Extension Today

In 2006, J.D. Booker, a four-year combat marine and Vietnam War veteran, retired after 43 years from the Los Angeles Unified School District. Like other African Americans of the New Great Migration, he longed to escape the city and return to quieter surroundings like where he grew up. Booker would find his quiet place in 17.5 acres of untamed land in Toney, Alabama, which he later called Booker Farm.

In earlier days, the Booker Farm experienced flooding, and with flooding came problems such as soil erosion and debris. As a former sharecropper, he also knew farming but had not farmed for 40 years. So, he reached out to Alabama A&M for help and was referred to Alabama Extension.

Marcus Garner, an urban regional agent, and Karnita Garner, an environmental specialist, were among the first to respond from Alabama Extension. They referred him to conservation agencies to help with the flooding. They also advised him to develop gardening plots and wildlife habitat and to use the farm as a research demonstration site. As a result, Booker Farm was soon established, and the rest is history.

Today, Booker Farm is a limited liability company with a mission to preserve and conserve natural resources. It is dedicated to preserving soil, water, plants and wildlife while maximizing farm operations. Over the years, Booker Farm has served as a resource for fresh vegetables and a community venue for outreach programs for youths, older adults and military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Nestled in the heart of Trotwood, Ohio, lies a flourishing garden, a testament to Tamiko Troutman's dedication and the transformative knowledge she gained from Central State University Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources course. Troutman's garden beautifies her corner of Trotwood and serves as a beacon of sustainable agriculture in the region.

The journey began when Troutman enrolled in the course, seeking to bring her love for gardening into full bloom. Taught by the enthusiastic ANR educator Marc Amante at the renowned Trotwood Incubator Farm, the course gave her the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to make informed gardening decisions. A particular standout from her learning experience was the adoption of drip irrigation. This efficient watering technique ensures water is delivered directly to the plant roots, minimizing waste and ensuring plants receive the needed moisture. With Ohio's unpredictable rainfall patterns, drip irrigation became a game-changer for Troutman's garden, enabling her plants to thrive, come rain or shine.

Additionally, with the expertise she garnered from the course, Troutman tailored her gardening practices to suit Ohio's zone 6b climate perfectly. This micro-level climate adaptation means her garden is visually stunning and ecologically balanced, making the most of Ohio's specific growing conditions.

Troutman shared her thoughts on her gardening journey, saying, "Before joining Marc's class, I thought I knew the basics. But what I learned at the Trotwood Incubator Farm opened a new world. Understanding the nuances of Zone 6b and integrating drip irrigation has turned my garden from a hobby into a haven. It's no longer just about the beauty of the blooms, but the science and sustainability behind them."

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, may have been overcast, but the weather proved inconsequential. On that day, Delaware State University (DSU) Cooperative Extension personnel, volunteers and families descended upon the pond and pavilion at DSU’s Outreach and Research Center to mark the return of the 4-H Fishing Derby.

The catch and release Derby had been hosted by the 4-H and Youth Development team and led by Extension Agent Beverly C. Banks since 2006 until the COVID-19 pandemic caused a suspension of the activity. Banks acknowledged that the event was the brainchild of Drs. Kenneth Bell and Dyremple Marsh, former deans of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology. The 4-H Fishing Derby draws together faculty and staff across Extension’s three mission areas — Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H and Youth Development — to plan the day of fun and education for five 15-year-old Delawareans interested in angling.

For the month of October, DSU recognizes Banks, 4-H and Youth Development Extension agent, for her leadership of this celebrated educational and unifying activity.

Handy Kennedy Jr., operator of HKJ Ranch, values investing, managing and caring for the land that provides for his livestock. The Army veteran said being a good steward requires a commitment of time and resources, which are vital for ranchers.

In 2018, Kennedy formed a relationship with Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension Program. Through FVSU Extension specialists and agents, he learned management strategies to run a profitable cow/calf operation. These strategies included beef cattle enterprise budgeting; genetic selection; nutrition, forage, herd and risk management; and carcass merit evaluation.

He credits FVSU Extension Specialist Nikki Whitley and former FVSU professor Dr. Ralph Noble. He also credits Stefan Price, FVSU Extension agent for Bulloch, Tattnall and Emanuel counties, for assisting him with the incorporation of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) technology.

In addition to his partnership with FVSU, Kennedy has received assistance from government agencies. These resources and technical assistance services contributed to improving the land, cow/calf operation and purchasing updated equipment to operate a more efficient ranching business.

Overall, the rancher aims to take care of the land that takes care of his livestock and family. He also works to build a community of ranchers who are willing to put the interest of the group ahead of their own personal interests to support communities with the goal of feeding America.

By offering water quality testing, Kentucky State University is helping Kentucky small farmers ensure their products are safe.

Through a grant entitled “Helping Small-scale and Socially Disadvantaged Growers in Improving Water Quality to Ensure Food Safety of Produce for Consumers and Increased Sales” and partnerships with several organizations, Kentucky State University has established water quality testing sites across the state of Kentucky. This is a free service for farmers.

Timothy Lane Breeding of Rocket Farm in Jeremiah, Kentucky, has already utilized the water quality testing lab in Whitesburg.

“We’re ready and set for spring this year after testing,” Breeding said.

Rocket Farm typically grows potatoes, beans, corn, Brussels sprouts, peppers and other produce. Due to the flooding, some of the water has higher contamination, so not all the produce can be grown this year, but Breeding said the farm is set for flowers and herbs. Breeding said having the water quality testing lab is “very, very, very beneficial not just for our farm but for all the farmers in the community.”

For more information about Kentucky State’s water quality testing, contact Dr. Avinash Tope at avinash.tope@kysu.edu.

Jason Lamont Wilson Jr. is a member of the 4 The Hard Way 4-H Club sponsored by Langston University Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program (LU-CEOP). He has been active in 4-H for years and passionately believes that his 4-H opportunities have been immensely important and positively influenced him to give back and contribute to his community. Jason is currently a junior at Edmond Santa Fe High School located in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The 4 The Hard Way 4-H Club was initially organized as a performing arts club but has evolved into offering many more activities such as woodworking, fishing derbies, soap making, public speaking, music videos, computer programming and farm equipment safety training. Jason recently represented his club during the 2023 Oklahoma 4-H Day at the capitol.

Jason and other members of the club were selected to attend the 2022 National 4-H Youth Summit on Agriscience. The summit was conducted in Bethesda, Maryland. Hands-on experiences helped to broaden his horizons in the Agri-Science sector. Jason stated, “4-H is the greatest and I am committed to ‘Make the Best Better.’”

Jason has been listed on the school’s honor roll since his freshman year and maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA. He is also actively involved in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Edmond Santa Fe High School football team (Wolves) in Edmond, Oklahoma. He is the son of Takenya Williams and Jason Lamont Wilson Sr.

Adrienne Hunter-Green, a dedicated regional educator, is reshaping Southeast Missouri by pioneering programs that leave lasting impacts on individuals and communities alike.

Her program planning addresses social, economic and health issues members of the community encounter daily. Through strategic LUCE programming, lives are transformed and communities empowered, illustrating the profound impact of education and outreach initiatives when thoughtfully executed.

A trio of impactful outreach initiatives has emerged in Southeast Missouri through LUCE programming. Workforce Development/Entrepreneurship opens doors to innovative thinking, recently spotlighting climate-conscious beekeeping as a lucrative entrepreneurial venture. The Managing Chronic Illnesses program brings health and wellness to the forefront, equipping participants with the tools to lead healthier lives. Collaborations with local organizations ensure nutritious meals for families.

Lastly, the Prevention of Social Isolation initiative fosters connections among older adults, reducing health risks and enhancing community engagement.

Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) Community Economic and Development (CED) Extension agent, Megan Rodriguez (Willacy County), has partnered with the eBridge Center for Business Commercialization to further the goals of the Business In Development (BID) Academy.

"This partnership has secured a commitment of $10,000 for our 2024 BID Academy, which will provide our team with additional resources to enhance our outreach and educational programs," says Rodriquez.

With a focus on Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certificates and government contracting, the BID Academy aims to expand our efforts and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. The eBridge Center for Business Commercialization is a leading force in mobilizing entrepreneurs and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to create jobs, access capital and grow their businesses.

"We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and its impact on our community," Rodriquez said.

The eBridge Center is focused not just on tapping into the human capital of our community or commercializing scalable businesses but establishing entrepreneurial equity in developing and advancing an open and inclusive ecosystem for all entrepreneurs.

In a series of events, South Carolina State Public Service and Agriculture emphasized its commitment to agriculture, research, education and community outreach during its inaugural Ag & Land-grant Celebration Week held Sept. 20-23.

With an intent to educate the public on the value of SC State PSA’s programs, services and activities, the agency reported that nearly 900 South Carolinians attended the planned events. The week kicked off Sept. 20 with a screening of the Netflix Original, “Concrete Cowboy,” to highlight the history of Black cowboys. The following day, a student dinner was held featuring alumna Dr. Ada Bacetty, department chief of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Biological Threat Reduction Program.

On Sept. 22, more than 175 minority farmers attended the Farmers’ Forum in which sessions on diversity, equity and inclusion in agriculture were presented, as well as discussions on the resources and funding available to producers via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its agencies. Dr. Monica Rainge, deputy assistant secretary for the USDA Office of Civil Rights, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Additionally, attendees received information on the federal discrimination assistance program, 22007. That evening, a Partners Dinner was held to recognize the 78 strategic partners who support the program's mission to improve the quality of life and standard of living for all people. Dr. Dionne Toombs, program director for the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture delivered the keynote address.

Gregory Keith has a small vegetable garden in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with 22 heads of cattle on 28 acres of land in West Baton Rouge Parish. He was inspired by his grandfather, Burnett Keith, who taught him everything about growing vegetables. Growing up in Liberty, Mississippi, where his family owned 300 acres of land and everyone in the community had a garden, Keith made his rounds throughout the neighborhood. However, the move from Mississippi to Louisiana was also quite an adventure.

Keith began to meet with Southern University Cooperative Extension personnel. He then met the Cooperative Extension agents, and he invited them to his garden. There the agents and Keith began to foster a relationship that provided him with resources to improve his operation. Since working with the Southern University Cooperative Extension program, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and community-based organizations (CBOs), Keith has expanded his operation and received an $80,000 grant from the USDA and was able to make the necessary improvements to his cattle operations. He also plans to return to assist family members in Liberty, Mississippi, on their farm and institute everything he has learned to provide food to local communities.

Keith wants to make sure that he instills farming into his 4-year-old grandson and to make sure that there’s a farm for him to cultivate when the time comes.

The week of Oct. 9-13, 2023, Dr. Tom Broyles hosted 24 6th-9th grade students from the B.E. Academy for Girls at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Throughout the week, Broyles engaged Extension and research faculty at Tennessee State University to teach students attending the fall camp about agricultural communications, DNA extraction, plant science and food nutrition.

Broyles’ partnership with B.E. Academy engages girls in plant science and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas. This aligns with B.E. Academy’s goals of taking a culturally relevant and responsible approach to engaging young girls of color in STEM opportunities.

In addition to engaging in STEM-related activities, fall camp participants were able to tour the Tennessee State University farm and get up close with many of the areas of agriculture that they do not engage with regularly.

For more information about this partnership between TSU Extension and B.E. Academy for Girls, contact Broyles at tbroyle1@Tnstate.edu.

In planning his retirement, Roderick Greene wanted to find a way to spend his time stress-free. Working 12- to 14-hour shifts as a chemist at a hazardous waste management company took a toll on his body. He hoped to find a pastime that would allow him to be creative, find inner peace and bring joy to others. He started to think more about gardening as a healthy and viable option.

One day, Greene came across an article in the newspaper about the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Beginning Farmers Class. The educational course provides training and technical assistance to those new to agriculture, wishing to transition into agriculture from another field or looking for a post-retirement opportunity.

“The UAPB Small Farm Program shows those new to agriculture how to operate a farm or garden in an organized way,” he said. “The program staff helped me with ideas on what to grow and told me about USDA opportunities to take advantage of.”

Greene, who grows produce organically, is currently preparing for the fall season and is growing sweet potatoes and collard greens. His main focus, however, is on growing flowers.

“For me personally, it has been very enjoyable to gain all this knowledge and education being around Black professionals at an HBCU,” he said. “My parents both attended UAPB when it was Arkansas Mechanical, Agricultural and Normal College (AM&N). Now, this university has helped me accomplish a lot.”

Sharing strategies to increase farm profitability and promote sustainability has been at the forefront of UMES Extension’s Small Farm Conference for two decades. Agricultural producers in the Mid-Atlantic look to the annual event for practical know-how and to gain valuable research-based knowledge. In addition, networking with fellow farmers and learning about opportunities through vendors are highlights.

Craig Mask and his wife, Dawn, of Mirage Farms in Port Republic, Maryland, have made the trek around the Chesapeake Bay to attend each year since 2005. Specializing in goats, mushrooms and honey, they are currently transitioning their family farm to the next generation. Keeping their business viable is the utmost of their minds.

“It’s hard to find good help, especially if you live on the farm,” Mask said on the challenges they face. “And if you spend money on getting quality people, can you net enough to make it worthwhile? It’s a balance.”

For frequent attendee Jonathan Kellam, it’s practical knowledge that draws him to the event, such as last year’s session on strategies to control wildlife damage.

“I came here to learn about the small rodents, raccoons and groundhogs that eat up my garden,” he said. “I go to a lot of these places to get information, but UMES has been the best place I’ve ever come to. They do great work here — a vast knowledge — so to any small farmer, this is the place to come to learn a lot of different perspectives about small farming.”

When Second Baptist Church (SBC) in Richmond, Virginia, grappled with the issue of stormwater runoff from its extensive roof, it collaborated with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to develop an efficient solution. But with the challenge of managing the collected water emerging, specialists from Virginia State University's Cooperative Extension (VSU-VCE) and assistants from the Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) saw an opportunity: start an urban garden.

Led by Dr. Leonard Githinji from the VSU Sustainable and Urban Agriculture Program, the church grounds transformed into a vibrant urban garden named Eden’s Garden. Since its inception in 2016, Eden’s Garden has become a community cornerstone, delivering fresh produce such as snow peas, mustard greens and tomatoes.

This innovative project doesn't cater only to the church’s congregation. It serves the broader Richmond community, addressing food disparities and providing a hands-on educational platform for urban agriculture. The success of this endeavor has rippled through Richmond, prompting other community entities to follow suit.

The Small Farm Outreach Program continues to provide expertise, training and support to similar community-driven agricultural projects, establishing Richmond as a model city for urban agriculture.

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.

The West Virginia Department of Education has awarded $200,000 to the West Virginia State University (WVSU) Healthy Grandfamilies program, which supports grandfamilies who are in transition, homeless or do not have legal custody of their grandchild residing in their home. This program is an essential resource for families facing various hardships and adverse events due to their unique living situations.

Children and youths who face unstable housing are at a higher risk of suffering from hunger, poor physical health and emotional problems, and they also struggle to attend and succeed in school. The funding granted to Healthy Grandfamilies will be allocated for allowable expenses such as transportation, extracurricular activities, clothing and personal essentials, tutoring and counseling services.

Emergency assistance will also enable children and youths to attend and participate fully in school activities. This financial support will significantly impact the lives of grandfamilies in West Virginia facing difficult circumstances. The program's services will help ensure that children and youths have access to education and the resources they need to succeed. With this assistance, grandfamilies can provide their grandchildren with a better quality of life, allowing them to reach their full potential and overcome challenges.