Cultivating ChangeThe Small & Socially Disadvantaged Producers Project Newsletter

We are delighted to publish the first newsletter of the Small Socially Disadvantaged Producers grant “Cultivating to Change.” The SSDP project started in January 2014 with financial as-sistance from the USDA-Rural Development Program. This newsletter provides a summary of major SSDP project-related activities from January to December 2014. The SSDP project has targeted 150 SSDPs from 41 rural counties in Kentucky, assisting them to participate in various federal and state cost-share pro-grams. In this newsletter, you will find a brief overview of the SSDP project and various cost-share programs we are educating the SSDPs about, highlights of need assessment focus group discussions and workshops, and reports of students’ outreach and research activities on problems and issues of small farms in Ken-tucky. I believe you will find the newsletter useful to learn about cost-share programs and impacts of our workshops and train-ing activities to promote federal and state cost-share programs. I would like to thank KSU’s Small Farm Program field staff for their support and service to SSDPs and the USDA-Rural Devel-opment Office for providing financial support to this project. Buddhi Gyawali, Ph.D. Project Director

Table of Contents

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Welcome Message-------Page 1

Overview of SSDP-------Page 2

Agribusiness Workshop--Page 3

Jamestown Workshop---Page 4

USDA Program List---Pages 5-6

Focus Group Recap------Page 7

Student Corner-------Pages 8-9

Upcoming Events-------Page 10

Issue 1, Summer 2015

Message from the SSDP Project Director

KSU’s College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems has received a Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Cooperative Service with the goal of increasing the partici-pation of small and socially disadvantaged producers in USDA programs and providing need-based technical assistance. The majority of target SSDPs include African-Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, and Native Americans. While Kentucky’s SSDPs are highly enthusiastic about farming, they face numerous challenges that make it difficult to sustain a farm and agricultural busi-ness. These difficulties include:

* A lack of sufficient information about USDA and other farm business programs and services* A lack of sufficient capital, labor, training and technical assistance* Insufficient information about innovative farming techniques, pricing methods for agricultural products, and market information* Increasing costs of farm inputs and supplies

Hurdles like these have made it extremely difficult for SSDPs to sustain their farming op-erations and participate in innovative agricultural practices. Therefore, this two-year pilot project is designed to:

* Educate SSDPs about programs for increasing their participation in the full range of USDA programs and services * Facilitate SSDPs in registering and owning farms and farmlands and provide counseling on the USDA class action lawsuits and claims process and farm ownership* Provide training and outreach to SSDPs in developing cooperatives and networking and engaging in farm businesses* Provide one-on-one need-based technical assistance, education, and training in a wide range of farm planning, production, processing, and farm and financial risk management strategies

Numerous workshops, training, field days, demonstration visits, and one-on-one personal assitance are organized to assist SSDPs over the project period. Forty-one rural counties are targeted for project activitites. About 150 SSDPs are expected to benefit directly from the project over the project period. It is anticipated that the project will increase SSDPs’ self-confidence and help them better understand farm bills, the legislative process and other issues that require public debate and voting at all levels. Program participants also will learn about the efficient use and increased retention of farmland for sustained farm productivity and profitability.

This project is supported by USDA/SSDPG Grant Number SSDPG-01-20-37-646489357 for two years.

What is the Small & Socially Disadvantaged Producers Project?

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Selected 41 Counties for the SSDP Project

Building a Profitable Agribusiness Workshop in HopkinsvilleA two-day “Building a Profitable Agribusiness” workshop was held in late July 2014 in Hopkinsville, Ky. This was the first workshop in the series of the Small and Socially Disadvantaged Producers Project. Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, assistant professor and project director, organized the workshop to educate small and underserved farmers about KSU’s academic, research, and extension programs and to help them under-stand the USDA’s technical and financial assistance opportunities.

More than 40 people attended the workshop and had the opportunity to learn about KSU’s academic degree programs and scholarship opportunities. Participants also worked with KSU professors Dr. Albert Assi-bey-Mensah and Dr. Abdul Turay on developing an agribusiness plan. Mike Andrews and Steve Blanford from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and David Gilland from the Farm Service Agency spoke to the group about technical and financial opportunities as well as farm loan programs authorized through the 2014 Farm Bill. The two-day workshop also included several other presenters who provided information on cooperative market development for optimal marketing and value-added products.

The workshop was sponsored by Dr. Gyawali’s grant “Promoting Participation of Small Socially Disadvan-taged Producers in USDA Programs, and Sustainable Ownership and Management of Farms in Kentucky,” funded by USDA/Rural Business and Cooperative Service Grant # SSDPG-01.

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SSDP Project Sponsored Two Sessions in the 2014 Small, Limited Resource, Minority Farmers Annual Conference

The SSDP project conducted two workshops, “Economics of Small Farms” and “Cooperative Production and Mar-ket Development,” at the 2014 Small, Limited Resource, Minority Farmers Conference in November 2014 at Kentucky State University. Three presenters, Drs. Albert Assibey Mensah, professor of economics; Dr. Abdul Turay, chair and professor of economics; and Mr. Brent Lackey, business development specialist, K-CARD, provided pre-sentations about economics of small farms and developing cooperatives. Thirty-seven SSDPs attended the workshop. Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, director of the SSDP project, provid-ed the objectives of the SSDP project and moderated the workshops.

SSDP Project team meets with USDA-Rural Development personnel at KSU’s Center for the Sustainability of Farms and Families.

The College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems hosted a workshop in Jamestown, Ky., in October 2014 to educate SSDPs about U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, as well as to train them about business plans, cooperative development, pasture poultry, and other farm business activities. Workshop facilitators included Louie Rivers Jr., Kentucky State University small farm project manager, and Ed Thompson, USDA 1890 liaison from the Office of Advocacy and Outreach.

This was the second workshop held to promote the Small and Socially Dis-advantaged Producers Project directed by Dr. Buddhi Gyawali. The program began with Dr. Gyawali’s presentation about KSU’s academic, research, and extension programs, followed by an overview of the goals and objectives of the SSDP project and the workshop. Mr. Louie Rivers Jr. presented an over-view of KSU’s small farm programs.

A total of 40 SSDPs from various counties’ participants had the opportunity to receive important information that could help them better their life as small farmers.

Reed Cripps, Natural Resource Conservation Service assistant state conservationist for operations, and Chelsey A. Pick-ens, from the Russell County Extension Office, talked about financing, USDA farm loan programs in Kentucky, and the 2014 Farm Bill programs. Tony R. Corbin and Shelly Barron, from the CED Columbia FSA Service Center, talked about farm storage facility loans.

Brent Lackey, a business development specialist and member of the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Develop-ment, talked about building a profitable small farm and cooperative market development. Participants were then invited to a tour of Louis Boger’s farm in Russell Springs, Ky. Steve Blanford a state soil scientist and USDA-NRCS represen-tative; John Anderson an environmental scientist and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife representative; and Jason Miller, Adair and Russell counties district conservationist and NRCS representative, talked about federal and state cost-sharing programs, natural resources, soil health and NRCS technical assistance. Dr. Albert Assibey-Mens, professor of economics in KSU’s School of Business; and Laura Rogers, a KSU small farm area agent, talked about how to develop a small poultry farm.

Robi Fauser-Fink from the USDA-Rural Development Office presented the enegergy program, Mark Mason presented the Value Added Producer Grants program and Dean Tandy presented the different types of programs USDA-RD offers to SSDPs in Kentucky. The participants said the information they received would be used to help them make the best out of their land for a profit. They said further they would implement the ideas given, know how to obtain better farming supplies and staff, and know how to get help from the USDA programs.

Jamestown Workshop Success for SSDP Project

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Dr. Gyawali, SSDP project director, is providing overview of KSU’s academic and research programs and objectives of the workshop in Jamestown, Ky.

Growing Profits: USDA and State Programs for Small Farm Producers

NRCS Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program provides technical and financial assitance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands and in anenvironmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. To be eligible, participants must have owned the land for at least one year unless it was inherited. The land must be physically and legally capable of agricultural production. For more information visit: http://goo.gl/YLnvAB

FSA Farm & Operating Loan Program

The USDA makes direct and guaranteed farm and operating loans to eligible farmers and ranchers. These loans can be used to purchase livestock, feed, equipment, seed, and other essential materials for farm operation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must be unable to obtain sufficient credit from other sources, have no delinquents on any federal debt, have adequate debt collateral, and have good credit history. For more information ,visit: http://goo.gl/TKw2Jf

Livestock and Feed Assistance

Administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency, the Livestock Assistance Program provides direct payments to eligible livestock producers who havesuffered grazing losses due to natural disasters. To be eligible, producers have had to own/lease affected livestock for at least three months before the payment period. Producers must also have possessed beneficial interest in eligible livestock or have financial risk. This assistance applies to U.S. citizens or legal residents. For more information visit: http://goo.gl/UGBMTk

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program

Administered by the USDA, EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to producers in order to address natural resource concerns, deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserve ground, and reduce soil erosion. Socially disadvantaged, begin-ning and limited resource farmers, Indian tribes, and veterans are eligible for an increased payment rate and may receive advance payment. Applicants must control or own eligible land, comply with adjusted gross income limitation provisions, and be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation require-ments. For more information, visit: http://goo.gl/1bh58V

Rural Development & Housing Loan

USDA Rural Development forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities and other services to rural Amer-ica. USDA provides technical assistance and financial backing for rural businesses and cooperatives to create quality jobs in rural areas. Rural Development works with low-income individuals, state and local governments, as well as private and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit: http://goo.gl/lIq3pB

Federal Crop Insurance

This program promotes the economic stability of agricul-ture through a sound system of crop insurance and pro-viding the means for the research and experience helpful in devising and establishing such insurance. Farmers are required to participate in the program in order to be eligi-ble for deficiency payments. For more information, visit: www.rma.usda.gov/FCIC

NRCS High Tunnel Program

Administered by the USDA, the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assitance to agricultural producers. This program assists producers to extend the growing season for high-value crops in an environmentally safe manner. Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, Indian Tribes, or joint operations engaged in agricultural production. For more information, visit: http://goo.gl/KYA4Pi

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Growing Profits: USDA and State Programs for Small Farm Producers

KSU Small Farm Center Funds The Small Farm Grant Program is administered through the KSU College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems’ Center for Sustainability of Farms and Families. Grants are available for small-scale farmers who are moti-vated to improve their farming operations or improve the marketability of their products. The grants support certified organic farming, value-added enterprise development, and aquaculture farming and marketing. Farmers must have total sales of over $1,000 and below $250,000 in 2013 and 2014. For more information, visit: http://goo.gl/UlxbPy

Kentucky AgrAbility ProgramAgrAbility is a consumer-driven, USDA-funded program that provides vital education, assistance, and support to farmers and ranchers with disabilities. The program provides resources to increase disability awareness, and links farmers with disabilities to share ideas and experi-ences. For more information, visit: www.ca.uky.edu/anr/agrability.com

Wounded Warriors Project

The Wounded Warriors Project is a veterans’ service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. It is a nonprof-it organization with a mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors of the U.S. Armed Forces. It provides services and programs for the family members of its registered alumni. For more information, visit: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

FSA Bee Program

The USDA-NRCS provides technical and financial assis-tance for farmers and ranchers to help improve the health of bees. The funding is a focused investment to improve pollinator health. Support is given to participants to im-plement conservation practices that will provide safe and diverse food sources for honey bees. For more informa-tion, visit: http://goo.gl/wSWBjL

KDA Kentucky Proud Homegrown By Heroes

The Homegrown By Heroes marketing initiative will afford farmers and agricultural producers located within the state who have served in any of the branches of the U.S. military the ability to use the Homegrown by Heroes logo on their agri-business signage and products. The logo will serve to inform consumers that the products were locally grown or raised by a veteran. Participants must be veterans of the U.S. military, regardless of when, where, or how they served, and who have a farming operation or agribusiness located in Kentucky. Par-ticipants should also be a member of the Kentucky Proud pro-gram and must provide documentation verifying their status. For more information, visit: www.kyproud.com/veterans

State Organic Programs

State Organic Programs provide the opportunity for a state to oversee its production and handling operations per the USDA organic regulations. To apply, a governing state official must submit a State Organic Program proposal containing the state’s statutory authority, program description, docu-mentation of the state’s environmental conditions or spe-cific production and handling practices, and any additional requirements from the USDA. For more information, visit:www.kyagr.com/marketing/organic-marketing.html

County Agriculture Incentive Program

CAIP is designed to provide farmers with incentives to assist them to improve and diversify their current production prac-tices through its 10 investment areas: commercial production of aquaculture, bees and honey, equine, forage, beef and dairy cattle, goats and sheep, horticulture, poultry, swine, and tim-ber. CAIP requires a CAIP application by an eligible program administrator and the county council priority sheet. For more information, visit: www.tobaccotrust.ky.gov/funds/caip.shtml

UK Beginning Farmers ProgramFarm Start

This program is designed as a whole farm management education program for beginning farmers, providing a basic foundation of production, marketing, management, and networking. Farm Start is designed as a one year education program and is targeted to those with 10 years or less of farming experience. For more information, visit: www.ca.uky.edu/kyfarmstart

KSU Beginning Farmers Program:Farming for CashThis program gives rise to various cash enterprises that provide liquidity to the farm by readily being sold for cash. It is a standard beginning farmers’ project that will train farmers to manage their farm business, apply low-cost production systems, and utilize and participate in local markets. It offers education in farm management, three apprenticeships in production, food processing, and local marketing and mentoring with a focus on helping beginning farmers. For more information, visit: www.farmingforcash.wordpress.com.

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Community Members Focus on SSDP Project

Two focus groups took place in the months of November and December 2014, during which the participants shared their concerns and what they feel is needed for small farmers.

The first focus group took place on Nov. 20, 2014, at the Capital PlazaHotel in Frankfort, Ky., and was facilitated by Jim Worstell. The meet-ing was observed by Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, Leesa Johnson, Anna Nassiff and Selina Straub. A total of 12 participants attended, all from different backgrounds in farming and producing. Topics included ways to increase productivity and increase diversity in farmlands, and developing a survey to distribute to other SSDPs.

Barbara Armitage from Columbia, Ky., said that her challenge is that her children are not farmers and that she would like to get support from younger farmers. She said that it is important to spark interest in the young people about farming. Young people do not have the funds to acquire equipment, so the participants expressed that an internship or apprenticeship could be a way to reach out to a younger crowd.

Dr. Nancy Dawson expressed that part of the problem is how agriculture is perceived. The image that the community tends to have about farmering is that it is for older Caucasian males, when in fact there is diversity among farmers. There are Latino and African American farmers, and women farmers and producers as well as young farmers. Justin Brock from Lesley County, Ky., shared that people need to understand the importance of farmers and their produc-tions. If it were not for farmers, there would not be fresh produce at the store or markets provided to the public. For the younger generations farming is not taught as a necessity, so they get turned away from learning about it because everything is accessible to them at the store.

Participants shared that universities like Kentucky State University are an agent of information and that they can help farmers by providing resources and information beneficial to them. To do so, they need to be able to diversify and reach out to every type of farmer. Having an organized network of farmers around the area could help them become successful as well. The sharing of information is essential to the SSDPs, and it is because of conferences hosted by CAFSSS, different farmers have been brought together already.

The second focus group took place on Dec. 11, 2014, at the KSU College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems. The meeting was called by Edwin Chavous, and Dr. Buddhi Gyawali introduced the purpose of the meeting to the participants. A total of 14 participants were present, different from the previous focus group in November. The purpose of this focus group was to develop a survey that would help the SSDP project gather information about the challenges and issues small farmers are facing today.

With the help of this focus group, questions were generated to put together a survey. Participants were asked about their background in farming. Some were new to farming and production, and others had more than 30 years of experience. Crops like tobacco and cattle were among the production of these farmers. Some have been farming since they were very young, helping their families with their land. Farmers are concerned with making a profit from their land and with how they can maintain it in their families. They want to keep participating in these open discussions to better help the community and other small farmers obtain resources and information from government programs.

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Student Corner Highlights

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Utilizing Maps in Small Farm Planning and Management

As part of the Small and Socially Disadvantaged Producer workshop in Christian County, I presented about Geographic Information System (GIS) usage in short-term and long-term farm operation. The advantages of GIS in planned land usage in short-term crop development and long-term structural additions gave a visual simulation of a farm’s possibilities. Business identification and scope of markets and vendors as a marketing and budgeting tool were commented on. Contour and elevation data for environmental issues such as erosion and run-off and land improvement such as irrigation, terrace placement, development of water usage and conservation through naturally occurring and planned water pathways were described. Permeability in relation to absorption of water or liquid waste products was referenced in addition to soil, soft-rock and hard-rock depth and feasibility of building placement, septic capacity and location. I also presented on getting peo-ple engaged in the GIS field and how it is used at the layman level by individuals such as farmers.

By Cynthia RiceAgriculture, Food, and Environment Graduate

In 2014, we conducted a study to examine the correlation between participation of small farmers in cost-share programs, and the non-participation. A survey via mail and personal interviews was conducted among 100 small farmers in 21 counties in Kentucky. The survey included information about various types of cost-share programs available in Kentucky, the duration of participation, benefits, reasons for non-participation, feedback for the design of cost-share programs, and effective inclusion of small and minority farmers. Results suggest a strong correlation between participation in cost-share programs and acres owned, college education, race, ownership type, gross sales, and type of land use. Lack of information, difficulty in arranging cost-share funds, unnecessary requirement of paperwork, labor availability, farm location, etc., were reasons for non-participation in cost-share programs. The results are being used for priori-tizing training, workshops and one-on-one technical assistance for effective and results-oriented extension and outreach programs for rural counties in Kentucky. To enhance better communication and education about these cost-share pro-grams, farmers’ direct contact with a county extension agent by email, telephone and printed materials/newsletters is the best approach.

Participation of SSDPs in Cost-Share Programs in Kentucky

By Sait SarrAgriculture, Food, and Environment Major, Business Graduate

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Student Corner HighlightsKSU Graduate Student Research;

Tobacco Buy-Out Programs on Farm Retention and Diversification in Kentucky

By Bijesh Mishra, Graduate Research AssistantMaster’s in Environmental Studies

Kentucky was dependent upon tobacco production before the Tobacco Transition Payment Program since World War II, as it was the most productive and most prof-itable business in Southern states. The program’s goal was to end tobacco allotment and transition to free and competitive markets, and to force small farmers and landholders to seek alternatives to tobacco in their farm. This pushed farmers to alternative businesses, retire from agriculture, or diversify their farms with vari-eties of crops and livestock. About 64 percent of farmers with land are considered as having very limited resources in Kentucky. Using spatial econometrics, which integrate geographical variations and other land variables, addresses the similar issues in other parts of nation with similar socio-economic and geographical distribution. I am exploring productivity, efficiency, diversification, and sustainability of small farms in Kentucky. A survey regarding farms, crops, income level, education status, types of farm ownerships, diversification issues, etc., would be conducted in all counties of Kentucky. The results will be used to plan material for future research and the information to be delivered among farmers. The survey will help us understand how decreased productivity on the farm reduces farm income and how to help farmers reduce losses due to underproductivity and ineffi-cient management of farmlands.

Adoption of Computer-Based Technology in Agricultural Farmland in Central Kentucky

By Rosny Jean, Graduate Research AssistantMasters in Environmental Studies

This research studied the use of computer-based technology among small-scale farmers in central Kentucky, the benefits of using and not using technology, and the factors that affect the adoption of CBT. Data was collected by mail, phone, interviews, the use of KSU extension agents and through the Third Thursday Thing workshop. The binary logical regression model was used to analyze the data. A total of 136 small farmers participated in this research, and 98 of these farmers used CBT. Only 96 of them had used Internet-based technology, 78 used some sort of computer software, and 54 used a mobile application. Most of the farmers who do not use CBT think that their business is too small to use CBT, whereas some stated that lack of Inter-net availability as well as lack of knowledge constrained them from using it. The education level of the farmers and land-holding size were directly proportional to the adoption of CBT. To increase the use of CBT, farmers should be trained on the benefits and management of their farm with CBT. Additional surveys are being con-ducted and a graduate thesis will be developed using the survey data.

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KSU Small FarmConference

2014

SSDP Workshops: Hopkinsville and Jamestown

Upcoming Events July 15-16, 2015 1890 on the HillCAFSSS takes part in national exhibit to celebrate 1890 univesities. Location: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

July 16, 2015Third Thursday Thing Agriculture WorkshopTime: 10 a.m.Location: Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University Lunch provided

August 21, 2015Third Thursday Thing Agriculture Workshop Time: 10 a.m.Location: Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University Lunch provided

September 10, 2015 Anderson County Meeting Time: TBDLocation: TBD

September 18, 2015Third Thursday Thing Agriculture WorkshopTime: 10 a.m.Location: Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University Lunch provided

October 16, 2015Third Thursday Thing Agriculture WorkshopTime: 10 a.m.Location: Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University Lunch provided

Nov. 17-19, 2015: Kentucky Small, Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers ConferenceTime: TBD Location: TBD

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Dr. Buddhi Raj Gyawali, DirectorSmall and Socially Disadvantaged Producers ProjectAssistant Professor of Geospatial Applications and Human Dimensions of Natural ResourcesDivision of Environmental Studies and Sustainable SystemsCollege of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable SystemsEmail: buddhi.gyawali@kysu.eduOffice Phone: (502) 597-6029

Mr. Louie Rivers Jr., Project ManagerSmall Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance ProgramCollege of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable SystemsEmail: louie.rivers@kysu.eduOffice Phone: (502) 597-6327

Ms. Laura Rogers, KSU Small Farm Area AgentPulaski County Main OfficeEmail: laura.rogers@kysu.eduPhone: (606) 344-0712

For more information, contact:Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, Assistant ProfessorKentucky State UniversityCooperative Extension Program105 Cooperative Extension Building400 East Main StreetFrankfort, Kentucky 40601

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Program serve all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, marital or familial status.

Newsletter prepared by Alexis Meza, student research assistant, and Dr. Buddhi Gyawali

Issue 1, Summer 2015

The SSDP Project Staff

Dr. Marion Simon, Professor and State Specialist for Small FarmsCollege of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable SystemsEmail: marion.simon@kysu.eduOffice Phone: (502) 597-6437

Mr. Edwin Chavous, Area Small Farm AgentCollege of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable SystemsEmail: edwin.chavous@kysu.eduOffice Phone: (502) 695-9035

Mr. Tehran Jewell, Area Small Farm AgentCollege of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable SystemsEmail: tehran.jewell@kysu.eduOffice Phone: (502) 597-6310

Mr. Danny Adams, KSU Small Farm Area AgentWayne CountyEmail: danny.adams@kysu.eduPhone: (606) 348-8453