Item No. 1 of 1

INVESTIGATOR: Heuscher, A.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
COMMUNITY FOOD AND AGRICULTURE COALITION
117 W. BROADWAY ST.
MISSOULA, MONTANA 59802

BUILDING ON-FARM SUCCESS: RESOURCES AND TRAINING FOR MONTANA`S BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Montana's farmers are under significant climatic and market pressure to create success from limited resources and opportunities. However, with new partnerships developing across the state to assist beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs), support for start-ups is poised to be greater than ever before. Building off a pilot year of successful resource development and trainings for BFRs, plus several years of experience among our partners, this project will enhance on-farm success by providing BFRs with the resources they need.Over the past year, our network has offered workshops for BFRs focusing on legal, financial, strategic, production, and marketing issues. Through this process, the farmers and ranchers we serve have identified three key areas for additional knowledge-building:- Financial issues, including cash-flow planning, accounting, and accessing local investors- Legal issues, including business start-up questions and employee management- Production issues, including accessing interns/internships, mentoring opportunities, and land, as well as a wide array of land management practicesThis project will address these topics over the next three years, utilizing classroom-based workshops during winter months, on-farm field days during the growing season, a new AgAccess Montana website to connect farmers, and new local investing tools. By developing collaborative partnerships with organizations from around the state, our network will develop Montana-specific resources and trainings that will raise producers' awareness of the tools and strategies to make informed decisions for their operations, ensuring a positive future for Montana's next generation of farmers.

OBJECTIVES: This project will find success by focusing on three primary goals and supporting objectives:Goal One: Increase the number of successful and sustainable beginning farmers and ranchers in Montana.Objective 1: Develop Montana-specific resources on financial, legal, and production issues that will be made available online via our website and partner websites.Objective 2: Provide 24 workshops and field days in Western Montana on financial, legal, and production issues with at least 10 farmers in attendance at each training.Objective 3: Expand successful workshops to other regions of Montana, ultimately offering 8-12 workshops in additional parts of the state, with at least 10 farmers in attendance at each training.Objective 4: Support the start-up of at least 3 new farms in each year of the project, with programs benefitting at least 100 new farmers over the life of the project.Goal Two: Increase the viability of farming opportunities by developing local investment and financing tools geared toward BFRs.Objective 1: Develop resources on innovative work being done in this arena around the country to demonstrate the range of options that could be developed for Montana.Objective 2: Develop local investment and financing tools that will provide financial support to at least 3 farmers in its first two years.Goal Three: Increase opportunities for pre-start-up farmers to gain experience and for beginning and established farmers to increase their financial and physical viability by developing resources and tools on on-farm internships, mentorships, and land access.Objective 1: In addition to resources and trainings outlined in Goal 1 above, build the AgAccess website with a mapping tool to connect beginning, established, and retiring farmers with individuals seeking internships, mentorships, and land.

APPROACH: Methods Summary:Year One (2014 - 2015):Host four workshops in Western Montana, four workshops in two additional regions, and four field days in Western Montana.Produce report on local investment and financing tools.Develop RFP for website developers for AgAccess MontanaYear Two (2015-2016):Host four workshops in Western Montana, four workshops in other Montana regions, and four field days in Western Montana.Host two rounds of investing utilizing local investment and financing tools.Launch AgAccess Montana website.Year Three (2016-2017):Host four workshops in Western Montana, four workshops in other Montana regions, and four field days in Western Montana.Host two rounds of investing utilizing local investment and financing tools.In addition to annual evaluations, evaluate success of tools, resources, and trainings and plan for future efforts to support BFRs.For all activities, BFRs will be recruited through our existing networks and the networks of our partners. Methods include existing email listservs and additional snowball contacts throughout the community (i.e. using our existing networks to establish contact with their friends, neighbors, and other contacts). Network convenings will be held in person at least once per year to maintain continuity and build relationships; additional convenings will be held via conference call to better suit the busy schedules of farmers and other partners. Because they will be held in the winter, workshops will be held in local Extension offices, which have excellent facilities for holding classroom-style trainings. Field days will be held on farms around the region to maximize the ability of those trainings to be applied learning opportunities. All trainings will be held in accessible locations and all resources will be made available online. The local investment and financing tools will be based in Western Montana but access will be available to BFRs and investors from around the state. There are few perceived pitfalls or limitations with the proposed procedures. It may be challenging, in some years, to find farms willing to host the on-farm field days; however, we have included a site use fee that will increase their willingness to participate. Also, by focusing on topics that are raised by BFRs, it is our intention that more BFRs and established farmers will be interested and engaged enough to host these events.Expected measurable outputs and outcomes of the grant are diverse. For the workshops in Years One and Two, we will evaluate the numbers of: BFRs served; BFRs that improve financial management; BFRs that improve employee management; and that improve their understanding of business planning, marketing, financial planning, and risk and asset management. For the workshops in Year Three, we will additionally evaluate the numbers of: BFRs that increase likelihood and success in accessing land. For the field days in all years, we will evaluate number of BFRs served and number of BFRs that improve production practices. For workshops and field days, we will conduct written evaluations at each training. For each round of investing utilizing investment and financing tools, we will evaluate the number of BFRs served and number of BFRs who improve their likelihood of success by participating in the program. For these tools, we will conduct online and phone evaluations two months after the end of each round. For the AgAccess website, we will evaluate the number of BFRs served, number of BFRs whose farm viability is improved by utilizing interns and/or mentors/mentees from the site, and the number of BFRs who access land by utilizing the site. For this tool, we will conduct evaluations by monitoring use of the site and conducting online evaluations with users. At the end of each year and the end of the grant period, we will also evaluate the number of BFRs who have utilized our services to begin, expand, or enhance a farming or ranching business. This evaluation will be combined with general year-end and end-of-term evaluations that utilize an online evaluation to revisit any changes in all of the outcomes outlined above.

PROGRESS: 2014/12 TO 2017/12
Target Audience:This grant project focused on serving limited resource producers in the state of Montana, particularly those who direct-sell and have smaller-scale diversified operations. Total Number of Participants: 426 - Started farming: Target - 9, Actual - 52 - Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 480, Actual - 541 - Improved farming success: Target - 150, Actual - 369 Changes/Problems:No changes or problems notes. Additional reporting: We exceeded our goals for the full grant term for new farms started (52 new farms; target was 9) We exceeded our goals for participation by limited resource BFRs (approximately 64% of participants; target was 50%) and socially disadvantaged BFRs (approximately 20% of participants; no target was originally included). We dramatically exceeded our goals for FarmLinkMontana.org (called AgAccess in the grant proposal). We had initially had a very modest goal for use (30 individuals) and in fact, the site has been used by more than 14,500 users, largely due to our extensive statewide marketing of the site and our continued enhancements/updates, and addition of new resources. We are thrilled by the level of enthusiasm we have encountered related to the financing tool (Kiva) we are using to connect BFRs with community lenders. 5 BFRS used this tool, receiving loans totaling $33,600 What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Total Meetings: 94 Total Meeting Participants: 1335 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 238 Total Website Visits: 88818 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 2/11/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/28/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/4/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/14/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 3/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 5/20/2015: St. Ignatius, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 6/17/2015: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 22 7/15/2015: Paradise, MT -- Number of Attendees 21 8/19/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 9/16/2015: Dixon, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 11/4/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 11/5/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 2/25/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/26/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/27/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/4/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/3/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/24/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 4/16/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/26/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 15 4/5/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/18/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/4/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/11/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/18/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/25/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/2/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/9/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/25/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 23 6/14/2016: Polson, MT -- Number of Attendees 35 7/19/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 41 8/9/2016: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 9/6/2016: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/5/2016: Whitefish, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 3/23/2016: Shelby, MT -- Number of Attendees 30 9/2/2016: Great Falls, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 10/28/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/8/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 40 11/2/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/2/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 12/2/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 1/18/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/18/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 1/18/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 5 1/18/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/18/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 1/18/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 1/25/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 1/25/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/25/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 3 1/25/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/25/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 1/25/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 19 2/1/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 2/1/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/1/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/1/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/1/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 2/8/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/8/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/8/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/8/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 2/8/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/8/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 2/15/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/15/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/15/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/15/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 5 2/15/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/15/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 2/22/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 3 2/22/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 3/1/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/1/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/1/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 3/1/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 3/1/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/18/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 14 3/10/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 3/11/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 19 5/17/2017: St. Ignatius, MT -- Number of Attendees 25 6/21/2017: Lolo, MT -- Number of Attendees 27 7/19/2017: Arlee, MT -- Number of Attendees 31 8/16/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 9/20/2017: Stevensville, MT -- Number of Attendees 28 10/21/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 40 Webinars 1/21/2015: Number of Attendees 238 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Missoula Workshop Flyer This flyer was used to promote workshops in the Missoula area. Field Days Flyer This promotional material was used to advertise field days across Western Montana. Missoula Workshops Press Release This press release was distributed to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the Missoula workshops. Field Days Press Release This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the field days. Bozeman Workshops Flyer This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with MSU Extension in Bozeman in 2015. Train-the-Trainer Promo This website was used to advertise the Train-the-Trainer event we held to train MSU Extension and small business development staff on the Planning for On-Farm Success curriculum. Farm Link Montana press release This press release was circulated to statewide newspapers, partners, and national listservs to announce the launch of the Farm Link Montana website. The press release was picked up widely and stories were published across Montana. Farm Link Brochure For beginning farmers, retiring landowners and service providers to learn about the resources and tools provided by the Farm Link Montana site. Mentor Link Brochure For beginning and established farmers to learn about our mentorship program. Land Link Brochure For beginning farmers and retiring/absentee landowners to learn about our Land Link program. Work Link Brochure For beginning farmers and established farmers to learn about our Work Link program which assists beginning farmers in finding on-farm employment. Field Days 2016 Flyer For beginning farmers to find out about on-farm, farmer-led, production-focused learning opportunities offered from May - September 2016. Planning for On-Farm Success Bozeman Flyer Sample flyer used to promote farm business planning workshop series offered in 2016. Example is from Bozeman; additional workshops were offered in Conrad, Anaconda, and Baker. Field Days 2016 Press Release For newspapers and other media outlets to promote on-farm learning events for beginning farmers. Farm Law 101 Flyer This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with Farm Commons in Missoula in 2017. Farm Law Postcards These cards were used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with Farm Commons in Missoula in 2017. Farm Law Press Release 2017 This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote workshops in Missoula in 2017. Field Days Cards These cards were used to advertise field days across Western Montana in 2017. Field Days Flyer This promotional material was used to advertise field days across Western Montana in 2017. Field Days Press Release 2017 This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the field days. Golden Yoke This flyer was used to promote the Farm Link Montana Land Link listings at conferences and meetings across Montana in 2016. Organic Mentor Flyer This flyer was used to promote Mentor Link opportunities at the Montana Organic Association annual meeting in 2016. PFOS Flyer 2017 Missoula This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with MSU Extension in Missoula in 2017. This is an example of PFOS Flyer Template filled with information. PFOS Press Releases 2017 These press release templates were provided to partners in MSU Extension to promote workshops offered in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Corvallis and Joliet in 2017. PFOS Flyer Template This flyer template was provided to partners in MSU Extension for local advertising of broadcast workshops hosted locally in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Corvallis and Joliet in 2017. Planning for On-Farm Success Press Release 2017 This press release was circulated to state level publications, partners, and other listservs to promote workshops in partnership with MSU Extension in 2017. Site Assessment Workshop Flyer This promotional material was used to advertise a workshop in partnership with MSU Extension in Missoula in 2017. Work Link Press Release This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote work opportunities on Farm Link Montana in 2017. Past Events Page on Farm Link Montana Advertise and explain workshops, field days, and other events to Farm Link users Farm Link Tabling Display for conferences ?These materials were displayed at agricultural conferences around the state to promote Farm Link and other BFR resources What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2014/12 TO 2017/12
What was accomplished under these goals? Result 1. Increased knowledge of and skills in business planning, marketing, financial planning, risk and asset management, employee and intern management, and access, and/or production Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: At end of workshop Estimated Number: 480, Actual Number: 796 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 2. Use information gained from trainings and resources to begin, expand, or enhance a farming or ranching business. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 280 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 3. Utilize local financing tools and strategies to increase capacity to start or expand a farming operation. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Acquiring and managing credit When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 3, Actual Number: 5 How verified: Survey Result 4. Utilize the AgAccess Montana website to access internship, mentorship, and/or land access tools. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: Throughout Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 14757 How verified: Google Analytics

PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2014/12 TO 2017/12
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2016/12/15 TO 2017/12/14
Target Audience: Limited resource producers Total Number of Participants: 426 Started farming: Target - 9, Actual - 52 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 480, Actual - 541 Improved farming success: Target - 150, Actual - 369 Changes/Problems:No changes/problems to report. Additional reporting: We exceeded our goals for the full grant term for new farms started (52 new farms; target was 9) We exceeded our goals for participation by limited resource BFRs (approximately 64% of participants; target was 50%) and socially disadvantaged BFRs (approximately 20% of participants; no target was originally included). We dramatically exceeded our goals for FarmLinkMontana.org (called AgAccess in the grant proposal). We had initially had a very modest goal for use (30 individuals) and in fact, the site has been used by more than 14,500 users, largely due to our extensive statewide marketing of the site and our continued enhancements/updates, and addition of new resources. We are thrilled by the level of enthusiasm we have encountered related to the financing tool (Kiva) we are using to connect BFRs with community lenders. 5 BFRS used this tool, receiving loans totaling $33,600 While land connections via Farm Link Montana were less frequent than we had hoped, both land owners and land seekers reported that the resource helped them to better understand the land opportunities, to get started, and to feel encouraged that there are options out there. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Total Meetings: 94 Total Meeting Participants: 1335 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 238 Total Website Visits: 88818 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 2/11/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/28/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/4/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/14/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 3/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 5/20/2015: St. Ignatius, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 6/17/2015: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 22 7/15/2015: Paradise, MT -- Number of Attendees 21 8/19/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 9/16/2015: Dixon, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 11/4/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 11/5/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 2/25/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/26/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/27/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/4/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/3/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/24/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 4/16/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/26/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 15 4/5/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/18/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/4/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/11/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/18/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/25/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/2/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/9/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/25/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 23 6/14/2016: Polson, MT -- Number of Attendees 35 7/19/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 41 8/9/2016: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 9/6/2016: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/5/2016: Whitefish, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 3/23/2016: Shelby, MT -- Number of Attendees 30 9/2/2016: Great Falls, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 10/28/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/8/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 40 11/2/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/2/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 12/2/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 1/18/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/18/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 1/18/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 5 1/18/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/18/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 1/18/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 1/25/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 1/25/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 1/25/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 3 1/25/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 1/25/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 1/25/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 19 2/1/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 2/1/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/1/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/1/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/1/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 2/8/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/8/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 2/8/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/8/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 2/8/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/8/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 2/15/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/15/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 2/15/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 2/15/2017: Corvallis, MT -- Number of Attendees 5 2/15/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 2/15/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 2/22/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 3 2/22/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/22/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 18 3/1/2017: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/1/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/1/2017: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 4 3/1/2017: Joliet, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 3/1/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 3/18/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 14 3/10/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 3/11/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 19 5/17/2017: St. Ignatius, MT -- Number of Attendees 25 6/21/2017: Lolo, MT -- Number of Attendees 27 7/19/2017: Arlee, MT -- Number of Attendees 31 8/16/2017: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 9/20/2017: Stevensville, MT -- Number of Attendees 28 10/21/2017: Butte, MT -- Number of Attendees 40 Webinars 1/21/2015: Number of Attendees 238 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Farm Law 101 Flyer:This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with Farm Commons in Missoula in 2017. Farm Law Postcards:These cards were used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with Farm Commons in Missoula in 2017. Farm Law Press Release 2017:This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote workshops in Missoula in 2017. Field Days Cards:These cards were used to advertise field days across Western Montana in 2017. Field Days Flyer:This promotional material was used to advertise field days across Western Montana in 2017. Field Days Press Release 2017:This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the field days. Golden Yoke:This flyer was used to promote the Farm Link Montana Land Link listings at conferences and meetings across Montana in 2016. Organic Mentor Flyer:This flyer was used to promote Mentor Link opportunities at the Montana Organic Association annual meeting in 2016. PFOS Flyer 2017 Missoula: This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with MSU Extension in Missoula in 2017. This is an example of PFOS Flyer Template filled with information. PFOS Press Releases 2017:These press release templates were provided to partners in MSU Extension to promote workshops offered in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Corvallis and Joliet in 2017. PFOS Flyer Template:This flyer template was provided to partners in MSU Extension for local advertising of broadcast workshops hosted locally in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Corvallis and Joliet in 2017. Planning for On-Farm Success Press Release 2017:This press release was circulated to state level publications, partners, and other listservs to promote workshops in partnership with MSU Extension in 2017. Site Assessment Workshop Flyer:This promotional material was used to advertise a workshop in partnership with MSU Extension in Missoula in 2017. Work Link Press Release:This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote work opportunities on Farm Link Montana in 2017. Past Events Page on Farm Link Montana:Advertise and explain workshops, field days, and other events to Farm Link users Farm Link Tabling Display for conferences:These materials were displayed at agricultural conferences around the state to promote Farm Link and other BFR resources What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2016/12/15 TO 2017/12/14
What was accomplished under these goals? Result 1. Increased knowledge of and skills in business planning, marketing, financial planning, risk and asset management, employee and intern management, and access, and/or production Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: At end of workshop Estimated Number: 480, Actual Number: 796 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 2. Use information gained from trainings and resources to begin, expand, or enhance a farming or ranching business. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 280 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 3. Utilize local financing tools and strategies to increase capacity to start or expand a farming operation. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Acquiring and managing credit When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 3, Actual Number: 5 How verified: Survey Result 4. Utilize the AgAccess Montana website to access internship, mentorship, and/or land access tools. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: Throughout Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 14757 How verified: Google Analytics

PUBLICATIONS: 2016/12/15 TO 2017/12/14
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
Target Audience: Audience Emphasis Limited resource producers Participants Served Record the total number of unique participants who participated in your program: Total Number of Participants: 260 Enter the actual cumulative number of participants who as a result of your program: Started farming: Target - 9, Actual - 14 Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 480, Actual - 387 Improved farming success: Target - 150, Actual - 241 Changes/Problems:None noted. We exceeded our goals for the full grant term for new farms started (14 new farms; target was 9) and we expect that in the third year we will see many more due to the position we see many of our BFRs have achieved in planning and preparing to launch new farm businesses because of our programs and the support networks we have developed. We exceeded our goals for participation by limited resource BFRs (64% of participants; target was 50%) and socially disadvantaged BFRs (20% of participants; no target was originally included). We dramatically exceeded our goals for FarmLinkMontana.org (called AgAccess in the grant proposal). We had initially had a very modest goal for use (30 individuals) and in fact, the site has been used by more than 9,000 users, largely due to our extensive statewide marketing of the site and our continued enhancements/updates, and addition of new resources. We are thrilled by the level of enthusiasm we have encountered related to the financing tool (Kiva) we are using to connect BFRs with community lenders. We expect to see several more BFRs use the tool in 2017. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Total Meetings: 45 Total Meeting Participants: 727 Total Webinars: 1 Total Webinar Participants: 238 Total Website Visits: 56144 Total Online Course Participants: 0 Meetings 2/11/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/28/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/4/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/14/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/18/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 3/25/2015: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 11 2/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 3/4/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 5/20/2015: St. Ignatius, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 6/17/2015: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 22 7/15/2015: Paradise, MT -- Number of Attendees 21 8/19/2015: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 9/16/2015: Dixon, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 11/4/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 11/5/2015: Chico, MT -- Number of Attendees 29 2/25/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/26/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 2/27/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/4/2016: Anaconda, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 3/3/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/24/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 4/16/2016: Conrad, MT -- Number of Attendees 12 3/26/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 15 4/5/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 6 4/18/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 8 4/4/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/11/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/18/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 4/25/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/2/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/9/2016: Baker, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 5/25/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 23 6/14/2016: Polson, MT -- Number of Attendees 35 7/19/2016: Moiese, MT -- Number of Attendees 41 8/9/2016: Missoula, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 9/6/2016: Victor, MT -- Number of Attendees 14 10/5/2016: Whitefish, MT -- Number of Attendees 20 3/23/2016: Shelby, MT -- Number of Attendees 30 9/2/2016: Great Falls, MT -- Number of Attendees 17 10/28/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 16 10/8/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 40 11/2/2016: Bozeman, MT -- Number of Attendees 7 10/2/2016: Kalispell, MT -- Number of Attendees 10 Webinars 1/21/2015: Number of Attendees 238 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Missoula Workshop Flyer This flyer was used to promote workshops in the Missoula area. Field Days Flyer This promotional material was used to advertise field days across Western Montana. Missoula Workshops Press Release This press release was distributed to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the Missoula workshops. Field Days Press Release This press release was circulated to area newspapers, partners, and other listservs to promote the field days. Bozeman Workshops Flyer This flyer was used to promote workshops offered via a partnership with MSU Extension in Bozeman in 2015. Train-the-Trainer Promo This website was used to advertise the Train-the-Trainer event we held to train MSU Extension and small business development staff on the Planning for On-Farm Success curriculum. Farm Link Montana press release This press release was circulated to statewide newspapers, partners, and national listservs to announce the launch of the Farm Link Montana website. The press release was picked up widely and stories were published across Montana. Farm Link Brochure For beginning farmers, retiring landowners and service providers to learn about the resources and tools provided by the Farm Link Montana site. Mentor Link Brochure For beginning and established farmers to learn about our mentorship program. Land Link Brochure For beginning farmers and retiring/absentee landowners to learn about our Land Link program. Work Link Brochure For beginning farmers and established farmers to learn about our Work Link program which assists beginning farmers in finding on-farm employment. Field Days 2016 Flyer For beginning farmers to find out about on-farm, farmer-led, production-focused learning opportunities offered from May - September 2016. Planning for On-Farm Success Bozeman Flyer Sample flyer used to promote farm business planning workshop series offered in 2016. Example is from Bozeman; additional workshops were offered in Conrad, Anaconda, and Baker. Field Days 2016 Press Release For newspapers and other media outlets to promote on-farm learning events for beginning farmers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue offering workshops on business and production topics Continue offering local financing tools Continue promotion and expansion of Farm Link Montana website (previously AgAccess)

IMPACT: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
What was accomplished under these goals? Result 1. Increased knowledge of and skills in business planning, marketing, financial planning, risk and asset management, employee and intern management, and access, and/or production Producer action: Understand, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: At end of workshop Estimated Number: 480, Actual Number: 387 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 2. Use information gained from trainings and resources to begin, expand, or enhance a farming or ranching business. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Business and strategic planning When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 150, Actual Number: 241 How verified: End of workshop surveys Result 3. Utilize local financing tools and strategies to increase capacity to start or expand a farming operation. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Acquiring and managing credit When measured: End of year Estimated Number: 3, Actual Number: 4 How verified: Survey Result 4. Utilize the AgAccess Montana website to access internship, mentorship, and/or land access tools. Producer action: Implement, Topic: Product and enterprise diversification When measured: Throughout Estimated Number: 30, Actual Number: 8945 How verified: Google Analytics

PUBLICATIONS: 2015/12/15 TO 2016/12/14
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
Target Audience:During 2015, this project served 213 producers through workshops and field days. Of those who responded to evaluations, 53% (56 of 105) self-certified as limited resource producers and 22% (23 of 105) self-certified as socially disadvantaged producers. This exceeded our target of reaching these audiences. In addition, 505 users visited the Farm Link Montana website (previously named AgAccess Montana). Changes/Problems:We have not encountered any major changes/problems in approach. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Over the course of Year One, we offered 18 training and professional development opportunities. Fifteen of these were geared towards beginning farmers and ranchers and had 213 producers in attendance. One was offered as a webinar online. Ten people attended at the time of recording and the video, posted on YouTube, has had 107 views since it was listed. Two of the trainings were professional development activities for Montana State University Extension and small business development staff to better prepare them for offering our business planning curriculum for beginning farmers. We received positive reviews for all of our trainings in 2015 and look forward to offering additional trainings in 2016 and 2017. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have been able to offer our resources and many more through the newly developed Farm Link Montana website (previously named AgAccess). The site offers our full business planning curriculum, along with links to other Montana-specific resources and tools that connect beginning farmers and ranchers with internships, mentorship, and land. So far (11/25/2015 to 3/10/2016), the site's various pages have been viewed over 13,000 times. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To accomplish our goals, we will: Continue offering workshops on business and production topics Continue development of local financing tools Continue promotion and expansion of Farm Link Montana website (previously AgAccess)

IMPACT: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal One: Increase the number of successful and sustainable beginning farmers and ranchers in Montana. Objective 1: Develop Montana-specific resources on financial, legal, and production issues that will be made available online via our website and partner websites. We overhauled and enhanced a business planning curriculum for Montana producers, breaking it into eight modules that can easily be dropped into an existing work plan for Extension agents across the state. Each module is accompanied by worksheets and references to Montana resources. The business planning curriculum covers strategic planning, market research and market differentiation, financial management and financial planning, financing, risk management, and land access. Objective 2: Provide 24 workshops and field days in Western Montana on financial, legal, and production issues with at least 10 farmers in attendance at each training. During Year One of this project, we provided 8 workshops and field days in Western Montana on these topics. In total, we had 125 attendees, for an average attendance of 16 attendees per workshop. Objective 3: Expand successful workshops to other regions of Montana, ultimately offering 8-12 workshops in additional parts of the state, with at least 10 farmers in attendance at each training. During Year One of this project, we provided 8 workshops in Bozeman with 11 farmers in attendance at each training. In addition, we leveraged our BFRDP funding to acquire an additional $15,000 to support the training of 29 Montana State University Extension and small business development staff on the business planning curriculum. So far we have 7 other communities around the state who are interested in offering workshops in Year Two. Objective 4: Support the start-up of at least 3 new farms in each year of the project, with programs benefitting at least 100 new farmers over the life of the project. In our year-end evaluation for Year One, four of our evaluation respondents reported starting a new farm in 2015 and an additional seven reported expanding or enhancing their business in some way. In total, our workshops and field days recorded 213 attendees and 505 people utilized the Farm Link Montana website in 2015. Goal Two: Increase the viability of farming opportunities by developing local investment and financing tools geared toward BFRs. Objective 1: Develop resources on innovative work being done in this arena around the country to demonstrate the range of options that could be developed for Montana. In Year One, we conducted research and developed resources in support of development of local investment and financing tools. In addition, we conducted an online survey with more than 30 respondents to identify gaps in financing and to gauge interest in various tools. Objective 2: Develop local investment and financing tools that will provide financial support to at least 3 farmers in its first two years. We are in the process of finalizing development of these tools and we expect that they will be launched in 2016. Goal Three: Increase opportunities for pre-start-up farmers to gain experience and for beginning and established farmers to increase their financial and physical viability by developing resources and tools on on-farm internships, mentorships, and land access. Objective 1: In addition to resources and trainings outlined in Goal 1 above, build the AgAccess website with a mapping tool to connect beginning, established, and retiring farmers with individuals seeking internships, mentorships, and land. This resource has been renamed Farm Link Montana. It was launched on November 25, 2015 and had 505 users visit the site, with an additional 1,700 users visit the site so far in 2016 (through 3/10/16). The website includes a clearinghouse with a wide array of Montana-specific resources, as well as the above-mentioned mapping tool and associated programs.

PUBLICATIONS: 2014/12/15 TO 2015/12/14
No publications reported this period.