolina. Others include landowners, foresters, producers and cooperative associations that engage in direct marketing- local farmers' markets, roadside, tail gating, Your-Own; and those engaged institutional marketing including sales to restaurants, grocery stores, military bases, and public schools. The project mostly targets socially disadvantaged producers- Blacks, Native Americans, Females; physically disabled veterans, and others. Developed training modules are offered locally face-to-face workshops, hands-on- training demonstrations, synchronously through webinars, and one-on-one technical assistantship. The sessions are recorded and freely available open-source via our one-stop platform. Using our growing database, new and existing producers are invited to join the platform. This face-to-face and virtual trainings will be led by project personnel, community collaborators, and stakeholder partners who are subject matter experts on each topic. Project's learning outcomes are shared by featuring the work of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Veterans, and other farm members in blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events.The target audience for this project include beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, and the youth in rural communities and counties in Georgia and North Carolina. Others include landowners, foresters, producers and cooperative associations that engage in direct marketing- local farmers' markets, roadside, tail gating, Your-Own; and those engaged institutional marketing including sales to restaurants, grocery stores, military bases, and public schools. The project mostly targets socially disadvantaged producers- Blacks, Native Americans, Females; physically disabled veterans, and others. Developed training modules are offered locally face-to-face workshops, hands-on- training demonstrations, synchronously through webinars, and one-on-one technical assistantship. The sessions are recorded and freely available open-source via our one-stop platform. Using ourgrowing database, new and existing producers are invited to join the platform. This face-to-face and virtual trainings will be led by project personnel, community collaborators, and stakeholder partners who are subject matter experts on each topic. Project's learning outcomes are shared by featuring the work of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Veterans, and other farmersin blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Some workshops and training sessions attendees especially the veterans who received stipends for traveling to workshops have earned certificates in either Production Agriculture or Business, Finance, and Marketing after four training sessions (each session is deemed a 3 credit hour). Youth from Christ Apostolic Church in Northeast Greensboro (a neighborhood designated as one of the food deserts in the Triad Region of North Carolina) who received hands-on trainings including entrepreneurship agriculture and high tunnel agriculture production have established their own fruits and vegetable garden. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated through several outlets including conference presentations, field day events; and learning outcomes shared by featuring the work of beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, and other farmers in blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Just continue the activities already listed, which include workshops, training series; field day events, and conferences. We will also spend more time on one-on-one technical assistance provision and referrals to USDA local offices. Also provide training in Heirs' Property and referrals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A total of seven (7) Workshops, seven (7) Training Series, and a Field Day Event covering all the seven (7) project objectives listed below were accomplished. They are: Provide beginning ranchers, veterans, and other farmers a low-cost small ruminant production and management practices Provide these clientele best agronomic practices including soil health fertility. Develop for them, an inclusive and resilient diversified marketing strategies. Provide them training in Innovative AgriculturalTechnologies. Provide them with business and financial management training for improved access to credit; Develop Curriculum on agricultural Entrepreneurship Education digital technologies that increase production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and profitability; and Provide disabled veterans with AgrAbility training to help in their operation Project's outcomes were also determined through pre-and post-workshop, conference, field day event and training series mini-surveys. Participants assessed their skills and knowledge before and after the workshop using five learning dimensions: understanding of the subject matter, knowledge development, analytical ability, decision-making, and likelihood to implement. The evaluation results reflect significant learning gains across all workshop topics.
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Progress 09/15/23 to 09/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences of this outreach assistance project are beginning farmers and ranchers, military veterans, socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, veterans, (SDFRVs, Native American, and farmworkers including immigrants, community-based organizations in Georgia and North Carolina. Others include government institutions including USDA local, district, regional, and national office; private organizations; academic institutions, and policy makers. The beginning farmers, ranchers, veterans, and other SDFRVs training modules were offered face-to-face synchronously through webinars, in-person workshops, seminars, and one-on-one, and field demonstrations for hands-on training settings. In all seventeen (7) workshops were accomplished, which include in-person workshops, virtual or webinars, field demonstrations, and one-on-one workshops. The sessions were recorded and freely available open-source, via a one-stop platform. Here, the project team share learnings and insights by featuring the work of beginning farmers, ranchers, and other SDFRVs members in blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events. This has helped build the capacity of the clients' Network members to foster and sustain effective collaborations and promote the use of climate-smart agricultural practices; inclusive and resilient direct marketing strategies, including e-marketing; basic livestock management practices; soil health and nutrient. Changes/Problems:Some delays were created by some sub-awardees, and they have been replaced. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The training activities have helped the project director and co-project directors secure another funding -2024 OPPE grant application. The training has also helped graduate students involved in the project improve their Power Point presentation slides preparations and presentations. One graduate student attended the project directors' meetings held in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 22 -24, 2024. The graduate student was able to manage the poster booth throughout the period explaining the project's activities and results to the conference attendees. Participants left with a strong understanding of the topics covered and felt ready to apply the new knowledge to improve their farming practices. The interactive, hands-on nature of the workshops played a key role in this success, ensuring that participants could immediately put what they had learned into practice. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project's results have been disseminated through several outlets: 1. Two in-person posters and oral and presentations were made at the 2024 Annual Project Directors' Meetings in Charlotte, NC. October 22-24, 2024, and Farmers Outreach Solutions Annual Farmers' Gala in Raleigh, NC. November 1-3, 2024. Also, include journal outlet, and College's internal magazines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The PIs plan to continue implementing the key indicators for success, and also key outcomes learned from the previous year training, and that include the following: Stakeholder-led program planning and use prior of needs assessment by stakeholders will in the potential for been adopted by other regions or communities. Partnering or networking with community-based organizations including church leaders and military organizations as subcontractors or consultants for recruitment not only increases the overall workshop attendance, but also, be able to reach the socially disadvantaged groups and military veterans that need more technical assistance. Creation of regular and transparent feedback loops to ensure responsive and relevant programming. Integrating stakeholder needs, feedback, and interest in every stage of programmatic and operational planning. Management approach that is guided by vision to promote equity in the delivery of training and information to all participants. Ensuring equity for participants being able to access updated information. No group size is too small or too large. Educators must provide the training; and Effective networking efforts among both the educators and the clientele to foster and sustain effective collaborations to arrive at the project goals. While the overall attendance was very balanced in terms of gender (51 per cent female to 49 percent male), the attendance of African Americans was remarkably high (75%). Veterans' participation was also high. Again, through networking and partnering with veteran organizations.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A total of seventeen (17)workshops were held covering all the seven project goals. They are as follows: Two (2) workshops on Sustainable Animal, Production; Two 2) on Soil Health and Soil Water, and Fertility; One (1) Direct Marketing Strategies for Small Producers; One (1) Workshop on New Generation Crops and Niche Farming; Three (3)workshops Climate-smart Agricultural Technologies; Two (2) Workshops on Financial planning- Farm Recordkeeping and Accounting, Budgeting, and a Business Plan Development, FourRegional workshops on AgrAbility, and One one-on-one workshop on Digital Technologies. Major Outcomes: The workshops were evaluated based on five key questions, assessing participants' understanding before and after the sessions and their likelihood of applying the knowledge gained. The evaluations revealed significant improvements across all topics. Pre-Workshop Evaluations: Participants entered the workshops with moderate knowledge and confidence, with average scores ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. More than 60% were unfamiliar with or had a basic understanding of the topics to being discussed. Post-Workshop Evaluations: After the workshops, participants showed substantial growth in their understanding and likelihood to implement the knowledge. Post-workshop scores consistently ranged from 4.3 to 4.9, reflecting about 14% confidence in applying the new skills and strategies on their farms. Very importantly, participants appreciated the hands-on training components of the workshops, which allowed them to directly apply the theories learned. This practical approach was frequently cited as a key factor in their increased confidence and likelihood of implementing the strategies. On average, participants rated their understanding of the subject matter at 2.6 pre-workshop and 4.5 post-workshop, a 42% improvement in understanding the key concepts. The likelihood of implementing new knowledge post-workshop was particularly high, with an average of 4.6, indicating that most participants were eager to apply what they had learned immediately. The workshops are likely to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants, empowering them to make informed decisions and implement sustainable practices in their agricultural operations. The diverse representation of gender, race, and veteran status contributed to an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, where participants could share their varied experiences and insights. In conclusion, the workshops achieved their objectives, as reflected in the post-workshop evaluations. Participants left with a strong understanding of the topics covered and felt ready to apply the new knowledge to improve their farming practices. The interactive, hands-on nature of the workshops played a key role in this success, ensuring that participants could immediately put what they had learned into practice.
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Progress 09/15/22 to 09/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience are beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, veterans (SDFRVs), Native American, youth, and farmworkers including immigrants residing in underserved communities and counties in Georgia and North Carolina. It also includes other stakeholders such as community-based organizations, farmer and rancher associations, military veteran organizations, non-govermental organizations working with socially disadvanatged farmers, ranchers, and other producers, academic institutions, other communities of learners, private organizations including financial institutions, USDA staff atlocal, district, regional, and nationaloffices, and policy makers who are involved in agricultural policydecision making at state and national levels.The audience are also players of the markets for major commodities such as cotton, peanuts, poultry, pecans, tobacco, cane sugar, rice, soybean, grains, winter vegetables and citrus fruits- the major traded commodities in the southeast region. Efforts to deliver the science-based knowledge primarily include workshops, one-on-one workshops, seminars, conferences, and dissemination of print materials are very critical for their success. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Goal 1: Two workshops onSustainable Animal Productionwere hosted for begining farmers, veterans, and their communities of learners. The topic treated include: •Economic loss ($2-8 million) •Susceptible Animals (weaning, periparturient, spring rise) •Gut health/microbiome •Increased understanding of genetics •Recognition of genetic diversity in adaptation to disease Resistance and Resilience Factors that contribute to Diseases in Animals: •Management •Feed •Heat stress •Climate Change •Overuse of antibiotics •Parasites Diagnoses: Herd Health: •Management •Nutrition •Genetics/Breed •Climate Change •Prevention One Health Approach - The integration of Environmental Health, Human Health, and Animal Health. Goal 2: Topics include: The Water Cycle and Drip Irrigation Drip Irrigation: •Reduced water • Usually, fewer weeds between rows • Space between rows remains hard and dry that helps during harvesting • Low pressure- low flow •Clean filtered water •Low runoff Goal 3: Topics •Basics of Market Research •Basics of Merchandise Displays •Alternative Marketing •Exploring Alternatives Wholesale Marketing Types of Wholesale MarketingAdvantages and Disadvantages of Wholesale Marketing Direct Marketing Why Direct Marketing Types of direct marketing strategies. New Generation Crops and Niche Farming: •What is Niche Farming •How to Identify a "Niche" •Importance of Niche Farming •What is Sustainable Agriculture •Why Sustainability in Vegetable Production? •Barriers and Best Production Practices for Selected Specialty Crops •Marketing Decision •Key Factors to Consider- The 4 P's •Three Rules for Niche Farming •Specialty crop management: •What is Specialty crop •Nutrient Management and Fertigation Goal 4: Topics •What is Climate change? •What are the possible causes of Climate Change? •Impact of Climate change on agriculture •What is Climate Smart Agriculture •Categories of Climate Smart Agriculture (Cover cropping, No Tillage, Biochar, Composting, Manure, Crop Rotation, and Organic Farming) •Policies that can be implemented Goal 5: Topics Importance of Record Keeping Kinds of Records What Records to Keep Where to start Bookkeeping Methods Elements of a Good Record Keeping System Record Summaries Used In Farm Business Management Developing And Using Budgets Spendable Income Computing Taxable Incom Cash Flow Summary• Net Worth Statement (Balance Sheet) Income Statement Detailed Enterprise Budgets Whole Farm Budgets Partial Budgeting Business Plan Preparation There are two primary purposes for developing a business plan: •To be a "road map" in setting up and managing your business. It provides a document for attracting equity or debt financing Components of a Business Plan •Cover Page •Table of Content •Executive Summary •Business Description •Business Analysis •Market Research & Analysis •Management Team. Goal 6. A one-on-one workshop was held for beginning farmers and ranchersin questions and answers format concerning. The technologies discussed include: Tractor mounted GPS (Global Positioning System) for small-scale beginning farmers. Eddy Co-variance flux tower on-farm to measure Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) with a closed chamber technique and micro-meteorological technique. Roller-crimping instruments as a climate-smart way to terminate cover crops instead of using traditional chemicals to burn down. Using Microsoft Word and Excel softwares for data and record keeping (resource and output calculation for overall farm economy assessment) Using smartphones and apps to get the latest updates on weather, market, and other information on farming practices in the community. The use of social media platforms to sell their produce and gain visibility (e.g. Facebook, local WhatsApp group, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) Creating a farm website in social media to expand their farm business and market. Attending online and Zoom training and workshops to gain new technologies about farming. Goal 7: Four regional workshops were for disabled veterans in the East, West, South, Central North for physically disabled veterans, farmers, and ranchers to learn about local resources and gain hands-on experience in the use and operating equipment seamlessly. Over 60 people attended each event. NC Assistive Technology Program, one of the project's consultants hosted the events. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project team is making efforts inemphasizing relationships among members through shared learnings and insights by featuring the work of beginning farmers, ranchers, and other SDFRVs members in blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events can lead to capacity building. Workshop attendees are provided with handouts and other related materials which they share with friends, family, and others, and this helps spread information about the project. Workshop events including registartion and other pertinent infromation are published online. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Embark on extensive campaign about the existence of the project. We will also reach out several community leaders includingcommunity-based organizations, churches, local, district, and state offices of USDA, and other private organizations. The team will also increase the use of zoom and other technologies for meetings and workshops.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A total of 17workshops were held covering all the project goals- Two workshops on Sustainable AnimalProduction; Two on Soil Health and Soil water, and Fertility; One onDirect Marketing Strategies; One Workshop on New Generation Crops and Niche Farming; Threeworkshops on Climate-smart Agricultural Technologies; Two workshops on Farm Recordkeeping and Accounting, Budgeting, and Business Plan Development, FourRegional workshopa on AgrAbility, and One one-on-one worshop on Digital Technologies.
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