Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The project targeted African-Americans and other underserved populations in chronically and economically depressed communities of Alabama and neighboring counties in the states of Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi; Native Americans (Porch Creek, Echota Cherokee Tribe and the Cherokee Tribe of North East Alabama); Hispanic Americans and; urban and peri-urban producers; small ruminants (sheep, goats and rabbit) producers; sustainable and organic producers; and other immigrant producers and transitioning farmers and workers from Alabama's 38 economically depressed counties with low farm productivity and underserved by USDA programs. This target area includes 23 strike-force communities or counties which historically underserved and are associated with extreme poverty and chronic health problems. Changes/Problems:The major challenge posed from the project was nurturing a new and beginning farmer from start to finish. For many of the new and beginning farmers, we worked with them so closely that it impacted our overall effectiveness. For some producers, we discussed every detail, including the process and expectation of working with USDA agencies and programs. However, many producers appreciated the personable and constant interaction. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In terms of impacts and based on verifiable evidence and documentation, this project has increased socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers (SD-BFRs) participation in USDA programs, improved participants' farm production, management, marketing, and improved their computer skills. Based on farm budget and business planning information, participating SD-BFRs have seen increased revenues from value-added products. There also is enhanced networking among SD-BFRs for peer-to-peer learning for cooperative production and marketing of agricultural products. Increased numbers of SD-BFRs accessed USDA's farm loans which substantially assisted most of them acquire land, expand their operations, and increased their farm profitability. Based on sample of 316 SD-BFRs with complete business planning and farm budget information, estate planning, financial management, and whole farm planning workshops, participants stated they had increased their profits by an average of 4.68 percent as a result of the services and assistance provided by this project. Over 90% of the respondents indicated they were ready to start their own businesses and farms and that the training has been very beneficial. Through partial support from this project, AAMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Echota Cherokee Indian Tribe in Alabama. This MOU allows the Tribe of about 30,000 to continue to receive technical assistance from AAMU. This project has proved very useful in accelerating the overall momentum to effectively assist the Echota Cherokee Tribe and other socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers. The Echota Cherokee Tribe is very appreciative of the assistance received from AAMU-SFRC through this project. In general, this project has helped SD-BFRs in Alabama overcome increased numbers of problems. The majority of the project's target audience usually expresses concern over a number of challenges that confront them in their farming business. Some of the commonly cited challenges include lack of or limited access to capital, markets, land, training, and overall technical assistance; ineffective or obsolete farming techniques; lack of education and/or experience in management and marketing; language barriers and cultural differences; and inability to access federal programs and services. These are some of the same challenges that confront many of the small, limited resource and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers throughout the country. Marketing and market access is perhaps one of this project's success stories in that the project allowed AAMU to make considerable headway in this regard. The project worked with the Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association, Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association Alabama Farmers Association, Alabama Sheep and Goat Producers Association, Grow Alabama, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Alabama Sustainable Agricultural Network, and the Northwest Alabama Small Farmers Agricultural Improvement Association to identify viable markets for rabbit meat, goat meat, pastured poultry and other products (especially fresh produce and value-added produce). Even as this project concludes in 2015, the Small Farms Research Center at AAMU continues to look at several other ways to access markets in Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and other cities. Overall, this project is a success story. A number of SD-BFRs have benefited from it. Many more are now aware of the many USDA programs and services. AAMU will promises to sustain the training and outreach momentum initiated by this project. AAMU will continue to disseminate information to all participants through newsletters, fact sheets, social media, flyers, group meetings and annual conferences. More importantly, through the web portal maintained by AAMU's Small Farms Research Center, this project will continue to be of value to farmers and ranchers in Alabama and throughout the country. AAMU and the Small Farms Research Center are extremely appreciative of USDA-NIFA-BFRDP financial support of AAMU's outreach training and technical assistance efforts which continues to benefit a large number of socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers in Alabama. From the various project activities, training workshops, seminars and farm field days, pre- and post-test evaluations have routinely been conducted and participants have been very appreciative and complimentary of our training program. There has been excellent feedback. Listed below are some of the comments received from participants during our regular training workshops and group meetings: (1) Enjoyed the Cooperative Marketing Vs. Direct Marketing class, (2) Excellent Business Plan Development course! (3) Excellent Information given from the Access to Capital course! (4) Excellent job, every workshop I have attended; I have learned something new, (5) Internship with Rosita's Farm, (6) Great presentation! (7) I learned a lot! Great Crop Rotation as IPM Tool session! (8) Knowledge was great; possible grant writing class! (9) Really enjoyed the program/workshop. Taking away several great points! Please keep me updated with information. The majority of participants suggested the need for more training and knowledgeable on the current programs and USDA programs and services available. Through this project, (78%) producers acknowledged the access to capital, hands-on-marketing strategies and branding and marketing were the most important attributes for new and beginning farmers. Followed by access land and familiarity to USDA government program (64%) were strongly important for assisting beginning farmers, ranchers and landowners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Over 4,850 BFRs have been contacted and/or received information through general outreach (radio, newsletters, social media, online and telephone communications). A number of the training modules, fact sheets and resource materials developed and disseminated to producers. Many of these materials have been translated into the Spanish language for the increasing Hispanic population in Alabama. These materials can also be accessed through our web portal at www.aamu.edu/smallfarmscenter. Presentations have been made at Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group annual meetings, National Extension Risk Management and Women in Agriculture meetings, BFRDP Project Directors Meeting and other forums. Some of these materials have been shared by the Risk Management Education National Library maintained by the Farm Financial Management Center at the University of Minnesota. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is our final report for this project. Much has been accomplished during the past 36 months. However, there's still much to be done to assist new and beginning farmers. It is our hope that USDA-NIFA-BFRDP will continue to support AAMU's outreach efforts. We hasten to add that emphasis in this project was placed on hands-on or experiential training which involves farmer-to-farmer mentoring, on-farm demonstration, farm field days and one-on-one consultation. This was intentional to make sure that graduates of this project have the capacity to begin or operate their own farm businesses. The project, its team and collaborating partners were focused on the project's long-term goal to grow the next generation of farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs who will use the experience, skills and land stewardship to improve and enhance sustainability and productive capacity of farms and ranches. Thus, the project has been more than successful. The project (1) recruited more new and BFRs than previously estimated and provided them agricultural training and certification courses via five Farm Incubators strategically located across Alabama; 2) completed the web-based resource center which will be the focus of additional work with resources from other sources. As the project concluded, the web portal is functional and houses useful information for farmers and ranchers; (3) farm incubator to training and education, farmers-to-farmer mentoring, field days, on-farm demonstrations, entrepreneurship and business training, web-based instruction, and certification programs were key to the success of this project; and (4) the project provided targeted technical assistance and outreach training to expand production and access niche markets for specialty crops and small ruminant. Based on strong partnership, target audience support, and the various innovative training approaches including incubator and online resource development, this project has succeeded and will likely be self-sustaining the expired funding period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The project has been more than successful in achieving the goal and its objectives. The approach to training involved training workshops, group meetings, farm field days, on-farm demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, and farm or home visits for one-on-one consultations and/or mentoring to strengthen overall understanding. Over the project period (2012-2015) and in collaboration with key partners - Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Tune Farm, Rosita's Farm, and Alabama Cooperative Extension System - the project held 304 training workshops and seminars, monthly and regular group meetings throughout the state of Alabama and neighboring states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. Five hundred and eight nine (589) socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers (SD-BFRs), and one hundred seventeen (117) small agribusiness entrepreneurs have received intensive training that remains key to the profitability and sustainability of their farms and businesses. A total of two hundred and fifty-seven (257) SD-BFRs have received one-on-one counseling and mentoring advice through farm/home visits by project personnel. Over 6,750 SD-BFRs have been contacted through general outreach (Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) conference, radio, newsletters, social media, online and telephone communications). One hundred and fifty-five (155) SD-BFRs were trained at Rosita's Farm in the area of organic production. Ninety two (92) interns were trained by Tune Farm, also in organic production. Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Associations enrolled 233 SD-BFRs interested in meat goats, sheep, rabbits and pastured poultry. Hundred and fifty-six (156) additional aspiring farmers and producers utilized the AAMU Small Farms Research Center incubator hands-on training in areas of farm financial planning, marketing and value-added agriculture, and business planning. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives have trained 217 SD-BFRs in areas of fruits and vegetable production, emphasizing adding value, ethnic herbs, fruits and vegetables. The Small Farms Research Center at AAMU and the project team developed a curriculum focused on (1) Land Acquisition and Tenure, (2) Production Practices and Management, (3) Business Planning and Financial Management, (4) Market and Marketing, and (5) Capital and Access to Capital. The Center developed and implemented a well-rounded, but flexible program. This BFRDP project was strategically developed and executed to assist beginning farmers and individuals on how to start farming (crop production and livestock), financial avenues and resources available, profitable and emerging enterprises, and hands-on and research-based information from specialist, experts, and fellow farmers. The project and its partners held short courses, training workshops, farm field days, seminars, and one-on-one consultation with farmers and landowners, including community leaders and grass-root organization interested in agriculture. Training Programs (Series): (1) Business Planning and Financial Management; (2) The Business Development and Financial Management training courses consisted of the following: Business Plan Development, Business Economics and Marketing, Financing Farm: Access to Capital, Access to Capital and Other Programs Available, and Alabama Farm Credit; (3) The Market and Marketing Planning Training courses consisted of the following: New Cottage Food Law, Direct Marketing Alternatives, Branding Using Social Media and Market Marker; (4) The Production Management Practices Training courses consisted of the following: How to Get Started: Farmer Perspective, Sustainable Agriculture, Niche Markets, Water Catchmen System, Hydroponic System, Soil Management/Nutrition, Crop Rotation as an IPM Tool, OMRI (Organic) Pesticides and Pesticide and Veggie Garden Organic Production; and (5) Small Ruminants Training course consisted of the following; Goat, Sheep, and Rabbit production on Healthcare/Wellness, Production, Breeding, Housing, and Marketing. Rosita's Farm and Tune Farm worked closely with the Center and project team in developing a curriculum on fruits and vegetable production. These two incubators focused on organic production. They worked closely with aspiring and beginning farmers to assist with hands-on agribusiness planning, exposure to traditional sustainable and organic farming methods and emerging sustainable technologies and strategies. The facility provided interns experience to work the farm and receiving hands-on instruction in production and marketing of small scale organic vegetable production. The facilities also provide mentorship for new and upcoming farmers and ranchers, once the internship were completed. Agricultural activities include opportunities to visit other local producers and close relationship in a farmer's perspective in starting a farm. Hands-On Demonstrations, Training Workshops and Seminars conducted or held: (1) High Tunnel Learning Network (series); (2) Keeping Bees; (3) Organic Weed management/ Irrigation; (4) Fall Crop Production; (5) Cover Cropping Winter Production; (6) Quick-Book Training; (7) Farm to Table Dinners; (8) Value-Added Products (Cheese Making, Lotion and Soap, Mushroom Foraging Workshop); (9) Community Supported Agriculture; and (10) Farm Field Days. The Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association (AAA+MA) and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association. Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association worked closely with the Center in developing a curriculum on livestock production (specifically goat, sheep and rabbit). The incubators focused on new and beginning farmers in in getting started in livestock production, programs available, and maintaining a healthy herd. The facility also provides farm tours, marketing session, and access to USDA approved processing facilities. Informational Hands-On Demonstrations, Workshops, and Seminars conducted or held (1) Livestock Production; (2) Marketing Livestock; (3) Healthy Herd; (4) USDA processing facilities; and (5) Farm Field Days. Overall, the success of this project owes a lot to the effective collaboration and partnership arrangements this project has enjoyed. Thus, the foregoing milestones have been reached through effective partnerships and close collaboration with key partners including the Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association, Rosita's Farm, Tune Farm, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Market Authority, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, National Crop Insurance Service, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, USDA Agencies (NRCS, FSA, RMA, NASS, AMS and Rural Development), Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association, and other local community-based organizations.

Publications

Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience:The project continues to target African-Americans and other underserved populations in chronically and economically depressed communities of Alabama and neighboring counties in the states of Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi; Native Americans (Porch Creek, Echota Cherokee Tribe and the Cherokee Tribe of North East Alabama); Hispanic Americans and; urban and peri-urban producers; small ruminants (sheep, goats and rabbit) producers; sustainable and organic producers; and other immigrant producers and transitioning farmers and workers from Alabama's 38 economically depressed counties with low farm productivity and underserved by USDA programs. This target area includes 23 strike-force communities or counties which are historically underserved and are associated with extreme poverty and chronic health problems. Changes/Problems:No changes to the project's scope and/or objectives were effected in this reporting period. Similarly, no specific problems were encountered during this specific reporting period. However, project activities did not begin in a timely manner in the first quarter of the first year (2012-13) because of the ongoing restructuring at AAMU which affected the timely establishment of the budget. Also, during the first year of the project, two Co-PDs and one extension specialist left the University and were therefore loosely connected with the project. This slowed down the completion of many of the activities which wereoriginally earmarked to be the primary responsibility of these individuals. This substantially slowed down project activities during the first year of the project. The delays in project start-up were precipitated largely and primarily by the University's restructuring and realignment of its academic programs which culminated in the subsequent suspension of some key programs supporting this project. The untimely and unexpected departure of the two key co-principal investigatorsexacerbated the problem, as did the abrupt departure of the project's extension specialist. The identification of replacement personnel took unusually longer than anticipated, largely because key personnel changes or replacementnecessarily require prior approval and concurrence of USDA/NIFA/BFRDP, the funding agency. As a result, many of the activities have had to be done by a reduced number of personnel. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In terms of impacts and based on verifiable evidence and documentation, this project has increased socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers (SD-BFRs) participation in USDA programs, improved participants' farm production, management, marketing, and improved their computer skills. Based on farm budget and business planning information, participating SD-BFRs have seen increased revenues from value-added products. There also is enhanced networking among SD-BFRs for peer-to-peer learning for cooperative production and marketing of agricultural products. Increased numbers of SD-BFRs accessed USDA's farm loans which substantially assisted most of them acquire land, expand their operations, and increased their farm profitability. Based on sample of 119 SD-BFRs with complete business planning and farm budget information, participants increased their profits by an average of 4.68 percent as a result of the services and assistance provided by this project. Through partial support from this project, AAMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Echota Cherokee Indian Tribe in Alabama. This MOU allows the Tribe of about 30,000 to continue to receive technical assistance from AAMU. This project has proved very useful in accelerating the overall momentum to effectively assist the Echota Cherokee Tribe and other socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers. The Echota Cherokee Tribe is very appreciative of the assistance received from AAMU-SFRC through this project. In general, this project has helped SD-BFRs in Alabama overcome increased numbers of problems. The majority of the project's target audience usually expresses concern over a number of challenges that confront them in their farming business. Some of the commonly cited challenges include lack of or limited access to capital, markets, land, training, and overall technical assistance; ineffective or obsolete farming techniques; lack of education and/or experience in management and marketing; language barriers and cultural differences; and inability to access federal programs and services. These are some of the same challenges that confront many of the small, limited resource and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers throughout the country. Marketing and market access is perhaps one of this project's success stories in that the project allowed AAMU to make considerable headway in this regard. The project worked with the Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association, Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association Alabama Farmers Association, Alabama Sheep and Goat Producers Association, Grow Alabama, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Alabama Sustainable Agricultural Network, and the Northwest Alabama Small Farmers Agricultural Improvement Association to identify viable markets for rabbit meat, goat meat, pastured poultry and other products (especially fresh produce and value-added produce). Even as this project concludes in 2015, the Small Farms Research Center at AAMU continues to look at several other ways to access markets in Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and other cities. Overall, this project continues to be a success story. A number of SD-BFRs have benefited from it. Many more are now aware of the many USDA programs and services. AAMU will promises to sustain the training and outreach momentum initiated by this project. AAMU will continue to disseminate information to all participants through newsletters, fact sheets, social media, flyers, group meetings and annual conferences. More importantly, the project continues to train producers and help SD-BFRs increase their farm businesses' profitability. AAMU and the Small Farms Research Center are extremely appreciative of USDA-NIFA-BFRDP financial support of AAMU's outreach training and technical assistance efforts which continues to benefit a large number of socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers in Alabama. From the various project activities, training workshops, seminars and farm field days, pre- and post-test evaluations have routinely been conducted and participants have been very appreciative and complimentary of our training program. There has been excellent feedback. Listed below are some of the comments received from participants: (1) Enjoyed the Cooperative Marketing Vs. Direct Marketing class, (2) Excellent Business Plan Development course! (3) Excellent Information given from the Access to Capital course! (4) Excellent job, every workshop I have attended; I have learned something new, (5) Internship with Rosita's Farm, (6) Great presentation! (7) I learned a lot! Great Crop Rotation as IPM Tool session! (8) Knowledge was great; possible grant writing class! (9) Really enjoyed the program/workshop. Taking away several great points! Please keep me updated with information. The majority of participants suggested the need for more training and knowledgeable on the current programs and USDA programs and services available. Through this project, (78%) producers acknowledged the access to capital, hands-on-marketing strategies and branding and marketing were the most important attributes for new and beginning farmers. Followed by access land and familiarity to USDA government program (64%) were strongly important for assisting beginning farmers, ranchers and landowners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Over 3,500 BFRs have been contacted and/or received information through general outreach (radio, newsletters, social media, online and telephone communications). A number of the training modules, fact sheets and resource materials developed or translated in this project can be accessed through our web portal at www.aamu.edu/smallfarmscenter. Presentations have been made at Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group annual meetings, National Extension Risk Management and Women in Agriculture meetings, BFRDP Project Directors Meeting and other forums. Some of these materials have been shared by the Risk Management Education National Library maintained by the Farm Financial Management Center at the University of Minnesota. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Much has been accomplished during this reporting period and the first year. However, there's still much to be done to train and assist new and beginning farmers and ranchers. The third and final reporting period will see increased training and outreach effort in assisting, training and growing new generation of farmers and ranchers. Emphasis will also be placed on hands-on or experiential training which involves farmer-to-farmer mentoring, on-farm demonstration, farm field days and one-on-one mentoring and consultation. The project, its team and collaborating partners will keep focused on the project's long-term goal to grow the next generation of farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs who will use the experience, skills and land stewardship to improve and enhance sustainability and productive capacity of farms and ranches. Thus, in the next reporting period, the project will continue to (1) recruit new and BFRs and provide them agricultural training and certification courses via five Farm Incubators strategically located across Alabama; 2) continue to expand and enhance the web-based resource center developing and implementing effective training programs and disseminating educational materials; (3) continue to strengthen the farm incubator training and education through farmers-to-farmer mentoring, field days, on-farm demonstrations, entrepreneurship and business training, web-based instruction, and certification programs; and (4) continue to provide targeted technical assistance and outreach training to expand production and access niche markets for specialty crops and small ruminant. Based on strong partnership, target audience support, and the proposed innovative training approach including incubator and online resource development, this project will likely be self-sustaining.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The approach to training during the reporting period continues to be one that involves training workshops, group meetings, farm field days, on-farm demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, and farm or home visits for one-on-one consultations and/or mentoring to strengthen overall understanding. This project has conducted several workshops and group meetings covering a wide range of topics including government programs and services administered or offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, business planning and record keeping, capital acquisition, farm financial management, whole-farm planning, niche markets and marketing education, value-added agriculture, farm diversification and alternative enterprises, risk and risk management education, and many more. In the first part of 2014, issues of the 2014 Farm Bill dominated our training and outreach schedule as most producers wanted to learn and know how the new farm legislation affected them. The project has held over (65) training workshops and seminars, monthly and regular group meetings during the reporting period and throughout the state of Alabama and neighboring states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. Two hundred and thirty six (236) socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers (SD-BFRs), and twelve (12) small agribusiness entrepreneurs have received training. A total of one hundred and fifty one (151) SD-BFRs have received one-on-one counseling and mentoring advice through farm/home visits by project personnel. Over 3,548 SD-BFRs have been contacted through general outreach (Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) conference, radio, newsletters, social media, online and telephone communications). Seventy-four (74) SD-BFRs were trained at Rosita's Farm in the area of organic production. Thirty-five (35) interns were trained by Tune Farm, also in organic production. Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Associations enrolled 116 SD-BFRs interested in meat goats, sheep, rabbits and pastured poultry. Ninety (90) additional aspiring farmers and producers utilized the AAMU Small Farms Research Center incubator hands-on training in areas of farm financial planning, marketing and value-added agriculture, and business planning. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives have trained 97 SD-BFRs in areas of fruits and vegetable production, emphasizing adding value, ethnic herbs, fruits and vegetables. The project continues to update and revise its training curriculum. During this reporting period, the Small Farms Research Center at AAMU and the project team developed a curriculum focused on (1) Land Acquisition and Tenure, (2) Production Practices and Management, (3) Business Planning and Financial Management, (4) Market and Marketing, and (5) Capital and Access to Capital. The Center developed and implemented a well-rounded, but flexible program. This BFRDP project was strategically developed and executed to assist beginning farmers and individuals on how to start farming (crop production and livestock), financial avenues and resources available, profitable and emerging enterprises, and hands-on and research-based information from specialist, experts, and fellow farmers. We held courses, training workshops, farm field days, seminars, and one-on-one consultation with farmers and landowners, including community leaders and grass-root organization interested in agriculture. Training Programs (Series): (1) Business Planning and Financial Management; (2) The Business Development and Financial Management training courses consisted of the following: Business Plan Development, Business Economics and Marketing, Financing Farm: Access to Capital, Access to Capital and Other Programs Available, and Alabama Farm Credit; (3) The Market and Marketing Planning Training courses consisted of the following: New Cottage Food Law, Direct Marketing Alternatives, Branding Using Social Media and Market Marker; (4) The Production Management Practices Training courses consisted of the following: How to Get Started: Farmer Perspective, Sustainable Agriculture, Niche Markets, Water Catchmen System, Hydroponic System, Soil Management/Nutrition, Crop Rotation as an IPM Tool, OMRI (Organic) Pesticides and Pesticide and Veggie Garden Organic Production; and (5) Small Ruminants Training course consisted of the following; Goat, Sheep, and Rabbit production on Healthcare/Wellness, Production, Breeding, Housing, and Marketing. Rosita's Farm and Tune Farm worked closely with the Center in developing a curriculum on fruits and vegetable production. These two incubators focused on organic production. They worked closely with aspiring and beginning farmers to assist with hands-on agribusiness planning, exposure to traditional sustainable and organic farming methods and emerging sustainable technologies and strategies. The facility provided interns experience to work the farm and receiving hands-on instruction in production and marketing of small scale organic vegetable production. The facilities also provide mentorship for new and upcoming farmers and ranchers, once the internship were completed. Agricultural activities include opportunities to visit other local producers and close relationship in a farmer's perspective in starting a farm. Hands-On Demonstrations, Training Workshops and Seminars conducted or held: (1) High Tunnel Learning Network (series); (2) Keeping Bees; (3) Organic Weed management/ Irrigation; (4) Fall Crop Production; (5) Cover Cropping Winter Production; (6) Quick-Book Training; (7) Farm to Table Dinners; (8) Value-Added Products (Cheese Making, Lotion and Soap, Mushroom Foraging Workshop); (9) Community Supported Agriculture; and (10) Farm Field Days. The Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association (AAA+MA) and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association. Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association worked closely with the Center in developing a curriculum on livestock production (specifically goat, sheep and rabbit). The incubators focused on new and beginning farmers in in getting started in livestock production, programs available, and maintaining a healthy herd. The facility also provides farm tours, marketing session, and access to USDA approved processing facilities. Informational Hands-On Demonstrations, Workshops, and Seminars conducted or held (1) Livestock Production; (2) Marketing Livestock; (3) Healthy Herd; (4) USDA processing facilities; and (5) Farm Field Days. Overall, the success of this project owes a lot to the effective collaboration and partnership arrangements this project has enjoyed. Thus, the foregoing milestones have been reached through effective partnerships and close collaboration with key partners including the Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association, Rosita's Farm, Tune Farm, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Market Authority, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, National Crop Insurance Service, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, USDA Agencies (NRCS, FSA, RMA, NASS, AMS and Rural Development), Alabama Agricultural A+ Marketing Association, and other local community-based organizations.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Farm Incubator Educational Training Program for New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers 
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Capital and Access to Capital
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Business Management
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Risk Management Strategies
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Land Acquisition and Tenure
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Production Practices and Management
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Small Ruminants (Goats, Sheep, and Rabbits)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Livestock Production

Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The project target audience included African-Americans and other underserved populations in chronically and economically depressed communities of Alabama. such as Native American; Hispanic Americans; and urban and peri-urban producers; small ruminants (sheep, goat and rabbit) producers; sustainable and organic producers; and other immigrants producers and transitioning farmers and workers. Changes/Problems: The project started slow primarily we did not have the final details of the contract untillate November, in 2012. While we believeNIFA completed the contract and forwarded it to AAMU on time, it was difficult to locate which office at AAMU had the final documents. These documents were finally located and a budget is being setup. Even with these problem, AAMU started working on the project in a timely manner. Excluding individuals that were involved in the recruitment and town hall meetings foryouth and socially disadvantaged aspiring producers and landowners, have so far participated in all our training session andhands-on activiites. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Center has trained over 84 producers on the following issues; ·Land Acquisition and Tenure ·Production Practices & Management ·Business Planning & Financial Management ·Markets and Marketing ·Capital and Access to Capital TheCenter trainedan additional40 participants in goat milk cheese/lotion/soap as a creative introductory kick course for the New and Beginning Farmers Program. Our incubators Tune Farm and Rosita's Farm worked closely with producersin organic production. These two incubator satalliteswere able to provide hands-on training to(46) interns and (90) additional farmers and landowners onfinancial planning and marketing techniques. Alabama Agricultural Marketing A+ Association and Tri-State Rabbit Growers Association worked with (62) aspiring producers interested in meat goats, sheep, rabbits, and pastured poultry. Overall, a total of (53) one-on-one personal consultation, (10) farm field days, and (15) workshop, seminar, and creative meeting (Potlucks etc.) were held to share information or provide technical assistance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results were disseminated to communities of interest through training sessions, group meetings, workshops, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, internship programs, and one-on-one consultation.The online resource center isoperational and availableto producers to access key resources available.Our website (http://ww.aamu.edu/smallfarmscenter/) is maintained and includes links to various agricultural sites and educational materials. The Center also maintains a Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/smallfarmsresearchcenter)which focus on emerging agricultural issues/topics,promote our upcoming events and activities, and announce local and community outreach efforts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The Centerwill continue to provide the following programs and activities to accomplishits goals such as; hands-on demonstrations, workshops, seminars and internships for aspiring producers and landowners.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the first year, the Center focused on recruiting participants and promoting the New and Beginning Farmers Program. Through promotional outreach activities, the general public waswell informed about the project. The Center utilized numerous outlet, including but not limited to news articles, radio announcements, television media, town-hall meetings, seminars, word-of-mouth and our SFRC database. A needs assessmentquestionaire was developed and utilizedto identify priority training needs and to assist with the development of the training curriculum. Over 105 participants were enrolled in various courses. Nine (9) training workshops were completed. First Thursday groups meetings was held monthly and supplemented by one-on-one farm/home visits to strengthen understanding. Overall, the training sessions included group meetings, workshops, farmer-to-farmer mentorships, internship programs, and one-on-one consultations. Construction of the online resource center is underway. When operational, the Center will provide producer access to key resources and allow them to undergo training in the privacy of their own homes. Our website (http://ww.aamu.edu/smallfarmscenter/) is maintained and includes links to various educational materials. The Center also maintains a Facebook which shows traffic has increased by over 28% compared to previous years. However, this number does not reflect our other farm incubator satellites media outlets.

Publications