Source: UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN EXTENSION submitted to
NORTH CENTRAL RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION CENTER
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0220699
Grant No.
2010-49200-06200
Project No.
NEBN-24-502
Proposal No.
2010-03683
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
OC
Project Start Date
Nov 15, 2009
Project End Date
Nov 14, 2014
Grant Year
2011
Project Director
Lubben, B. D.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN EXTENSION
211 AGRICULTURAL HALL
LINCOLN,NE 68583
Performing Department
Agri Economics
Non Technical Summary
Given the extreme price volatility that producers have been encountering, the continued complex business and legal environment, producers often have insufficient knowledge and skills to manage the various risks they face in their family farm and ranch businesses. The need for risk management education continues to be just as vital in 2009 as it has been in the past. Strategic planning assesses both the means of mitigating negative or potentially damaging risks and exploits the opportunities offered in risky situations. It is critical to the success of farm business operations, regardless of size. The challenge to develop successful strategies to manage the risks produced by the increase in volatility has created increased concerns for profit margins in grain production as well as in the livestock industry. Educational programs need to be developed to help producers better understand the rapidly changing environment and evaluate the potential costs associated with mitigation of those risks. Both public and private organizations are utilized to deliver a comprehensive program of risk management education to agricultural producers and their families. Through these educational programs producers will increase their understanding of risk management concepts and strategies. They will then evaluate their risk management alternatives, decide what actions to take, develop a risk management plan of action and implement the plan.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
6016020310010%
6016030310020%
6026020310010%
6026030310015%
6036020310010%
6036030310010%
6046020310010%
6046030310015%
Knowledge Area
602 - Business Management, Finance, and Taxation; 604 - Marketing and Distribution Practices; 601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 603 - Market Economics;

Subject Of Investigation
6030 - The farm as an enterprise; 6020 - The family and its members;

Field Of Science
3100 - Management;
Goals / Objectives
The basic goals and obligations of the centers are to: assess the risk management educational needs in the region; conduct competitive grants programs for public and private agencies to deliver educational programs to meet those needs; provide guidance and assistance to the awardees to successfully complete their projects; and, to monitor the success of the projects. Additional goals for the center are: 1. Increase Stakeholder Input and Special Emphasis Participation The short run impacts will be: (a) an increase in the number of special emphasis groups in our contact list, (b) present a report of needs assessment to the Advisory Council and share that report with other regional RME Centers, (d) increase the positions on the Advisory Council to nine with the appointment of a special emphasis group representative. The long run impacts will be: (a) an increase in the number of proposals submitted by agencies representing the special emphasis groups, (b) meet the target of 70 percent of funded projects in the special emphasis group set by CSREES. 2. Strengthen Project Results Statements The goal is to increase the strength of the results statements in proposals over the three year period. In the short run, reduce the number of results that are specified as "understand" and in the long run increase the number of results that are specified as "implement". 3. Enhance Completion Rate and Quality of Final Reports The goal for completion of final reports will be 100 percent of funded projects. The quality of final reports will be measured by project directors entering quantities for each outcome specified in the proposal and the quality of the comments describing the success and implications of the project. 4. Increase Participation in Webinars and Regional Training Workshops Webinars are conducted both before pre-proposals and full proposals are due. The goal is to have at least 50 applicants participate in the pre-proposal webinar and 80 percent of those asked to submit full proposals participate in the full proposal webinar. A training workshop will be conducted for the project directors of the proposals that are funded. The impact is to have 100 percent of the projects represented at the workshop. 5. Increase the Commitment to Financial Planning in Funded Projects Based on the current situation documented in the proposal, the Center feels there is a need for increased emphasis on financial management in educational projects. In the short term, we will encourage at least 50 percent of proposals to address some aspect of financial management. 6. Generation of Stronger National Branding for the RME Program In the short run the goal will be an increase in the number of pre-proposals for all four regional centers. In the long run, this effort will result in a more consistent and recognizable image for risk management education for those applying for funding and for those that allocate funding on the National level.
Project Methods
The North Central Center, in conjunction with the other regional Centers, conducts the Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program. This program provides funding to both public and private organizations for educational projects designed to improve the ability of agricultural producers to effectively manage the risks associated with their agribusinesses. A key feature of this program is that it is results-based; awards are made to projects that clearly identify risk management results for the producers and their families. The accomplishment of these project results are identified and documented in the Ag Risk Education Library. NCRMEC will assess the educational needs through assessment directly from producers, the input of the Advisory Council, stakeholder listening groups, networking with partners and collaborators, contacts through regular television broadcasts and a concentrated effort to interact with special emphasis groups. We will compile the information from these sources and use that to guide the center priorities for funding. The special emphasis plan will include establishing a working relationship with leaders of each of the five special emphasis groups, expanding the existing data base of contacts, focus group meetings, personal contacts, and offering competitive challenge grants to encourage the formation of planning groups to seek grants to address the special emphasis needs. We will evaluate our efforts in this area by measuring the increased number of contacts, relationships developed with these groups, and proposals submitted that address the special emphasis audiences. The Advisory Council is a key group in formulating and implementing the educational program. The Council will review, evaluate and select proposals in accordance with the procedures established in the RME Operations Guide. The NCRMEC will seek to increase the strength of project results statements in proposals so that a higher percentage of results focus on implementing a risk management plan. We are able to generate reports that calculate the number of results that focus on the five producer actions. The NCRMEC will conduct webinars to assist applicants prior to the deadlines for both pre-proposals and full proposals and will conduct a training workshop for grant awardees each year. We will asses our success in these areas based on number of participants and the measured impacts from evaluation statements. The Center will continue our communication efforts to publicize the risk management program and Center activities with the use of our website, www.ncrme.org, print publications, focus group meetings, listening groups, trainings and attending conferences.

Progress 11/15/09 to 11/14/14

Outputs
Target Audience: All agricultural producers in the twelve state North Central region. Special emphasis audiences including: beginning farmers or ranchers, legal immigrant farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, including women; and transitioning or retiring farmers. In the 2010 grant cycle, the Center offered "Special Emphasis Challenge Grants" for stakeholders representing a special emphasis group to establish collaborative and planning groups. The specific goal of these groups was to establish a delivery plan for an educational program and apply for a competitive grant in the 2011 grant cycle. We funded 4 challenge grants in 2010; 2 of which had succesful proposals in 2011. Producers from all 12 North Central states were served by projects funded over the life of this project. The North Central region serves: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? In addition to the opportunities that were provided by the 54 projects that were administered under this award, there have been several other opportunities for training and professional development. The National Extension Risk Management Education Conference was held in the spring each year. An average of 50 concurrent sessions and a poster session were held withina 2-day period. A large number of educators from the North Central region attend and present on Center funded projects. These meetings provide an opportunity for Center staff and Advisory Council members to hear presentations on several projects that were funded under this award. Another key component is networking with colleagues and other professionals in the risk management education arena. The Center has also held new grantee training workshops for incoming project directors annually. Project directors were given information on subaward administration, the importance of evaluation and impacts, social media, and how to communicate effectively. Consistently, evaluations indicate that the project directors appreciate the opportunity to hear about what other projects are funded and to network with those with similar interests. The Center also collaborated with other Extension Risk Management Education centers and the SERA 39 Multi-State Public Policy Issues Education Committee to organize and deliver the 2014 Farm Bill Education Conference on September 3-4, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. This conference was a train-the-trainer event for Extension and other agricultural professionals nationwide to learn about the new farm bill and to gather materials, insight, and tools needed to educate producers and others about farm bill programs, decisions, and issues. A total of 145 participants attended the training and, based on end-of-meeting evaluation results, indicated they would deliver more than 2,900 farm bill education programs to more than 185,000 producers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of our efforts have been disseminated to the communities of interest in the following ways: 1) Publications, curricula, videos, and other outputs and tools produced as a result of projects funded through the Center are posted on the ERME website at extensionrme.org as well as the Ag Risk & Farm Management website at agrisk.umn.edu. 2) Success stories that arise from completed projects and annual progress reports have been prepared to disseminate information about the ERME program to participating institutions, producers, and stakeholders, including agency and Congressional contacts. 3) Marketing efforts at conferences share results of projects by the Center and provide opportunities for participants to learn how to apply for funding to support future producer-focused risk management education. 4) Project directors often have presentations and/or poster sessions at the annual Extension Risk Management Education Conference. These sessions allow for attendees to hear the results and outcomes of a variety of previously funded projects. 5) Project results, risk management issues, and identified risk management education needs are also shared on the Center's website (http://ncerme.org). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Agricultural producers often have insufficient knowledge and skills to manage various risks they face in their family farm or ranch business. Educational programs are needed to help producers better understand the rapidly changing environment and evaluate potential costs associated with mitigation of risks. The primary goal of the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center is to provide leadership in and coordination of risk management education activities for producers in the 12 North Central states. We assess the risk management educational needs in the region, and conduct competitive grant programs to meet those needs. Under this prime award, a total of 55 projects for approximately $1.83 million were awarded over the 2010-2012 grant cycles. Our educational programs helped producers increase their understanding of risk management concepts and strategies (32,585 participant actions). Producers then analyzed their risk management alternatives (18,039 participant actions), decided what actions to take (6,865 participant actions), developed a risk management plan (8,854 participant actions), and implemented the plan or an aspect of it (8,737 participant actions). Overall, the educational programs funded under this prime award led to more than 74,000 expected risk management improvements by 23,207 participants to aid in their ability to manage risk thereby improving farm or ranch economic viability. More information regarding any of the completed projects, including presentations, curriculum developed/used, and evaluations can be found online at the Extension Risk Management Education website under Completed Projects and search North Central Region (http://extensionrme.org/Projects/CompletedProjects.aspx?y=2013&i=0). In the last year, the 9 remaining 2012 projects that received extensions until 12/31/13 were completed reaching 7,750 participants and 41,904 expected risk management improvements achieved. Following are some examples of results from these projects that were completed since the last reporting period. In Nebraska, 1,933 participants in 25 workshops gained a better understanding of land asset management issues from the perspective of both the land owner and the tenant. Over 143,380 acres of corn, 74,034 ac of soybeans, and 51,200 ac of other crop were farmed by the producers in attendance. Particpants indicated they would make changes in the following areas: 68% cash leases, 17% family relations, and 20% decision-making. Producers noted they would improve profitability and cost efficiency in: 66% cash leases, 60% flexible cash leases, 43% farmland leases, 20% decision-making and 14% risk management. As a result of workshop skills and evaluative materials, 1,133 landowners and tenants implemented at least one cash land contract, to include optional flexible leasing provisions, that meet the needs of all parties involved. In Ohio, 139 producers participated in workshops to learn more about new risk management issues facing producers due to the oil and gas boom. They are able to identify important provisions in oil and gas leases, tax implications of oil and gas leases, wealth management strategies related to oil and gas leases, and potential impacts and opportunities with water rights from oil and gas leases and development. Eighty-one attendees reported that the information resulted in decision-making and adoption of strategies to reduce the financial, production, and legal risks associated with shale gas development, including seeking professional assistance. Nineteen producers improved financial security through adoption of wealth management strategies, addressed management and financial concerns in pipeline easement and take action to protect water rights or gain equity for water rights. We identified several additional objectives for the Center during this award period and have focused on addressing those as well. 1) Our efforts to increase stakeholder input and special emphasis participation have focused on the following. We formed an Institutional Listening Group and a Special Emphasis Listening Group and met with them twice or once a year respectively to discuss current risk management education needs and emerging issues. These discussions led to a needs assessment report that was shared and referenced when writing our RFA each year. The Advisory Council has increased to 9 members with at least one individual representing a special emphasis group. Even with these efforts, it has been difficult to meet the target of 70% of funded projects fall in the special emphasis group identified by NIFA. In 2010, 36% of the funded projects fell into the special emphasis category, 50% in 2011 and 42% in 2012. In 2011, we had our first successful grant by a Native American organization and we continue to see applications submitted by special emphasis groups in each of our competitive grant cycles. 2) By educating potential project directors, we have worked to increase the strength of the results statements in proposals over the three year period. While "Understand" remains the proposed result with the most producer actions, the number of those who take the step to "Implement" a risk management improvement has increased each year, with 499 in 2010 and 6,270 in 2012. 3) By educating project directors at our annual grantee training workshop, via webinars and through on-going communication, we have worked to increase the completion rate and quality of final reports. Fifty-five projects were funded during this award period and 54 final reports were submitted. Unfortunately, we did have one project that was never completed after the original project director left the organization soon after the subaward was issued. Follow-up with the newly identified contact and project director was not successful and in the end it was finally indicated that no work was completed on the project and no billing ever occurred. The quality of the comments describing the success and implications of the projects have improved as we have shared with project directors how we use this information in our reporting to stakeholders. This will continue to improve as we implement changes to the online reporting site making it easier for project directors to provide information that shows the true impact of the work they have completed. 4) Pre-proposal and full proposal webinars were held each year for potential applicants. The number of applicants participating live in the pre-proposal webinar went from 35 in 2010 to 46 in 2012, with 85 and 91 visits to the archived presentation respectively. The number of applicants participating live in the full proposal webinar increased from 20 in 2010, to 30 and 32 in 2011 and 2012 respectively. In 2012, the applicants participating live in the full proposal webinar represented 71% of the projects selected to submit a full proposal. New grantee training workshops were held each year for incoming project directors. Over the course of the award period, 54 of 55 funded projects were represented by those in attendance at the training workshops. 5) The Center highlighted financial management as a priority area in our 2011 and 2012 RFA as a way to encourage proposals to address the volatile economic environment of the period. Specifics on the number of proposals that addressed this issue were not recorded, however a majority of the proposals submitted do touch on some aspect of financial management. 6) The regional centers as a whole have worked hard to strengthen the brand of the RME program. Cohesive logos have been developed and are used on all communications.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lockert, C. and B. Lubben. North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center. Cornhusker Economics. University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension. Weekly. May 14, 2014. Available at: http://agecon.unl.edu/documents/2369805/5842081/5-14-14.pdf/d22bc442-5313-464d-95e5-f763e12976f0
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lubben, B. 2014. Assessing Producer Risk Management Education Needs. North Central Extension Risk Management Education Progam. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Available at: http://ncerme.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NCERMEC_Risk_Management_Education_Needs_Assessment_Summary-August_2014.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Goeller, D. 2014. Assessing Producer Risk Management Education Needs with Special Emphasis Audiences. North Central Extension Risk Management Education Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Available at: http://ncerme.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NCERMEC_Risk_Management_Education_Special_Emphasis_Needs_Assessment_Summ-.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Extension Risk Management Education. Progress: "Managing Risk Drives Success". Progress Report. January 2014. Available at: http://extensionrme.org/pubs/2014ProgressReport.pdf.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crane, L., G. Gantz, S. Isaacs, D. Jose, and R. Sharp. 2013. Introduction to Risk Management - Understanding Agricultural Risk: Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal, Human. Extension Risk Management Education and Risk Management Agency, USDA. Available at: http://extensionrme.org/pubs/IntroductionToRiskManagement.pdf


Progress 11/15/12 to 11/14/13

Outputs
Target Audience: All agricultural producers in the twelve state North Central region. Special emphasis audiences including: beginning farmers or ranchers; legal immigrant farmers; socially disadvantaged farmers, including women; and transitioning or retiring farmers. The North Central region serves Illinoi, Indiana, Iowa, Kansa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The 2013 National Extension Risk Management Education Conference was held in Westminister, CO in March 2013. Over 60 concurrent and poster sessions were held within a 2-day period. A large number of educators from the North Central region attend and present on Center funded projects. This provided an opportunity for North Central Center staff and Advisory Council members to hear presentations on several projects that were funded under this award. It allows for us to hear the impacts and outcomes of a project directly from the project director. It also provides an opportune time for networking with colleagues and other professionals in the risk management education arena. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of our efforts have been disseminated to the communities of interest in the following ways: 1) Success stories that arise from completed projects and annual progress reports have been prepared to disseminate information about the ERME program to participating institutions, producers, and stakeholders, including agency and Congressional contacts. 2) Project directors often have presentations and/or poster sessions at the annual Extension Risk Management Education Conference. These sessions allow for attendees to hear the results and outcomes of a variety of previously funded projects. 2) Marketing efforts at conferences share results of projects by the Center and provide opportunities for participants to learn how to apply for funding to support future producer-focused risk management education. 3) Publications, curricula, videos, software, and other outputs and tools produced as a result of projects funded thorugh the Center are posted on the ERME website at extensionrme.org as well as the Ag Risk & Farm Management website at agrisk.umn.edu. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Prior to the next reporting period, the Center will continue to assist project directors as they wrap up the reporting aspect of their projects funded under this award. Once final reports and final invoices have been submitted and approved, the remaining outstanding 2012 projects will be available on the ERME web site for public viewing. Over the next several months, prior to the completion of this award, the Center will work to compile and assess information regarding the status of several of the Center objectives listed above and report on the results within the final report.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The main objective of the Center is to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them in their understanding of risk management and their ability to manage risk in order to improve farm or ranch economic viability. This award funded the 2010-2012 grant cycles. Our most current grant cycle funded 16 projects for the July 2013 - June 2014 grant period. These 2013 projects will be reported under the new prime award. For this reporting period, the eleven 2011 funded projects (of 18 total) that received extensions until 12/31/12 completed their work reaching a total of 4,843 participants and 9,178 expected risk management improvements achieved. Additionally, 10 of the 19 projects funded during the 2012 grant cycle are complete with a total of 7,596 participants and 11,580 expected risk management improvements achieved. The remaining 2012 projects (9) received extensions until 12/31/13. Their results will be included in the next report. A small sample of outcomes from these projects include: 1) In Iowa, 526 participants gained a better understanding of a variety of risk management decisions when implementing low cost parlors and automatic milking systems such as: labor efficiencies, financial risks and benefits, and impact on human and animal health and well-being. 379 of these participants evaluated labor efficiency on their farm versus new systems; 64 analyzed current labor efficiency to LCP and AMS as well as potential milk production and milk component improvement; 45 producers developed a written action, financial, and personnel plans for a transition to LCP or AMS; 22 producers implemented a change to new modernized milking system (LCP or AMS). 2) In Ohio, 224 producers participated in workshops to learn more about business entities and trucking compliance as well as the liability concerning these topics. Results from the post workshop evaluation show that 100% of the respondents found the workshop to be beneficial and they gained new knowledge about LLC’s; 52% stated they plan to use this knowledge to establish an LLC for their farm operation in the next 6 months; 12% also indicated that they decided an LLC was not what their operation needed which is just as an important decision; 92% stated that they gained a better understanding of trucking regulations for farmers; before the workshop, 71% did not realize that their trucking practices were out of compliance and 67% plan to change their practices to come into compliance as a result of this workshop. A follow-up survey indicates that several operations have taken action steps as a result of what they learned in the workshop including: 81% of respondents have discussed trucking regulations with those involved in the farm; 44% have purchased safety kits for their trucks; 63% have reviewed their trucking practices; 25% have gotten their CDL; 44% contacted an attorney to discuss setting up an LLC; and 19% are in the process of setting up an LLC and 13% have completed this process. 3) 112 Illinois beginning entrepreneurs participated in workshops held by an advisory committee of producers, entrepreneurs and educations to address risk management topics in the areas of local food, small farms, and other rural and food-related enterprises. 23 participants completed a draft business and marketing plan, as well as a draft of a legal risk assessment plan. Several participants have gone on to work extensively with IL Small Business Development Center advisors to finalize business plans; 3 participants business plans have been put into action and their businesses have started; and one participant won the Quincy Chamber of Commerce business plan competition and described the workshop as “the most valuable business advise” that the participant had received to date. More information regarding any of the completed projects, including presentations, curriculum developed/used, and evaluations can be found online at the Extension Risk Management Education website under Funded Projects (http://extensionrme.org/ProjectSearch/Default.aspx). A needs assessment report was shared with the Advisory Council in the fall of 2012. The report is a summary of our discussions with producers, stakeholder groups, and special emphasis audiences and provides grass roots input on risk management education needs to the Center and our Advisory Council. This report is available on our website at www.ncrme.org.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Ward, B., E. Williams, and D. Aakre. Fixed and Flexible Cash Rental Arrangements for Your Farm. North Central Extension Farm Management Committee. NCFMEC-01. 18 pgs. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/54166ff7-9438-4baf-8a9a-ee0476c44c71.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Dhuyvetter, K., and D. Doye. Crop Share Rental Arrangements for Your Farm. North Central Farm Management Committee. NCFMEC-02. 14 pgs. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/c6091940-7fe2-4c86-8006-5aa21dba88d5.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Dhuyvetter, K. and D. Doye. Beef Cow Rental Arrangements for Your Farm. North Central Farm Management Committee. NCFMEC-06. 31 pgs. http://www.aglease101.org/DocLib/docs/NCFMEC-06.pdf


Progress 11/15/11 to 11/14/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The North Central Risk Management Education Center continues to work towards our goal to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them to manage risk. Following is a summary of the progress we have made over the last year. The Institutional Listening Group convened twice over the last year in May and October. In May, we met with the Special Emphasis Listening group for a second time. Attendees included African American, Hispanic, and Native American representatives from the North Central region. These stakeholder groups help provide input on the risk management needs and current topics of interest for the region. The NCRMEC co-sponsored the National Women in Agriculture conference in Memphis, Tennessee in March, and in an effort to expand our outreach and marketing efforts we increased the number of meetings we had a booth and materials at to include: the Native American Education Conference, Las Vegas, NV, December 2011; the Congress of American Indians, Lincoln, NE June; the National Association of County Agricultural Extension Agents Conference, Charleston, SC, July; the National Small Farms Conference in Memphis, TN, September; and the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA in August. In conducting the 2012 competitive grants program, we received 69 pre-proposals requesting a total of approximately $2.5 million in funds. Thirty-eight applications were invited to submit full proposals and 34 were submitted. We funded 19 proposals for a total of $585,697. We offered webinars in November and February to assist applicants in preparing and submitting pre-proposals and full proposals. The combined trainings had 79 live participants and the archived presentations were also visited 168 times. In June, 18 of 19 projects were represented at the Grantee Training Workshop "From Inputs to Impacts" in Milwaukee, WI. Project directors were provided information on project administration, the importance of evaluation and impacts, social media, and how to communicate effectively. The Advisory Council met in September to discuss needs of the North Central region and set priorities for the upcoming Request for Applications. The Council heard updates on the success and impacts of previously funded projects, as well as presentations on the global economy and the farm bill outlook. The Center staff continues to meet monthly. The Center Director met with congressional representatives in Washington DC to report center activities. Inter-regional communication occurred among centers at the annual summer Center staff meeting in Freeport, ME where RME issues were discussed and priorities were set for the upcoming RFA. Additional communication between Centers occurred during monthly conference calls of all Center staff. The 2013 Request for Applications opened on November 1, 2012 PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: All agricultural producers within the North Central region. The North Central region serves 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Special emphasis audiences include beginning farmers or ranchers; legal immigrant farmers; socially disadvantaged farmers, including women; and transitioning or retiring farmers. Projects funded in 2012 will serve producers in all twelve North Central states. Project directors of the 19 funded projects represent 9 of the 12 states from the North Central region: Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The main objective of the Center is to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them in their understanding of risk management and their ability to manage risk in order to improve farm or ranch economic viability. For the 2012 grant year, we funded 19 projects which are making progress, however final results are not complete. For the 2011 grant year, 7 projects have been completed with a total of 1,157 participants and 4,780 expected risk management improvements achieved. Remaining 2011 projects were granted extensions and will be ending at the end of 2012. Over the last 12 months, 2010 projects that received extensions were also completed. These 13 projects had a total of 1,522 participants and 5,830 expected risk management improvements achieved. A small sample of outcomes from these projects include: 1) In Kansas, 291 participants learned about land leasing skills including how to determine equitable crop share arrangements, alternative leasing types, and how to use Excel to create their own spreadsheets and use AgManager.info. Results from the post-workshop evaluation surveys indicate 93% of the respondents have evaluated and/or negotiated a change in lease terms; 78% report that they use Excel more than they did prior to the workshops; and 67% have used KSU-Lease to determine and negotiate an appropriate and equitable lease for their operation. 2). In southwest Michigan, two Annie's Project sessions attracted 32 members of the Hispanic farm community. The women received training in the area of financial risk management with some production risk topics and allowed for peer to peer mentoring. Ten of the participants formed a peer network for Hispanic farm women and it continues to grow. 3) A combined 556 participants in North Dakota and Minnesota learned about crop marketing and production contract considerations. 100% of the participants have an increased ability to evaluate contract specifications; determine an appropriate quantity of crop to contract; and assess their rights, responsibilities and risks of contract performance. Nine commodity purchasers developed contracts which balance the needs of both buyer and seller. Outcomes of our summer training workshop for 2012 grant recipients include: 1) over 85% percent of the participants indicated that the presentation on evaluation/impacts was helpful or very helpful to them and their project, 2) over 85% appreciated hearing from the project director panel on their previous experiences, and 3) 56% indicated that they plan to reconsider their evaluation plans and how to document the impact of their project to better reach their proposed results. As a result of the discussions with the Advisory Council and our Stakeholder Listening Groups, as well as input from producers and collaborators, a document has been prepared summarizing the risk management education needs of the region. This document is available online. The 2013 RFA reflects the outcomes of all of our discussions with the Advisory Council and Stakeholder Listening Groups and highlights the interest in financial risk management and farm bill education.

Publications

  • Dhuyvetter, K. November 2011. Leasing and Excel Workshop: Ethics of Leasing. Kansas State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/5d27bf34-f302-43b2-b0ed-5fd1cdcc454 c.pdf
  • Artz, G., T. Eggers, A. Johanns, E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Facilitator Agenda for Evaluating Your Estate Plan. Iowa State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/b3415f74-8024-4f32-b858-07588ab6631 5.pdf
  • Artz, G., E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Case 1: Rose and Frank Olson. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/fc7c0359-c69f-4cc5-8680-b61917bbd93 6.pdf
  • Artz, G., E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Case 2: The Mitchells. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/966a6f74-503a-4bd0-9b44-ab754560cd1 2.pdf
  • Artz, G., E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Case 3: Tim and Martha Johnson. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/e63910bf-c8c3-4823-b9da-91fd6ee9bd9 9.pdf
  • Artz, G., E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Case 4: Jim and Sandra Davidson. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/5c470979-2f48-4d83-9432-787403b8bb2 f.pdf
  • Artz, G., E. Herbold, K. Leibold, and M. ORourke. January 2012. Case 5: Smith Family. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/e2b8f55c-7a08-4b8e-bede-dc6c90d93a1 b.pdf
  • Banks, C. November 2011. Business Planning Spreadsheet. Renewing the Countryside. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/088cec7b-1145-46bc-b882-3d9f2bc2478 c.xls
  • Edwards, W., A. Chamra, and A. Johanns. March 2012. Wages and Benefits for Farm Employees. Iowa State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/4b606f88-2086-419a-95ac-b4840f9b988 0.pdf
  • Edwards, W., A. Chamra, and A. Johanns. March 2012. Bonus Plans for Farm Employees. Iowa State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/b4d9015d-c890-4ad5-abb4-484ffdb6970 9.pdf
  • Eggers, T. January 2012. Retirement Planning for Farm Families. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/721a600d-f721-44f5-9709-bc193a19d7f 5.pdf
  • Eggers, T. January 2012. Farm Transfer Plan. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/53590c3c-be96-43e3-8118-e554e50a7e3 6.pdf
  • Eggers, T. January 2012. Estate Planning Questionnaire. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/a142f23a-f12b-4758-8085-88955baca65 c.pdf
  • Bolton, K., V. Cabrera, and G. Hadley. December 2011. Working Capital Decision Support System. Update. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/191a35e5-20ff-4606-ae4f-520b24b87be 6.xls
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. December 2011. Balance Sheet Agfa Import Template. Updated. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/8bd5f4b0-81f2-4988-b692-a05279fe6e2 4.xls
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. December 2011. Cash Flow Agfa Import Template. Update. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/6d65fc3d-1192-44bd-8372-8798a7cc343 f.xls
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. December 2011. Farm Earnings Agfa Import Template. Update. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/91a74b90-46dc-4a68-836c-abaafaa736e 8.xls
  • Dhuyvetter, K., and R. Llewelyn. November 2011. Leasing and Excel Workshop: Rental Arrangements and Ethics of Leasing. Kansas State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/3619d79b-938f-4bba-b98f-2776569b11a 0.pdf
  • Lockert, C. 2012. North Central Risk Management Education Center. Cornhusker Economics. Weekly. May 2012. http://agecon.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_fileuuid=0d488652-6e60- 420f-afab-3bb128799f08&groupId=2369805&.pdf
  • Lubben, B. October 2012. Meeting Producer Needs for Risk Management Education. Cornhusker Economics. University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension. http://agecon.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_fileuuid=ce81805d-37e5- 4e9c-9e3a-31f1998c8200&groupId=2369805&.pdf
  • NCRMEC Web Site. 2012. www.ncrme.org
  • Olson, F. 2011. Grain Contracting: Know the Fine Print. North Dakota State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/9d1342e5-fc7f-4894-a2d9-91fd1179faf a.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Estate Planning Terms. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/86fd8293-0657-4d33-ac2d-9b17991fa8c 1.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Forms of Property Ownership. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/060c2ee1-69b9-4938-b53e-c00790e9c9b 8.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Powers of Attorney and Other Forms of Substitute Decision Making. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/ebd65c98-cff2-42a6-bafc-d586a4860e3 3.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Iowa Inheritance Tax. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/7d8c8bb9-ebae-4b6b-a417-ee86ed25579 d.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Estate Planning Goals. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/e10508bc-b182-479c-8332-4787b174bf9 f.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Gift Tax. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/f8dde24c-9a85-489e-acff-afa855d9efe 0.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Federal Estate Tax. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/5c08e147-6119-46ec-b230-cd4b9828fe8 c.pdf
  • ORourke, M. January 2012. Transition & Estate Planning Goals. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/2cce0475-0d64-46ad-93d3-d504e215968 f.pdf
  • ORourke, M. April 2012. Estate Planning Attorneys: Finding One Who Can Work For You. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/ed3ba1e0-6101-4702-b224-afb66840c48 a.pdf
  • ORourke, M. and K. Leibold. March 2012. Trusts as an Estate Planning Tool. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/9e14e3e7-fa73-4426-b9d6-9781df89ec3 4.pdf
  • Rumley, E., and P.K. Hall. August 2012. Website for Managing Legal Risks for Livestock and Dairy Producers in Ohio. National Agricultural Law Center. http://extensionrme.org/ProjectSearch/DisplayProject.aspx
  • Scheckelhoff, B., S. Ernst, J. Fox, and B. Bergeford. November 2011. Increasing Producer Profits Through Community Supported Agriculture. The Ohio State University Department of Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/fa3c322a-c261-4d76-b705-a2788d38e43 2.pdf
  • Haugen, R. February 2011. Wind Energy: Economic and Lease Agreements. North Dakota State University Extension Service. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/f5da1541-a20a-40cb-85b5-bb85ef845be 9.ppt
  • Griffith, C. 2012. Information Fact Sheet. North Central Risk Management Education Program. University of Nebraska.
  • Hachfeld, G. 2012. End of Meeting Evaluation : Employment Management Skills for Today. University of Minnesota Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/1450743a-2573-4c46-bcbb-01f0ee1eaf4 9.doc
  • Hall, P. K., E. Rumley. March 2012. Managing Legal Risk for Livestock and Dairy Producers in Ohio. The Ohio State University. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/1795a034-90dc-453e-a312-39a95e8e07d c.ppsx
  • Haugen, R. and D. Aakre. 2011. Small Wind Turbine Considerations. North Dakota State University Extension Service. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/26739994-6d25-4e43-9a21-973f33a70c9 8.docx
  • Haugen, R. and D. Aakre. 2011. The Impact Survey Instrument. North Dakota State University Extension Service. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/00d10b6a-c9e2-44cd-9449-8fda444c298 0.docx
  • Haugen, R. and D. Aakre. 2011. Impact Survey Results. North Dakota State University Extension Service. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/43a53da4-c4ed-4d9c-8bb6-7728581cd8a d.doc
  • Holcomb, C.R., D. B. Bau, C. Schwartau, G. A. Hachfeld, and A. Alba. 2012. Employment Skills for Today Planning for Success: Developing Your Managerial Skills to Leading Your Employees. University of Minnesota Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/7192e0d9-6878-4b74-bf2f-24e170f9656 a.pdf
  • Holcomb, C. R., C. Schwartau, D. B. Bau, A. A. Meraz, G. A. Hachfeld, and D. L. Nitchie. 2012. Employment Skills for Today: Planning for Success. End-of-Meeting Evaluative Outcomes Report. University of Minnesota Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/0c3966de-f687-4902-885b-0e6900c4d56 8.pdf
  • Indian Land Tenure Foundation. 2012. Rights of Way in Indian Country. The Message Runner. Volume 3. http://www.iltf.org/sites/default/files/Message_Runner_3_lowres.pdf
  • Indian Land Tenure Foundation. 2012. Cutting through the Red Tape: An Indian Landowners Guide to Reading and Processing Federal Forms. http://www.iltf.org/resources/cutting-through-red-tape
  • Johanns, A. January 2012. Case Study Important Terms Worksheet. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/24d95c29-2720-43d2-972f-73927a82d7e 3.pdf
  • Johanns, A. January 2012. Evaluating Your Estate Plan Additional Resources. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/9e660485-0eea-471e-91ae-6bbcaffeb41 f.pdf
  • James, J. November 2011. Kansas Lease Laws. Kansas State Research & Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/c0b3e5e3-cc3c-4b5c-81d6-d6a10d63b86 0.ppt
  • Kivirist, L. January 2012. Wisconsin Agritourism Resources. Renewing the Countryside. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/f212deed-8cb2-4d36-b009-1d9e34b4d83 a.doc
  • Leibold, K. January 2012. Business Entities. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/576d9d31-5dc6-4dce-b1a0-746138871be e.pdf
  • Leibold, K. January 2012. The Estate Settlement Process. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/ed1bb47b-abb6-4e70-ae27-5fc65601983 8.pdf
  • Leibold, K. January 2012. Farm Transfer Strategies. Iowa State University Extension. http://rme.agrisk.umn.edu/uploads/f17a64dc-b375-4401-928b-45f6257e402 6.pdf
  • Woodruff, J. N. and D. Herringshaw. 2011. Your Relationship with Money. Ohio State University. http://www.extensionrme.org/ProjectSearch/DisplayProject.aspx


Progress 11/15/10 to 11/14/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The North Central Risk Management Education Center continues to work towards our goal to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them to manage risk. Following is a summary of the progress we have made over the last year. The Institutional Listening Group convened for the second time in June and again in October. In February, we met with the Special Emphasis Listening group for the first time. Attendees included African American, Hispanic, and Native American representatives from the North Central region. We provided travel assistance to two of our group members to attend the National ERME Conference this year. The Advisory Council met in September to discuss needs of the North Central region and set priorities for the upcoming Request for Applications. The Council heard about the emerging risks and needs of the area from local agricultural producers and the Center for Rural Affairs. The NCRMEC co-sponsored the National Extension Risk Management Education conference in St. Louis, MO in April, and had a presence at the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA in July. In conducting the 2011 competitive grants program, we received 54 pre-proposals requesting a total of approximately $2 million in funds. Thirty-two full proposals were submitted, and 18 were funded for a total of $639,817. We offered webinars in November and February to assist applicants in preparing and submitting pre-proposals and full proposals. The combined trainings had 57 live participants and the archived presentations were also available for viewing. In June, 17 of 18 project directors attended the Grantee Training Workshop "Achieving Project Results" in Grand Rapids, MI. Four speakers provided information on risk management education, effective communication, social media, and evaluation and follow-up. Center staff provided information on project administration, collaboration and networking, and creating effective PowerPoint presentations. The 2012 Request for Applications opened on November 1, 2011. Within the last year, the Center has developed a Facebook page to help publicize activities and reach new audiences, a Fact Sheet was developed highlighting current projects and activities and monthly Center staff meetings have been held. The Center Director and a former project director met with congressional representatives in Washington DC to report center activities. Inter-regional communication occurred among centers at the annual summer Center staff meeting in Charleston, SC where RME issues were discussed and priorities were set for the upcoming RFA. Center Directors met in San Diego, CA in early November to finalize and approve the revision of the Operating Guidelines. Additional communication between Centers occurred during monthly conference calls of all Center staff. The North Central Center updated the Extension Risk Management Education video that serves as an educational tutorial about the program and is available on-line. PARTICIPANTS: As of July 1, 2011, Dr. Bradley Lubben joined the Center as the new North Central Center director. Previous director, Dr. Doug Jose retired as of June 30, 2011. Dr. Lubben is responsible for establishing the policies of the Center. The Director will manage the funds of the Center, work with the Advisory Council to establish regional priorities and manage the competitive grants program. He will work with the Board of Directors to ensure the Center is operated effectively and efficiently. He is responsible for accountability with the stakeholders including elected officials and is responsible for liaison with the CSRESS NPL. He is also responsible for guiding all activities the Center has as part of the National RME program. Dave Goeller, Assistant Director, assists and represents the Director as needed. He will have responsibility to coordinate all TAA activities in the North Central Region. The Assistant Director will take the lead on compiling the results and experiences of similar projects and work on developing new networks of educators with similar interests and enhancing any networks that already exist. He will take the lead, in collaboration with the Center Director and the Project Specialist, to enhance our communication with elected officials, administrators and farm organization officials. Christine Lockert, Grants Coordinator, has an active role in assisting the Center Director in grants management, including project oversight, budget processing and monitoring, and program evaluation. She interprets and implements policies developed by the Center's Advisory Council. She takes the leadership in the collection and organization of information for reports and assists in the preparation of reports to USDA agencies, University Administrators, Elected Representatives and the Advisory Council. She also maintains contact with the project directors on all projects funded through the Center. Cheryl Griffith, Project Specialist, is in charge of all communications and public relations for the Center. She is responsible for preparing the final draft of reports to USDA and policy makers and for preparing materials for distribution to stakeholders and the general public. She maintains the information on the Center's website and prepares all publicity materials such as brochures and newsletters. Partner Organizations: Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, Digital Center for Risk Management Education, Southern Risk Management Education Center, Western Center for Risk Management Education Center, North Central Farm Management Extension Committee, and Farm Organizations, such as, state farm bureaus, private crop insurance agents, private crop insurance companies, lending community, RMA of USDA, university extension services in each of the states that we work with. Contacts: We maintain a contact list of approximately 2200 names of individuals and organizations, both public and private, who are potential grant applicants. Training or Professional Development: Please refer to the summer training workshops and web trainings for grant recipients and potential applicants. TARGET AUDIENCES: All agricultural producers within the North Central region. The North Central region serves 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Special emphasis audiences include beginning farmers or ranchers; legal immigrant farmers; socially disadvantaged farmers, including women; and transitioning or retiring farmers. The 2011 competitive grants program had sixteen applications that represented special emphasis categories reach the full proposal stage and nine of these were funded. We received our first successful proposal from the Native American community as well. Projects funded in 2011 will serve producers in all twelve North Central states. Project directors of the 18 funded projects represent 7 of the 12 states from the North Central region: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project has a new project director due to the retirement of long-time Center Director, Doug Jose. Dr. Bradley Lubben is the new project director.

Impacts
The main objective of the Center is to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them in their understanding of risk management, and their ability to manage risk. For the 2011 grant year, we funded 18 projects and do not have results to report as the projects have just started. For the 2010 grant year, 4 special emphasis challenge grants and 3 projects have been completed with a total of 339 participants and 1,102 expected risk management improvements achieved. In Ohio, 160 women producers learned about developing financial statements, using Quicken Software, managing farm finances and making decisions, and conducting farm financial analysis. Sixty participants made changes to their recordkeeping system for the farm, 40 prepared a balance sheet to share with their lender, and 30 will make changes to improve their recordkeeping system. A web-based workshop series provided risk management education to 123 Indiana women. Six months after the workshop new risk management tools were successfully implemented into the farm operations. Sixty percent of participants are planning to set 2012 farm production goals. Sixty-two percent of survey respondents have become more involved in the decision making processes for the farm since the workshops. These tools have helped farm operations save $1,000 up to $8,000. In North Dakota, 29 participants attended a program on farm transfer and estate planning, while 27 participants attended the product marketing workshop. Twenty-eight percent will develop and maintain a business transfer and estate plan. Forty-one percent of the participants learned to market livestock and crops and manage the price risk, the same percentage plan to develop a marketing strategy for their farm production. The purpose of the special emphasis challenge grants are to establish education needs of the target groups they represent and establish a delivery plan for an education program. Three of the four 2010 special emphasis challenge grantees submitted competitive proposals in 2011 and two were funded. Outcomes of our summer training workshop for 2011 grant recipients include: (1) 55 percent of participants thought networking with Center staff and other project directors was the most beneficial aspect of the workshop, (2) 90 percent of the participants indicated that the presentation on effective communication with participants and collaborators was helpful or very helpful to them and their project, (3) 40 percent indicated that they plan to consider and/or incorporate social media into the planning and delivery of their project to better reach their proposed results, and (4) 50 percent of participants indicated they will reconsider their evaluation plan to have a better measure of results and impact. The 2012 RFA reflects the outcomes of all of our discussions with the Advisory Council and Stakeholder Listening Groups and highlights the interest in financial risk management, farm bill education, as well as the expectation of projects to plan for the evaluation of long-term results.

Publications

  • Alexander, C. 2011. Commodity Marketing Presentation for Annies Project. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/9362a912-0002-467e-a4 aa-8776fbd02d6b.pptx
  • Alexander, C. 2011. Commodity Marketing for Risk Management Education Series. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/410715c9-fc60-4ea3-80 c2-a75fa28d6816.pptx
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. 2011. Farm Earnings Agfa Import Template. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/df895e68-adb9-4c2c-a1 da-2924283aa7fd.xlsx
  • Bruynis, C. 2011. Family and Farm Financial Statements. Ohio State University Extension. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/3955a62f-834a-496d-b4 cd-2f62bb457dc7.pptx
  • Cobb, A.R. 2011. Animal Behavior. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/480ea1db-9874-4567-85 55-6c55c5d190fc.pdf
  • Dhuyvetter, K., T. Dumler, and R. Llewelyn. 2010. Excel Exercise Directions. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/8338bdda-6715-43cb-89 2b-c25e48140502.pdf
  • Dhuyvetter, K. and R. Llewelyn. 2010. Excel Exercise Spreadsheet: Template. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/8234bc3f-cec4-421a-b3 ce-6bace8118140.xls
  • Dhuyvetter, K, and R. Llewelyn. 2010. Excel Exercise Spreadsheet: Final Version. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/b7c8d907-929f-4c8b-b5 7a-336385bf10ac.xls
  • Dhuyvetter, K. and R. Llewelyn. 2010. Leasing and Excel Workshop (a presentation from 1 of 10 locations). Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/3ae4dfb2-e043-4cac-9a 75-fc4175c58953.pdf
  • Dhuyvetter, K. 2011. Equitable Cropping Leases. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/cca9b97a-32e8-4dca-9d eb-71da7d146e0f.pdf
  • Dhuyvetter, K., M. Brouk, and K. Schulte. 2011. Valuing Corn and Sorghum Silage. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/85a30ad1-89f9-4ca2-a5 bb-8e5c12fb4c84.xls
  • Dhuyvetter, K., M. Brouk, and K. Schulte. 2011. Cost of Corn Silage Production Spreadsheet Calculator. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/a5ed6758-44ef-4f6e-a9 6e-e05ea0dc9321.xls
  • Dhuyvetter, K., K. Schulte, and M. Brouk. 2011. Dairy Labor Tracker. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/f5173290-0864-41f8-ac 89-27387345f0e8.xlsx
  • Endres, A.B., and N.R. Johnson. 2011. Managing Legal Risks in the Direct Farm Business. University of Illinois. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/3a408086-bbd9-4318-ad 3a-853799bd342e.pdf
  • Endres, A.B. and N.R. Johnson. 2011. Managing Legal Risk in Direct Farm Business II. University of Illinois. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/af9338eb-3c0e-4ea2-8d 31-7b393c7cd824.pdf
  • Endres, A.B., M. Tarr, J.M. Endres, and N.R. Johnson. 2011. Illinois Direct Farm Business: a Guide to Laws Affecting Direct Farm Business in Illinois. University of Illinois. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/00e56396-01fa-4093-94 7a-5c057f0ecdd2.pdf
  • Gloy, A. 2011. Succession Planning Part 1. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/7b049ec4-a218-469c-81 eb-4a9dd71b2da9.pptx
  • Gloy, A. 2011. Succession Planning Part 2. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/0651964b-2728-43d5-94 5c-8b3ff43a1934.pptx
  • Griffith, C. 2011. North Central Risk Management Education Center. Cornhusker Economics. Weekly. May 18, 2011. http://agecon.unl.edu/cornhuskerconomics
  • Griffith, C. 2011. Fact Sheet. Extension Risk Management Education Program. University of Nebraska.
  • Joannides, J., J. Beutler, B. Nelson, B. Olson, K. Scheer, J. Ivanko, and L. Kivirist. 2011. Farmstay: Diversifying your Farm Business through Agritourism: a How-To Manual for Establishing a Farmstay in Minnesota. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/0d22fc3b-8ba0-41b8-99 bc-c61e9df4efa6.pdf
  • Johnson, N., A.B. Endres. 2011. Small Farming in the Age of Big Business: an Analysis of Legal Hurdles Facing Local Producers. University of Illinois. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/2515a452-150b-4ac7-9a 56-2691c2351560.pdf
  • Lambert, L. 2011. Family Finances for Annies Project. Purdue University Extension. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/f2a49284-a8e7-4dfb-96 d0-0dfe5f5f5114.pptx
  • Lambert, L. 2011. Staying Financially Healthy. Purdue University Extension. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/61a42d7c-d052-4b55-a1 82-6bf123cf137a.pptx
  • Marshall, M. 2011. Family Business for Annies Project. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/b5d01989-c35b-44f4-b0 2f-9742d6158bf0.ppt
  • Neary, M. 2011. Common Nutritional Problems in Sheep and Goats. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/01ebf788-2258-4aad-a0 d3-1c181c53603b.pdf
  • NCRMEC Web Site. 2011. www.ncrme.org.
  • NCRMEC Facebook page. 2010. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/North-Central-Risk-Management-Educat ion-Center/10150146585180315
  • Olson, B., J. Beutler, and J. Mesko. 2011. Agritourism Business Development Workbook. Renewing the Countryside. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/b33a5251-12d5-42f2-a8 15-06c8cdc9a4b0.pdf
  • Olson, F. 2011. Crop Outlook. Can we see 2007-08 price again North Dakota State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/c9ba354f-eb1b-41c1-85 7d-2f0408804f3e.pdf
  • Oswald, D. 2011. Soil, Forages and Grazing Management, and Fencing. University of Illinois Extension. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/15b1d069-4c89-48c4-ac be-842ce560ec07.pdf
  • Petry, T. 2011. Cattle Situation and Outlook. North Dakota State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/ad0e7614-abe0-4b0f-81 61-799f25f6e0ab.pdf
  • Schulte, K., M. Brouk, and K. Dhuyvetter. 2011. Dairy Group Data Reporting Procedures. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/7c80b6ba-1dbf-4701-9f 6d-f0aa0df1040b.pdf
  • Steckler, T. 2011. Diversifying Production: Educating Cattle Producers Considering Raising Hair Sheep or Meat Goats. University of Illinois. http://staff-dev.idtg.uiuc.edu/jhbaltz/SheepGoats/index.html
  • Steckler, T. 2011. Marketing Sheep and Goats. University of Illinois. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/5e6eb014-3e96-4f75-93 3f-1247f0dd2cb6.pdf
  • Swenson, A. 2011. Crop Insurance Update. North Dakota State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/09c1ca2f-2f3c-4155-94 1a-db4abaf72c05.pdf
  • Walker, E. 2011. Genetics: Selecting the Right Small Ruminant for Your Operation. Missouri State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/caa574e3-bcfc-4e81-a2 a5-698601fc5a42.pdf
  • Walker, B. 2011. Keeping Small Ruminants Healthy,a Common Sense Approach. Missouri State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/503749f2-1e12-43bb-9f a3-66aba041b7c6.pdf
  • Alexander, C. 2011. Hedging Exercise. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/e4da1a85-10bf-4e72-8c b5-7327b2d3dea3.doc
  • Atkinson, R. 2011. General Management. Southern Illinois University. The PDF document contains information on general management of sheep and goats. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/71c8eea6-710b-4674-a9 59-0b967d7cca08.pdf
  • Atkinson, R. and T. Steckler. 2011. Production/Management Calendar and Wrap-up. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/70943d66-39ca-4fb5-af 37-5c684c477dc8.pdf
  • Barnard, F. 2011. Financial Management. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/b870a385-7ef7-4961-9c 92-4713dd239f1e.pptx
  • Barnard, F. 2011. Financial Management for Annies Project. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/5323da44-b153-44ab-a4 6d-34ae841fcdbf.pptx
  • Bolton, K., V. Cabrera, and G. Hadley. 2011. Working Capital Decision Support System. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/085ba652-a7bc-4daa-92 8d-f90ee4be721d
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. 2011. Balance Sheet Agfa Import Template. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/2a299075-4559-4254-a3 3d-3ade0c33ade1.xlsx
  • Bolton, K., and V. Cabrera. 2011. Cash Flow Agfa Import Template. University of Wisconsin, Center for Dairy Profitability. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/b4654a1d-1885-49d5-ae a1-5919211112b0.xlsx
  • Neary, M. 2011. Sheep and Meat Goat Nutrition. Purdue University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/058cf6d4-08ad-4fba-aa b7-f545ea91a5e2.pdf
  • Schulte, K., K. Dhuyvetter, and M. Brouk. 2010. Kansas City Peer Group Data Template. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/18b38128-ca9e-401a-8f 29-6ef35442c872.xls
  • Schulte, K., K. Dhuyvetter, and M. Brouk. 2010. Trend Graphs for Dairy Producer Peer Group, Q2, 2010. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/5ad0dfe0-23b8-4f15-a4 9f-5c4aead0a1db.pdf
  • Schulte, K., K. Dhuyvetter, and M. Brouk. 2010. Dairy Peer Group Reporting Data Help and Instructions. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/cac01953-d52b-4de8-95 4e-914706a868a3.pdf
  • Schulte, K., K. Dhuyvetter, and M. Brouk. 2010. KState Dairy Producer Peer Group Data Sheet. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/404dad2b-9443-4619-9f 96-be7b42430c4b.pdf
  • Schulte, K., M. Brouk, and K. Dhuyvetter. 2010. Kansas Dairy Peer Group Data Reporting. July thru September 2010. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/4d4d5a50-9759-4485-a7 10-01a472fdb798.pdf
  • Schulte, K., M. Brouk, and K. Dhuyvetter. 2010. KState Dairy Producer Peer Group Data Summary. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/2ab535b6-a5a1-4c48-a4 26-affee53b77c8.pdf
  • Schulte, K., K. Dhuyvetter, and M. Brouk. 2011. Cost of Corn Silage Production for NE Kansas. Kansas State University. http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/verification2/uploads/d59f2c8d-c1bb-4747-95 be-415ced0d01fb.pdf


Progress 11/15/09 to 11/14/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The North Central RME Center has developed goals in order for us to effectively deliver education programs to agricultural producers and their families to assist them in managing risk. Our proposed goals include conducting needs assessments; developing and implementing a special emphasis plan; maintaining the membership and conduct activities related to the Advisory Council; conduct a competitive grants program; conduct trainings for grant applicants and recipients; increase level of inter-regional communication between Centers. Over the course of the last year, we have been actively involved in fulfilling the management functions of the Center and implementing our communication and special emphasis plans. A draft questionnaire has been prepared that will allow us to survey extension educators of the North Central region in order to determine priority needs for the producers. The Advisory Council convened in August to discuss needs of the North Central region and set priorities for the upcoming Request for Applications. The 2011 RFA reflects the outcomes of these discussions and highlights the interest in financial risk management programs. We convened the initial meeting of one of two Stakeholder Listening Groups as identified in our proposal. Six of the 10 members of the Agricultural Leader Group met in October, along with Center staff, and participated in talks identifying the current issues and risk management priorities of the region. The NCRMEC continues to implement our Special Emphasis Plan by identifying and establishing relationships with key leaders in each of the special emphasis groups. We funded four special emphasis challenge grants for 2010 and two challenge grants from 2009 submitted a full proposal this year and were funded. In conducting the 2010 competitive grants program we provided web training for both pre-proposal and full proposal applicants. Webinars were held in November and February reaching 55 live participants, followed up by 132 views of the archived recordings. For the 2010 grants program there were 82 pre-proposals submitted and four special emphasis challenge grants. Forty-seven full proposals were submitted, and we funded 18 projects in the amount of $605,885. In August, 19 new grant recipients attended our summer workshop, "Building Successful Programs". Four invited speakers presented topics such as how to help producers achieve success in the current environment, creating public value with your education project, learning styles, and social networking tools. Center staff covered additional topics including effective PowerPoint presentations and grant administration. Inter-regional communication occurred among centers at the annual summer Center staff meeting in Spokane, WA where RME issues and priorities were set for the upcoming RFA. A Directors meeting, along with TAA and grants coordinators meetings, were held in Fayetteville, AR in October. The details of the national template for the 2011 RFA were finalized. The revision of the Operating Guidelines was also completed. The 2011 competitive grants program opened on November 1, 2010 with pre-proposals due on December 9, 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Doug Jose, Center Director, is responsible for establishing the policies of the Center. The Director will manage the funds of the Center, work with the Advisory Council to establish regional priorities and manage the competitive grants program. He is responsible for accountability with the stakeholders including elected officials and is responsible for liaison with the NIFA NPL. He is also responsible for guiding all activities the Center has as part of the National RME program. Dave Goeller, Assistant Director, assists and represents the Director as needed. He will have responsibility to coordinate all TAA activities in the North Central Region. The Assistant Director will take the lead on compiling the results and experiences of similar projects and work on developing new networks of educators with similar interests and enhancing any networks that already exist. He will take the lead, in collaboration with the Center Director and the Project Specialist, to enhance our communication with elected officials, administrators and farm organization officials. Christine Lockert, Grants Coordinator, has an active role in assisting the Center Director in grants management, including project oversight, budget processing and monitoring, and program evaluation. She interprets and implements policies developed by the Center's Advisory Council. She takes the leadership in the collection and organization of information for reports and assists in the preparation of reports to USDA agencies, University Administrators, Elected Representatives and the Advisory Council. She also maintains contact with the project directors on all projects funded through the Center. Cheryl Griffith, Project Specialist, is in charge of all communications and public relations for the Center. She is responsible for preparing the final draft of reports to USDA and policy makers and for preparing materials for distribution to stakeholders and the general public. She maintains the information on the Center's website and prepares all publicity materials such as brochures and newsletters. Partner Organizations: Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, Digital Center for Risk Management Education, Southern Region Risk Management Education Center, Western Center for Risk Management Education Center, North Central Farm Management Extension Committee, and Farm Organizations, such as, state farm bureaus, private crop insurance agents, private crop insurance companies, lending community, RMA of USDA, university extension services in each of the states that we work with. Contacts: We maintain a contact list of approximately 2100 names of individuals and organizations, both public and private, who are potential grant applicants. Training or Professional Development: Please refer to the summer training workshops and web trainings for grant recipients and potential applicants. TARGET AUDIENCES: All agricultural producers within the North Central region. Special emphasis audiences include beginning farmers or ranchers; legal immigrant farmers; socially disadvantaged farmers, including women; and transitioning or retiring farmers. Twelve of the 18 projects funded in 2010 fall into the special emphasis category. States that are being served from the 2010 projects include 11 of the 12 states from the North Central region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Missouri was the only state that did not have a funded project in 2010. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The main objective of the Center is to deliver educational programs to producers and their families to assist them in their understanding of risk management, and their ability to manage risk. For the 2010 grant year, we funded 18 full proposals and four special emphasis challenge grants. Each project funded must identify and report on the specific risk management changes made by the project participants. The 2010 project year is the first year of this award, and the projects have just begun; therefore, results are not yet available. Outcomes of our summer training workshop for 2010 grant recipients include: (1) 50 percent of participants stated that they would consider different learning styles and implement new delivery methods in their project to reach a broader audience, (2) 44 percent indicated there was great value and benefit in the presentation about helping producers achieve success in the current economic environment, and (3) 50 percent thought networking and/or hearing about other grants was the most beneficial aspect of the workshop.

Publications

  • Griffith, C. 2010. 2009 Annual Report. A regional publication reporting on the results of the North Central Risk Management Education Center. University of Nebraska.
  • Griffith, C., Residorfer, J. 2010. Progress. Annual. A national publication reporting on the results of the Extension Risk Management Education. Risk Management Digital Center, University of Minnesota.
  • NCRMEC Web Site: www.ncrme.org. 2010.