Achieving Success Utilizing Comprehensive Learning Strategies with Missouri Beginning Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers
Extension Education
Katie Neuner
Ag Business Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Higginsville
Abstract
University of Missouri Extension mobilized current and prospective Missouri beginning socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers with grant assistance from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Using a multifaceted approach to agricultural education this program provided in person hands-on classes utilizing the experiential learning model, agriculture focused team-to-one technical and business consultations, classroom workshops to introduce key business concepts and farm tours to learn with and from successful farmers. University of Missouri Extension delivered programming as a team, leveraging expertise from field specialist in agriculture business, livestock, horticulture, health and human sciences, natural resources, and workforce development. Missouri's project worked with 691 socially disadvantaged, 1,710 beginning farmers, and 1,160 veteran farmers over three years.
Short-term outcomes were tracked and measured using post-surveys at each event. Post-survey data indicated participants increased their knowledge. Workshops, classes, trainings, and Team-to-one coaching all were useful and supportive of farmers. Client farmer and rancher feedback and post-program evaluations indicate increased use of resource conservation and sustainability practices among beginning socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through formal education, informal training, and Team-to-one coaching.
Long-term outcomes and measurable impacts include the project assisting beginning socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers to have greater on-farm income, greater diversification on farm landscapes, enhanced farm sustainability through product diversification, and enhanced stewardship of farm resources by utilizing USDA farm programs. Project participants felt confident to seek outside capital through grants with twenty-four farmers completing applications for the first time. Farmer participants were able to hire employees during the project resulting in ten on-farm jobs created. The economic benefit for those who received personalized technical and business consultations was more than $10,900 per farm. The project worked towards enabling farmers to create sustainable businesses for long term economic success.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Katie Neuner, Karen Funkenbusch, Debi Kelly, Eric Meusch, Amy Patillo, Matt Pezold
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Neuner, K. Field Specialist in Agriculture Business and Policy, University of Missouri, Missouri, 64307
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Funkenbusch, K. Assistant Professor, University of Missouri , Missouri, 65201
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Kelly, D. Field Specialist in Horticulture , University of Missouri, Missouri, 65201
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Meusch, E. Field Specialist in Livestock, University of Missouri, Missouri, 65560
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Patillo, A. Field Specialist in Labor and Workforce Development, University of Missouri, Missouri, 65619
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Pezold, M. Field Specialist in Labor and Workforce Development, University of Missouri, Missouri, 64030