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INVESTIGATOR: English, H.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
UNIV OF ARKANSAS
PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS 71601

A BEGINNING FARMERS PROGRAM FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED AND LIMITED RESOURCE PRODUCERS IN ARKANSAS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This project is designed to assist beginning socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers (BSDLRPs) in eastern and southwest Arkansas. The goal of the project is to provide BSDLRPs with the knowledge and training needed to become successful farmers and ranchers. The objectives are: (1) To provide BSDLRPs with business training and USDA loan education; (2) To provide BSDLRPs with Extension crop and livestock production training with the use of USDA Conservation Programs; (3) To provide BSDLRPs with marketing education with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables; and (4) To conduct a beginning farmers class.This program will train BSDLRPs to use financial statements when making management decisions and profit margins when determining the economic feasibility of a business plan. They will also be educated on USDA loans. BSDLRPs will be taught to use the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve and increase their yields. As a result of this training, BSDLRPs will have above average yields which will increase profit margins. The BSDLRPs who diversify with vegetables will be taught vegetable marketing strategies and the 5 Ps of marketing. They will also be trained to obtain markets before planting.The Beginning Farmers Class will include seven modules that provide different aspects of farming and ranching. These modules will include classroom exercises (business planning and structure, heir property), hands-on exercises (calibrations, transplanting), and much more.

OBJECTIVES: The long term goal of the project is to provide beginning socially disadvantaged and limited resources producers (BSDLRPs) with the education, training, and knowledge needed to make informed decisions that will increase their chances of being successful farmers and ranchers.The objectives are as follows:Objective One: To provide BSDLRPs with farm business/farm financial education and training as well as education and training on the process/use of USDA loans (90% of participants who apply for loans will be applying for a USDA loan).Objective Two: To provide nonbiased research-based CES crop and livestock production recommendations to BSDLRPs and educate the targeted audience on the use of USDA conservation programs to obtain funding to install conservation practices that improve crop and pastureland thus increasing its productive capacity.Objective Three: To provide special marketing education, training, and technical assistance to BSDLRPs who grow or add alternative enterprises (fruits, vegetables, or small ruminants) to their operations.Objective Four: To conduct a new and beginning farmer's class that will educate and train approximately 20 crop and livestock producers annually about managing farms and ranches.