Building Relationships with the HMoob Community through Agricultural Educational Programming and Research
Agricultural Issues
Jerry Clark
AGRICULTURE AGENT
Division of Extension UW-Madison
CHIPPEWA FALLS
Abstract
A relationship was cultivated between University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Extension faculty and HMoob populations in Wisconsin. Initial efforts were directed toward establishing local HMoob community needs through assessments and connections with partnerships to assist in data collection. Educational objectives were identified through culturally relevant manners such as focus and advisory groups. Data was gathered to guide delivery of the content once subject matter was identified. HMoob famers were interested in pest management, specifically weed management, small business skills, soil nutrient management, and on-farm research. The relationship was built over time culminating in a extension educational programs, new media deliverables, and an on-farm research project. Relationships with the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutal Assistance Association and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection who focuses on Organic, Grazing, Specialty Crops, and Underserved Farmer Outreach were critical to connecting to the HMoob farmers. Educational programs developing small business skills focused on record and bookkeeping skills to help verify farmer status as an agricultural producer and to provide information about the farm business. These skills resulted in an increase in HMoob farmers accessibility to Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Services programs. Soil fertility management education was provided in a two-step program. HMoob farmers learned basic soil sampling techniques in the fall and were reviewed the next spring before the growing season to help determine soil nutrient needs. Video content was solicited by the HMoob farmer advisory committee and developed in HMoob (white color language) utilizing HMoob farmers in the videos. Videos were transcribed in HMoob and a voice over and transcription in English was also developed for the same video. The on-farm research component of the project focused on dryland rice which is a culturally important crop. Varieties for the study were selected by the HMoob farmer and evaluated for yield performance. Planting methods were also evaluated to compare hand and machine planting methods. The presentation will share how relationships evolved, and impact grew over the course of the project.
Authors: Jerry Clark, Kristin Krokowski
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Jerry Clark Professor - Crops and Soils Educator, Division of Extension University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 54724
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Kristin Krokowski Professor - Commercial Horticulture Educator, Division of Extension University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53188