2005 Professional Development ProjectsBack to Why We Picked ThemAll four new projects show close ties to the direct marketing of pastured livestock, industries that have been producer led. Keep up with these projects by reading progress reports which are posted online each April. Just click on Projects and follow the link to the data base.
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ES05-078 Sustainable Production Systems for Range-Reared Standard Turkeys
There is an urgent need to disseminate information on range production of naturally-mating, standard varieties of turkeys (a.k.a. "heritage" turkeys) to agricultural educators and producers in the South. Until the 1950s turkeys were reared on range as an important economic resource for family farms in the South. In the second half of the 20 th century, turkeys were moved indoors and selected for rapid growth in confined, high-input systems.
There is now a growing movement, motivated by both farmers and consumers, to move turkeys back on range. Through a SSARE R & E Grant (LS02-134) the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) and Virginia Tech have conclusive evidence that standard turkeys have more robust immune systems, better survivability, and superior overall performance in range-based systems than commercial strains. As recently as 2001, the market for free-range "heritage" turkeys was virtually non-existent. A dramatic increase in public awareness and discriminating consumers seeking a high quality, specialty entrée for their holiday feasts are fueling market demand. In 2003, over 10,000 were sold through formal channels: many more were purchased through informal channels. Farmers received $2 - $4 per pound, 2 - 5 times supermarket prices. The market demand is far from satisfied. Southern farmers have an opportunity to add range-reared standard turkey production to existing farm enterprises, adding an additional income stream with minimal financial outlay. Information on range production of standard turkeys is, however, largely out-of-print and difficult to find.
A diverse collaboration of farmers, ALBC, ATTRA, land grant university extension specialists, and other independent specialists proposes to train agricultural professionals about range production of standard turkeys. Two regional workshops will be held on farms. A training manual, consisting of a series of topic-based pamphlets including brooding, pasturing, processing, and marketing standard turkeys, will be published. These pamphlets will integrate valuable traditional information on production with contemporary information on diseases, processing and marketing. Participants' outreach efforts will be directly supported with materials and personnel for presentations.
Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:
- Shows efficient leverage of previously prepared information
- On-farm presentation format makes sense
- Builds on previous SSARE R&E project
Marjorie Bender
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
PO Box 477
Pittsboro , NC 27312
919-542-5704 Fax: 919-545-0022
mbender@albc-usa.org
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ES05-079 Direct Market Training for Agricultural Professionals
Agriculture in the Southern U.S. is undergoing significant change. Traditional crops that provided farmers with steady income for years have become less reliable. Many farmers have examined new or alternative high value enterprises to increase farm income. Identification and investigation of new market opportunities are often cited as critical considerations in the future financial success of an activity. Most extension personal are trained in the production agriculture and lack business and marketing skills necessary to assist farmers in development of a new enterprise. An advisory committee of North Carolina State University, Clemson University South Carolina State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University extension agents, specialists, Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project members and farmers from North Carolina , South Carolina and Virginia will develop training and support materials for direct marketers.
The training has four objectives that will support agricultural extension agents as they enhance their direct marketing skills. The first objective will be to develop a direct marketing manual and CD for county extension agents. The manual will help agricultural professionals answer questions concerning market research, new market identification, pricing, branding, promotion, and supply chain management. The second objective will be to conduct a two-day intensive direct marketing workshop. Seventy-five workshop participants will discover how to develop and evaluate a new market plan, how to conduct practical market research, know where to find data needed for marketing research, discover where to search for current price information, and investigate supply chain marketing channels. The third objective of this project will be the creation of a direct marketing web site for extension agents, specialists, and direct marketers. The web site will provide help in finding direct marketing resources and connect users with agencies, institutions, and farmers who can provide assistance in direct market development. Also, an email listserv will be established to share information and successes. Each direct marketing objective will emphasize a practical approach in building the direct marketing capacity of agricultural professionals so they can better serve their clientele. The fourth objective is that farmers will utilize these marketing skills
- Case studies are great teaching tools
- Travel budget for agents will increase participation
- Phone evaluations are considered a good way to obtain a more accurate picture of training success
S. Gary Bullen
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 8109
Raleigh , NC 27695
919-515-6096 Fax: 919-515-6268
Gary_Bullen@ncsu.edu
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ES05-080 Small-Scale Poultry Production: Sustainability Training
Small-scale commercial poultry production with outdoor access or "pastured" is an emerging alternative farm enterprise in many southern states. Traditionally, most poultry information has been aimed at either large-scale production or backyard production. Information geared for "in between" operations--small commercial flock production--has been scarce. Through this project, key leaders in sustainable poultry production, including farmers, Heifer International, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, the University of Arkansas, and Kentucky State University will plan and carry out three train-the-trainer events in three southern states (Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi) covering the many facets of sustainable poultry production, processing and marketing. Trainings will be conducted for extension personnel, USDA, and other agricultural educators. Training facilitators will utilize materials developed through previous SSARE Research and Education projects as well as newly developed information. Educator trainees will share their new knowledge at local trainings set up for farmers in Kentucky , Texas , and Mississippi . The educator and local farmer trainings and the training materials will be evaluated by participants. In addition, web-based educational modules on small-scale, sustainable poultry production will be developed for trainers and farmers and posted on the internet to help sustain post-project learning.
- Quite a diverse group
- Topic is very relevant to the South
- Builds on previous SARE research projects
- This training is much needed by agents
Rhonda Everman
Heifer International
110 N. Maysville St., Suite 100
Mt. Sterling , KY 40353
859-497-0603 Fax: 859-497-0626
Rhonda.everman@heifer.org
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ES05-081 Regional Meat Goat Production and Marketing Project: Phase 2
Meat goats are a rapidly expanding alternative farm enterprise in the South, particularly in regions that are facing reductions in commodity programs, i.e. tobacco. Professionals and farmers are searching for research-based information, yet it is lacking in many locations. This project will provide training workshops on sustainable meat goat production and marketing systems to agricultural professionals, farmer mentors, NGO's, 4-H, and farmers in six southern states using the Kentucky State University "Third Thursday Thing" model or equivalent professional and farmer training program. The statewide and local workshops and educational activities will include hands-on activities, demonstrations, farmer listening forums, and professionals and farmers as instructors. Collaborators: Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, Tennessee State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Langston University.
- Holding workshops in various socio-economic sites
- Farmer listening forums are a good method of obtaining information
- Collaboration is broad and inclusive
- Regional nature of this project is suitable for the goat industry which is spread over entire region
Marion Simon
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street
Frankfort , KY 40601
502-597-6437 Fax: 502-597-5933
msimon@gwmail.kysu.edu
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