Extension Today

After attending the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie, Georgia, in 2023, Alabama A&M University’s (AAMU) Vice President of Research and Economic Development Dr. Majed El-Dweik proposed that AAMU offer a similar event to the people of Alabama. With a stamp of approval from AAMU’s leadership and the state of Alabama, AAMU and collaborative partners, including Alabama Extension, held the first North Alabama Ag Expo on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at AAMU’s Agribition Center in Huntsville.

The North Alabama Ag Expo strives to:

• Showcase the latest agricultural products and services, including research, technology, equipment and other resources.
• Foster greater interest in agricultural careers and businesses.
• Develop partnerships that strengthen urban, suburban and rural agricultural businesses and communities.

The 2024 Ag Expo Chair Donna Gilbert stated, "The inaugural Ag Expo was a remarkable success filled with discovery, fun and a sense of community. We celebrated agriculture, fostered industry partnerships and engaged with over 800 attendees from across the state. Next year, we want to raise the bar and invite more exceptional partners to join us in highlighting agriculture in this region.”

The next North Alabama Ag Expo will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. The event will highlight urban and traditional agriculture across 13 counties in North Alabama.

Farm stress is an increasingly critical issue affecting agricultural producers across the United States, including Mississippi. As farmers face the pressures of fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and rising operational costs, the impact on their mental health and overall well-being cannot be overlooked.

Recognizing this challenge, the Alcorn Extension Program partnered with the Mississippi State University Department of Human Sciences through the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network (FRSAN) to provide resources and support farmers to alleviate farm stress. This program was designed to help farmers identify stressors, develop coping strategies and foster a culture of openness regarding mental health through educational workshops, mental health resources and peer support networks tailored for the agricultural community.

By creating a supportive environment, the Alcorn Extension Program and Mississippi State University Department of Human Sciences aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in agriculture. By addressing this issue head-on, the collaborative efforts of these organizations contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Mississippi, ensuring that farmers have the support they need to thrive despite the challenges they face. Together, we are fostering a healthier future for the state's farming community. For additional information, contact Carolyn L. Banks, agricultural business management specialist.

Central State University Extension’s Community and Economic Development (CED) program is set to launch a significant initiative across Ohio to address the intricate issue of heirs' property. Heirs' property is defined as real estate passed down through generations without probate, resulting in multiple ownership and complex title issues. This often leads to property deterioration and obstructs pathways to generational wealth, a barrier particularly pronounced in low-income communities.

An estimated 9,000 heirs' properties exist in Ohio. The CED program, led by statewide program leader Mark Rendleman, is designed to alleviate the legal and financial challenges surrounding heirs' property, ultimately clarifying ownership and promoting generational wealth.

"This program aims to address the legal and financial challenges of heirs' property, facilitating clear ownership and unlocking the potential for generational wealth," Rendleman explains. "Our goal is to reach and support Ohio families, empowering them to secure their assets and improve their communities."

A primary strategy of the initiative involves educating residents on completing “transfer on death affidavits,” legal documents that allow property transfer without the need for probate. The CED plans to collaborate with local organizations to make these legal tools and resources available to residents at accessible locations, including food pantries, churches and community events.

For further information, contact Rendleman at mrendleman@centralstate.edu.

Since its launch in 2023, the Emerging Farmers Symposium has become a key event for networking and sharing practical knowledge among the regional farming community. This year’s symposium took place on May 3-4 at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, Florida.

The first day brought together more than 90 farmers, ranchers, sponsors and Extension faculty for presentations on Best Management Practices (BMP) cost-sharing opportunities, marketing tactics and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Attendees gained practical insights into BMPs and funding resources. A panel of agricultural producers, along with a keynote speaker, shared direct-to-consumer enterprise experiences, enriching the conversation. The day also included a trade show featuring vendors from various agricultural organizations.

On the second day, participants joined field tours organized by the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research and the FAMU Research & Extension Center. The tour started at the viticulture center, where experts discussed grape cultivation, and then continued to the FAMU Research & Extension Center, which focused on sustainable nursery practices and container plant production. Additional experts shared information on small ruminants, grass-fed beef and hemp projects.

This program is designed to support beginning and underserved agricultural producers by combining seminar sessions with hands-on field activities, helping them learn about BMPs and access resources to grow their operations.

By the end of the two-day event, participants had gained valuable insights into BMP practices and cost-share opportunities, empowering them to better manage and expand their agricultural businesses.

Returning to Naylor, Georgia, was not the plan Meleade Wasson imagined after being away from her hometown for three decades.

The 51-year-old left home at the age of 19 to join the military. She wanted to see the world, leaving behind the rural farm in Lowndes County where she grew up.

During her years away, Wasson earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in business and lived in more than six states. Throughout those years, she frequently returned home and worked alongside her parents in the fields where they grew peanuts, corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco and some vegetables.

In 2000, her parents built a new home on the 60-acre farm. Ten years later, Wasson’s mother, Collis Mae McQueen, was diagnosed with cancer so Wasson moved back to Naylor to care for her. In 2011, Collis Mae died.

Determined to keep the legacy going, Wasson decided it was time to focus her attention on the family farm. It was then she decided it was time to restart what her mother and father had begun. To begin this process, she reached out to FVSU Cooperative Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and local farmers in Lowndes and Lanier counties.

“They encouraged me to take advantage of the programs that are out there for underserved communities, especially Black female farmers and veterans,” Wasson said.

She added, “If every farmer had the opportunity I had with Nikki from FSA, I don’t think we’d have as many farmers losing their farms. I think they would have a better chance of maintaining their livelihood.”

Kentucky State University (KSU) hosted its 26th annual Small, Limited-Resource, Minority Farmers Conference from Nov. 21-23. This year's theme was "Growing Our Farmers & Our Communities.”

This three-day conference provided a forum for underserved farmers to connect with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state, research, Extension and other professionals to learn about available resources, programs and opportunities. Additionally, farmers will be able to network, tour KSU’s facilities and attend workshops about a variety of relevant topics such as production, land stewardship, economics, emerging trends and much more.

This year’s tours included:

• Silver Springs Farm: Just outside of downtown Lexington, Silver Springs Farm is nestled on the historic site of Silver Springs Distillery, curating bourbon, racehorses and grapes for their wines.
• Multiple KSU facilities: Tours included the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Aquaculture Research Facility, Rosenwald Center for 4-H Youth Development and the main campus.
• Stewart Shirley Beef Cattle Farm: The Stewart Shirley Beef Cattle Farm is located in Bagdad, Kentucky. They provided a tour and interactive question and answer about their cow-calf operation.

Across the country, farmers are transforming the food landscape through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and partnerships that empower them to deliver fresh, high-quality food to their communities.

Phocas Farm, an urban farm located in the heart of Edmond, Oklahoma, exemplifies this transformation. Through traditional farmers markets in food-insecure areas across the Oklahoma City metro, mobile markets involved in food prescriptions and outreach programs in rural communities, Phocas Farm has been able to reach Oklahomans who need it most.

At the recent Langston University Goat, Hair Sheep and Small Farms Conference, Phocas Farm's owner, Kentrel Broom, spoke passionately about the power of food to unite communities.

Reflecting on his experiences at farmers markets, he shared, “The stories I’ve heard while working markets have been those of gratitude and appreciation. People have hugged me. People have cried on my shoulder. When we show up, they are eager to help in any way they can. They carry bins, direct new shoppers and share information with their friends and family. They care and it shows. They are invested in those who invest in them. Food is the heart of a community, and I’m thankful to be part of that and for all the efforts that go into the programming and partnerships that make it possible.”

Langston University’s Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program informs and helps farmers leverage USDA programs for resources supporting them in producing healthy, nutritious food needed by local communities with the impact of enhancing the health and well-being of Oklahoma families.

The Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program (ISFOP) at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) empowers small-scale farmers in Missouri by providing hands-on training, resources and access to financial opportunities.

Mary Keeter, a farm outreach worker, highlights the importance of hands-on experience: “People are more likely to remember and apply the skills better once they’ve done it themselves.” ISFOP equips farmers with the knowledge and support they need to strengthen their farms and adopt practices that drive long-term growth.

Covering a variety of workshops, farmers gain practical knowledge on crucial topics such as low tunnel construction, cultivation techniques, soil health, drip irrigation, livestock management and fencing. The ISFOP team even brings specialized equipment to on-farm workshops, allowing farmers to learn new techniques without an upfront investment.

ISFOP also offers grant-writing workshops to help farmers secure funding for farm improvements. If a farmer can’t attend a workshop, outreach workers visit them directly, providing resources and personalized instruction to overcome immediate challenges, like crop protection from frost. Living and farming in the same area as the farmers they serve builds trust and understanding, as outreach workers like Keeter share the same struggles and conditions as the farmers they assist.

The program’s collaboration with experts and researchers ensures farmers benefit from the latest agricultural innovations. For example, ISFOP’s partnership with LUCE’s Poultry Program introduces small-scale farmers to essential poultry management skills. Its mission goes beyond technical assistance; it fosters resilience and self-reliance in Missouri’s farming communities, creating a ripple effect that spreads empowerment and sustainable practices across the state.

Byron Haskins, a dedicated beef and goat producer from Douglassville, Texas, recently received financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This support was made possible through the collaboration of the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) in Bowie and Cass counties, along with the University of Arkansas Small Farms Program. The financial payout comes as a result of challenges Haskins faced over the past five years in a neighboring county.

With guidance from Brandon Hawkins, the Agriculture and Natural Resources (AgNR) Extension agent in Bowie/Cass County, Haskins successfully navigated a complex application process. Over the years, he encountered significant setbacks, including the misplacement of his paperwork by neighboring USDA offices for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Cost-Share and the denial of a micro-farm loan. These administrative errors hindered his ability to grow and manage his farming operations.

Thanks to the support of the Cooperative Extension Program and the University of Arkansas Small Farms team, Haskins was able to secure the much-needed financial assistance. This payout not only helps address the challenges he faced but also empowers him to continue developing his agricultural business and contribute to strengthening local food production in Cass County.

South Carolina State University Public Service & Agriculture (SC State PSA) celebrated the one-year milestone of Climate-Smart Grown in SC partnership with Clemson University. The event celebrated enrolled farmers for their dedication to climate-smart agriculture.

Farmers participating in Climate-Smart Grown in SC implemented conservation practices, such as cover cropping, nutrient management and reduced tillage. Over the past year, SC State PSA has awarded more than $850,000 in incentives to assist farmers.

SC State PSA recognized several farmers for their performance in adopting climate-smart practices. Award recipients included:

• Jonathan Bennet (Clarendon County) earned the Budding Climate-Smart Producer Award for being the youngest climate-smart producer.
• Louis Berry (Orangeburg County) received the Senior Climate-Smart Producer for being the most experienced climate-smart producer.
• Jason Waltz (Calhoun County) and Dan Garrick (Orangeburg County) were honored for their work in peanut production.
• Bryant and Margaret Harrison (Calhoun County) and William Weekley (Anderson County) received recognition for leafy greens production.
• Edie McFadden (Claredon County) and Robert Sprowl (Greenwood County) were acknowledged for beef cattle production.

“These farmers have adopted new techniques and shown exceptional leadership in implementing climate-smart practices that are essential to the future of our climate and agriculture,” said Dr. Chishimba Nathan Mowa, Climate-Smart Grown in SC project director.

The celebration also featured discussions on how the program’s success can be built upon in year two, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from climate-smart practices that promote sustainability and long-term viability.

For more information on Climate-Smart Grown in SC, contact Mowa at cmowa@scsu.edu.

The Southern University Ag Center’s Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Team, alongside the Southern University System Foundation, has created the Small Farmers Community Produce Giveaway initiative to benefit both small farmers and communities in food deserts. This initiative purchases fresh produce directly from small, local farmers, which is then distributed in underserved communities with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

For farmers, this program provides a reliable market and an additional revenue stream, helping to stabilize their income while promoting local produce. By connecting directly with the program, farmers avoid the unpredictability of larger markets and get fair prices for their products, encouraging sustainable practices and improving their livelihoods. This program fed more than 1,000 urban and rural families and supported more than 20 family farms.

In food desert communities, the initiative ensures access to nutritious foods often out of reach for residents, directly addressing food insecurity and supporting public health. The program also encourages donors to contribute by buying produce from local farmers, fostering a community-supported model that benefits both growers and consumers. This approach not only amplifies the economic impact on farmers but also enhances community awareness of the importance of supporting local agriculture.

The collaborative nature of the initiative ultimately strengthens the connection between farmers and communities, creating a cycle of economic and social benefits that can help reduce food deserts and promote sustainable, community-focused agriculture.

This fall, a total of 122 new and beginning farmers received their diplomas after graduating from the 2024 Tennessee New Farmer Academy lecture and event series. This year’s graduating class was the 10th group since the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) Extension program first began offering the academy in 2014.

The members of this year’s graduating class joined hundreds of other academy alumni who have grown their knowledge and skills at the program over the past decade on their way to becoming successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

The Tennessee New Farmer Academy is a seven-month certificate program held annually at three locations across the state that focuses on teaching the concepts, providing the information and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable and successful agricultural businesses.

Typical participants in the program include those who are new to agriculture, those transitioning into agriculture from another field and those who are looking for a post-retirement opportunity. Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher has called the academy one of the best new farmer assistance programs in the country.

“The key is understanding the resources. A lot of people who come through the program don’t know what Extension is. They don’t know the Farm Service Agency exists. They don’t know NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) exists and what their purpose is,” says Tennessee New Farmer Academy Director Finis Stribling III. “Understanding what resources are there, how to navigate those resources and being able to simply speak the language is what these entrepreneurs need.”

Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension (TUCE) empowers farmers through the Beef Cattle/ Herd Health Initiative. This program addresses challenges faced by small, socially disadvantaged livestock producers in Alabama's Black Belt, focusing on reproductive management, affordable supplementation, herd health and marketing strategies to ensure their sustainability and success.

One of the ways TUCE assists farmers is in-person trainings, where the producers gain vital knowledge from experts in the field. For example, order buyers and stockyard owners provided insights into maximizing livestock sales profits. There were specific workshops, which included the Goat Artificial Insemination (AI) workshop, where 80% of participants intended to adopt new reproductive practices, and the Beef AI workshop, where 10% of attendees began integrating AI techniques. Additionally, events like Beef Cattle Day and Breakfast at the Stockyard offered practical strategies for winter forage planting and collaborative marketing, benefiting more than 40 producers.

One of the longer-lasting aspects of the program is the collaboration with Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and their West Alabama Project. This project originally sought to give free technical assistance from TU CVM’s doctors and discounted livestock medicines for small and limited-resource beef cattle owners in the Alabama Black Belt while providing hands-on training for veterinary students.

The benefits from this intentional initiative resulted in 194 producers adopting new practices that reduced production costs and enhanced their operations’ efficiency and profitability. These efforts led to improved herd health, increased marketability and greater resilience within the agricultural sector.

The Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) empowers farmers through its beginning farmers class. Over the course of seven months, participants meet monthly to learn basic farming practices and how to take advantage of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

Participants receive assistance in obtaining an official USDA farm number, which is essential when applying for Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loans, disaster assistance and crop insurance. They are also trained in Cooperative Extension production practices for all enterprises.

Dr. Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program, said program accomplishments included:

• Completion of the course by 105 beginning farmers who also gained one year of managerial experience related to obtaining an FSA loan.
• Development of annual financial/business plans by 136 participants.
• Acquisition of USDA farm numbers by 100 participants.
• Awarding of more than $2,150,000 in USDA operating loans for 26 farmers.

Forty-five farmers established business entities (LLCs) for their operations, 87 purchased crop insurance, 163 completed conservation practices selection forms for their operations, 70 received Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funding of $1,785,000 to install conservation practices, 137 took soil tests for soil fertility and lime recommendations, and 50 planted cover crops.

A record drought this fall has area farmers looking for ways to remain viable in the ever-challenging agricultural industry, one of the top economic drivers on the Eastern Shore and in Maryland. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s iconic Student Services Center was abuzz Nov. 1-2 with more than 200 agricultural stakeholders seeking solutions, ideas and opportunities.

“Positioning Farmers for Success,” the theme of the university’s 21st annual Small Farm Conference, hit the proverbial nail on the head with informational sessions, hands-on workshops, speakers and off-site bus tours designed to give farmers practical, research-based and shared knowledge to apply to their agribusinesses.

“This event has never been more relevant than this year as a means of connecting farmers to university and partner resources, researchers and Extension educators, entrepreneurs and agritourism operators,” said Berran Rogers Jr., coordinator of the Small Farm Program at UMES and event chair.

Attendees ranged from beginning farmers to those looking to transition their farms to the next generation. They explored high-value alternative crops like berries, mushrooms, pawpaws, cut flowers, callaloo, jute and hibiscus. Agribusiness topics covered ground-up sustainability for beginning farmers, cooperative farming and transitioning to agritourism to diversify farm profitability. Beekeeping and pest management provided insight into pollinating and protecting plants.

At Virginia State University (VSU), the College of Agriculture is committed to the integrated well-being of communities and agricultural innovation and sustainability. The natural intersection of these is at a farmers market, where local producers and the community come together to celebrate and strengthen local food systems.

This November, VSU and the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) partnered to host the first Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference in Richmond, Virginia, to bring farmers, market managers, agriculture policymakers and community partners together to share passion and ideas for small and local farms, increasing food access, healthy communities and farmers markets.

The culture of farmers markets in Virginia has flourished in recent years, thanks in part to the work of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University. Dr. Theresa Nartea is the Extension specialist for marketing and agribusiness at VSU and is dedicated to supporting and growing farmers markets in the region.

In 2011, VSU applied for and was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish the Virginia Farmers Market Association, VSU’s co-host of the Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference.

The 2024 conference theme was “Passport to Success: Leveling Up.” This three-day conference hosted more than 250 participants from the Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and North Carolina, as well as participants from Trinidad and Tobago. Conference attendees enjoyed social networking and dozens of targeted workshops where participants could gain new skills or earn certifications like the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.

Virginia Cooperative Extension extends the resources of Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech, to solve problems facing Virginians every day.

West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) is excited to announce the launch of the New Farmer Business Institute and the Understanding Heirs’ Property Series, taking place every second Thursday from Oct. 10, 2024, to April 10, 2025. These sessions are held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the agricultural education classroom at Sissonville High School in Charleston. This program is free, providing an excellent chance for aspiring and current farmers to expand their knowledge and skills in agriculture.

In this series, experts lead discussions on crucial topics, including evaluating farm operations, setting strategic goals and managing farm risks effectively. Participants can expect to gain valuable insights to help landowners and seasoned producers enhance their farming practices.

“Farming is a vital way of life for many individuals in West Virginia,” stated John David Johnson, WVSU ANR Extension specialist and leader of the workshop series. “Our farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security for both our state and the nation. With limited legal protections for landowners in West Virginia, it’s essential for them to take the initiative to educate themselves in order to safeguard their legacies. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and we are committed to empowering our community.”

In addition, the series covers vital aspects of agriculture, such as tax preparation, market challenges and estate planning. Whether attendees are newcomers or looking to improve their existing methods, these sessions are designed to support producers at all stages of their journey.