| Program Notes Winter/Spring '00 |
Field Notes A Fact Sheet Sharing Practical Results from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Projects in the North Central Region No. 6, Farmer Networks Introduction "We wanted people to know how good things taste when they are grown on local farms by local people," said Marilyn Jones, Peabody farmer and member of the Doyle Valley Farmers Market, a network of farmers who founded a market to boost their profits and support the small town. The Kansas Rural Center’s Heartland Network supports 16 "Farmer Clusters" -- producers networking to sustain farms, communities and the environment. "Peer groups make adoption of beneficial new practices much more likely," said Jerry Jost, Heartland Network coordinator. "Farmers want to learn from other farmers." As our agricultural communities face trying times, farmer networks can provide innovative ideas, economic advantages and social support. SARE grants have supported a variety of farmer networks exploring sustainable agriculture. The Birth of Midwestern Networks In the early 1980s at an Iowa State University conference, university presenters stood on a stage to speak to a group of farmers. "At that meeting, I thought, ‘There is good information coming from the front of the room, but there’s also good information available from the audience,’" said Rick Exner, Iowa State University agronomist. So Exner and a crew of farmers and researchers turned their attention to the countryside to develop on-farm research protocols. The Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) farmer network was born. A decade later, PFI has carried out more than 400 on-farm research experiments and demonstrations. Over 12 years, 15,000 farmers have attended PFI field days. Many Midwestern farmer networks share similar beginnings in the turbulent 1980s. Farmers left on the land responded to economic tragedy by creating grassroots organizations. PFI, the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, the Land Stewardship Project and others addressed the need to investigate agricultural alternatives. "Farmers were frustrated by institutions’ catering to conventional forms of agriculture," said Carmen Fernholz, farmer and president of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota (SFA). According to a 1998 study of Wisconsin grazing networks by Laura Paine, Richard Klemme, Dan Undersander and Margaret Welsh, grazing groups started there because traditional institutions could not provide information on Management Intensive Grazing (MIG). In 1986, after attending an alternative agriculture conference, four Wisconsin graziers founded an on-farm research group, which blossomed into 23 grazing networks by 1996. The SARE program and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded farmer networks throughout the nation in the early 1990s, including the IMPACT project in Nebraska, the Michigan Integrated Food and Farming Systems project and the Heartland Network. Other networks were started by nonprofit organizations, such as the Land Stewardship Project’s sponsorship of SFA in 1988. "SFA started because individuals across the countryside were trying things on their own, and they wanted to share new ideas," said Fernholz. "Those folks realized that the best education comes from other innovators." Planting Seeds for SuccessLEADERSHIP AND GROUP DYNAMICS "Leadership is very important, and it makes it easier to make decisions," said Jost. He adds that leadership in Farmer Clusters must be assumed in the group and rotated among members. But shared leadership with nonprofit groups or institutions can be helpful. Eleven of the 23 Wisconsin grazing groups are coordinated and led by farmers and 12 by agency personnel. "Having a staff person for the group helps farmers learn about the group process and have a clear leader," said Wyatt Fraas of the Center for Rural Affairs (CRA) and IMPACT, which is supported by staff from the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society and CRA. The Tallgrass Prairie Producers, a Heartland Network Cluster, found that not only leadership, but also diverse personalities, strengthen farmer groups. Annie Wilson, a Tallgrass rancher, said, "When you are forming a group and thinking about bringing people in, think of all the different levels of strengths and assets they can bring to the group." GOAL-SETTING Tools and practices are important, but they can only hold meaning if they make progress toward "bread and butter" goals, Jost said. Kansas Farmer Clusters identify shared goals – most often related to improved quality of life, profitability and meaningful relationships – and only then focus on practices. "Another trap is that groups think that they want to do good for the world, and they need a much more focused, specific objective that addresses their needs and provides tangible results," Jost added. IMPACT group projects are "farmer-driven and reflective of local priorities," Fraas said, adding that most IMPACT group goals revolve around profitability. Progress towards goals should be regularly evaluated and, if necessary, adjusted. Fernholz added that although goal-setting is important, networks should be able to change with evolutions in agriculture and communities. FUNDING "Money is a good way to jump start a group," Jost said. "But some Clusters started with a small amount of money and have seen a lot of success." It’s not clear to what extent farmer networks require a steady flow of funds for activities from newsletters to pasture walks, but strategies for generating income include grants and dues. PFI members pay $20 dues for one year or $50 for three years, and PFI grantors have provided $2 million since 1985. Fernholz said, "You don’t need a lot of money, just an idea and a desire to do something." Initially, SFA had limited funds from the Land Stewardship Project and Kellogg, but the group later received grants from state and federal sources. Nebraska IMPACT groups must apply for funding via a steering committee of peers, which directs groups and determines their adherence to IMPACT goals. Funds can also flow from agencies and institutions. Nearly all Wisconsin grazing groups receive support from agencies for postage and copying, equipment, office space, monetary support and/or a coordinator’s time. The Wisconsin study found that Extension provides these items to more than 50 percent of the grazing networks. Local Land Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices also provide support. PARTNERSHIPS "Farmer groups are really good for getting other players involved," Jost said, pointing out the value of Heartland Network relationships with NRCS, Extension and Kansas State University. These entities have written publications, assisted with field days and cooperated on sustainable agriculture research. Farmer networks have, in fact, catalyzed research at institutions. In the 1980s, the alternative agriculture model was a novel concept to university researchers. "PFI became a liaison for scientists interested in sustainable agriculture research," Exner said, adding that as PFI pushed sustainable agriculture research at Iowa State University, the University channeled funds from a petroleum overcharge to PFI. "IMPACT was put in place to institutionalize the capacity to help farmers in Nebraska," Fraas said, adding that an IMPACT group resides in each Extension region in Nebraska. "Farmers learn together with Extensionists, and Extensionists definitely have a role in farmer network development and maintenance." DeEtta Bilek, former SFA coordinator, said that due to SFA’s influence, Minnesota Extensionists now take note of consumer demands for organic, natural products and team with SFA farmers to explore new options. Fernholz added, "We’ve realized the enormous amount of information that universities can provide and how to tap into and influence research. The university system has also realized the value of innate producer knowledge." Studies suggest that agencies and institutions can support networks by providing funding, meeting facilities and facilitation, access to research facilities and results, publicity, and encouragement of network leaders. Outside of institutions, farmer networks partner with nonprofit groups and state and federal agencies. SFA’s long list of collaborators includes: the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, FSA – the Farm Services Agency, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and church congregations, who buy local foods from SFA farmers. TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES From newsletters to field days, networks provide a plethora of opportunities for learning and networking. PFI is known and respected for its on-farm research agenda. IMPACT groups were designed to support on-farm research, but, "Our farmers were just not interested in doing research like that," Fraas said. "They moved quickly into marketing issues." As with goals, activities must reflect local priorities. "Learning groups have best fit around MIG," said Jost. "Farmers have to get something out of groups, and MIG requires new management skills best learned by seeing and doing." SFA explores topics such as grazing, hoophouse and pastured hogs, crop rotations and organic systems, community-supported agriculture, agroforestry and weed management. Many farmer networks explore marketing. Rolling Prairie Alliance, a Heartland Network Cluster, cooperatively markets vegetables and herbs, with great success – gross sales have risen from $28,000 in 1994 to more than $91,000 in 1998. Field days and pasture walks pay off in venues where farmers can see systems first-hand and talk face-to-face about practical problems and solutions. Networks also sponsor events, such as the Heartland Round-Up conference, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association’s annual meeting, and SFA Decision Case workshops. Some groups travel together, such as the Doyle Valley Market Growers who took a trip to learn from a successful market gardener. Other network activities include publishing newsletters, such as PFI’s The Practical Farmer; directories, such as the SFA local marketers publication; and research reports. Many networks have gone online, such as PFI at www.pfi.iastate.edu. The key is to remain active and connected. As Jost said, "Groups having regular patterns of meetings and activities tend to be longer-lasting." According to a survey of IMPACT members in 1997, 55 percent said that IMPACT has caused changes in their production practices: 50 percent have diversified their farms, more than half of the respondents have improved wildlife habitat, one-third saw a positive effect on water quality, and 40 percent noted reduction in soil erosion. A Northwest Area Foundation/Center for Rural Affairs survey found that PFI members using sustainable practices made the most money and got the best corn yields. Of the SFA members practicing MIG at the time of a 1995 survey, 55 percent said they started as a result of SFA educational programs. According to the Wisconsin study, grazing networks have been at the heart of the popular and profitable MIG movement. Grazing networks have also linked researchers and farmers in collaborative on-farm projects. "There’s no question that SFA has made a difference at the university," Fernholz said. He points to the dedication of a Minnesota research station to Intensive Rotational Grazing, the increased attention to alternative swine production at the University of Minnesota and the placement of SFA members on committees that determine agricultural research policy. Subtle changes are seen in stories, too, such as the metamorphosis of Fernholz’s farmer neighbors: The farmer to his east, whose father farms conventionally, recently bought land and started an intensive grazing operation; the farmer to his west transitioned to organic production with SFA’s support. "People within 10 miles of my place are now asking me questions," Fernholz said. "It used to be that I didn’t get questions unless the farmer was 50 or more miles away." Reporters also ask questions at field day and events, helping disseminate information. And networks have increased the involvement of young people in sustainable agriculture. For example, young SFA members bought land from another member and ultimately won a conservation award. The City Sprouts IMPACT team proved that benefits of networks spill into urban areas: Some Omaha, Neb., neighbors taught themselves to grow and market vegetables. The garden project brought diverse community members together to create pride and trust in a formerly violent area. Forty-one percent of the SFA survey respondents said joining SFA helped them improve their quality of life. Perhaps the biggest benefit of farmer networks is social support. "There is a tremendous amount of peer pressure in rural communities. Doing things differently, such as in sustainable agriculture, makes it more difficult," Fraas said. "Groups blunt the social pressures." Three Nebraska IMPACT rural women’s groups provide a safe, supportive environment where woman can contribute to their farms and communities. "The women’s group has given me more of a voice," said Ruth Chantry, Nebraska farmer. "I see myself as more of a leader in the farm business. For the first time this year, I even put myself down as a ‘farmer’ on tax forms." In the Wisconsin study, farmer network coordinators stressed family and social issues as their major achievements. From family picnics and golf outings to helping build a neighbor’s milking parlor and sharing equipment, community ties rank high in importance to Wisconsin graziers. Fraas added, "IMPACT networks have catalyzed leadership development, community improvement and personal growth. Many people in rural areas are desperate for a sense of community. One of the strongest things that has come out of IMPACT groups is that there is hope for rural areas." -February 2000 A Few Farmer Networks in ...Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin ILLINOIS Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society INDIANA IOWA Iowa Network for Community Agriculture KANSAS MICHIGAN Michigan Hay and Grazing Council Michigan Integrated Food and Farming Systems Organic Growers of Michigan Innovative Farmers MINNESOTA MISSOURI Green Hills Farm Project Missouri Organic Association Missouri Farmers Union NEBRASKA IMPACT Project NORTH DAKOTA OHIO Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association SOUTH DAKOTA WISCONSIN Features of successful networks:
-From Research Brief #23, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. For the full Research Brief on farmer networks, contact CIAS at 608-262-5200 or see www.wisc.edu/cias/pubs/resbrief/023.html Farmer Network Resources "Building Rural Women’s Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture," Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society. Send $10 check payable to NSAS, P.O. Box 736, Hartington, NE 68739"Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture through Farmer Groups: The Experience of the Kansas Heartland Network," Kansas Rural Center, 785-873-3431 "Farmer Clusters," Management Guide MG5A.1, Kansas Rural Center, 785-873-3431 "Farmer-to-Farmer Networks: Effective Grassroots Sharing," Research Brief #23, University of Wisconsin, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, 608-262-5200, or see www.wisc.edu/cias/pubs/resbrief/023.html "A New Dawn of Farming: The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota’s Formation and Growth," Land Stewardship Project and Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, 320-594-2456 "New Farmer Network Groups and the University: A Case Study of Missouri’s Green Hills Farm Project," Executive Summary, University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 573-882-7216
Program Notes News and Announcements from the USDA SARE Program in the North Central Region, Winter/Spring 2000 Marketing Conference Review Call for Producer Grants NEW Direct Marketing Guide Book Annual Report Face-Lift National SARE Resources, Western SARE Conference If you were within 50 miles of Lincoln, Neb., on Nov. 19-20, 1999, you probably felt the energy. Nearly 400 farmers, ranchers, Extensionists, nonprofit group representatives, business leaders and researchers gathered at North Central Region SARE’s marketing conference – Alternative Agriculture Marketing: Developing Skills for the New Millennium. Thanks to the enthusiasm and knowledge of conference participants, we met the meeting goals: to help farmers and ranchers develop alternative marketing skills and supportive relationships and to make more direct connections between farm gates and dinner plates for healthy, local food systems. A Michigan Extension agent said, "In my seven years in Extension, this was the best conference that I have attended." Farmers appreciated learning from other farmers about everything from consumer education to processing pastured poultry. Let’s continue the marketing momentum. We will send follow-up letters to conference participants, sharing a list of participants. If you would like to receive a marketing conference notebook, please call 402-472-7081 or send e-mail to ncrsare@unl.edu. If you would like to join an alternative marketing e-mail listserve, send a request to lbauer2@unl.edu. Once again, thanks to the conference planning committee (John Allen, Molly Bartlett, Jim Goodman, Mary Hanks, Jerry Jost, Ron Macher and Fred Madison), speakers and exhibitors, and the following conference sponsors: Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (University of Nebraska), Fort Berthold Community College, Kansas Rural Center, Land Stewardship Project, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture ( Iowa State University), Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, National SARE program, Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, Successful Farming magazine and Professional Development Programs at every North Central land grant university. Here’s wishing you lucrative marketing in 2000 and beyond! NCR-SARE encourages producers who want to test an idea, demonstrate an alternative, or work with other farmers to apply for producer grants in February 2000. Approximately $350,000 will be available in this ninth granting cycle. Individual farmers and ranchers can apply for up to $5,000 and groups of three or more farmers and ranchers can apply for up to $15,000. Applications are due April 28, 2000. Part of the grant funds will be earmarked for special marketing and agroforestry projects in cooperation with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and National Agroforestry Center. Contact NCR-SARE for applications at 402-472-7081 or ncrsare@unl.edu. Or find the application at www.sare.org/ncrsare on Feb. 1. Direct questions to Ken Schneider, NCR-SARE’s producer grant program coordinator, at 402-472-0809 or kschneider1@unl.edu. NCR-SARE recommended 43 producer grants to receive 1999 funding. Among the diversity of projects are producers exploring grazing, agroforestry, poultry production and processing, special apple varieties, cover crops, value-added products, profitable vineyards, farmer marketing clubs, medicinal herbs, high-profit dairy markets, and much more! For information on previously funded producer projects, see the national SARE project database at www.sare.org/projects/search.html or contact Ken Schneider at 402-472-0809. NEW Direct Marketing Guide Book Farmers and ranchers involved or interested in direct marketing will find answers to pressing questions in the Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing, written by law professor Neil Hamilton and funded by a NCR-SARE Professional Development Program project. The Legal Guide answers common questions about laws on marketing products directly to consumers and to retail and wholesale buyers. Hamilton wrote the book for farmers direct marketing food products and for farm advisers, such as Extensionists and attorneys working with farmers. Twelve chapters cover legal issues regarding farmers markets; on-farm businesses; contracts, food stamps and getting paid; advertising, organic certification and eco-labels; land use and property law; labor and employment; insurance and liability; and inspection, processing and food safety. The book’s narrative is laced with specific examples of court cases, state laws and local regulations involving direct farm marketing. Resource lists, tips, Q & A’s and sidebars contribute to its user-friendly format. Hamilton also refers readers to contacts and resources across the nation. Hamilton has taught agricultural law for more than 18 years and has written a series of books and articles for farmers and lawyers. He also raises vegetables on his Iowa farm. The 235-page Legal Guide costs $20 each or $15 each for 20 or more copies. The first 50 people to call NCR-SARE at 402-472-7081 will receive a complimentary copy! To order copies, contact Drake University Agricultural Law Center, Des Moines, IA 50311; 515-271-2947. Do we really read those surveys you send back about NCR-SARE Annual Reports? You bet. And this year we’re fielding your feedback to create a more user-friendly report format.The 1999 NCR-SARE Annual Report, available in mid-April, will list active grants and provide summaries of active producer grants. The abbreviated publication will also showcase several projects and provide information on accessing grant summaries from the national SARE website. The report will cater to your networking needs, evident in survey results, by featuring contact information for a variety of experts in North Central fields, labs, institutions and organizations. New information products will be listed with ordering information. And again we’ll ask for your feedback, so keep the constructive comments coming. For a free copy of the 1999 Report, call 402-472-7081 or send e-mail to ncrsare@unl.edu. National SARE Resources, Western SARE Conference The national SARE program continues to churn out practical publications. The latest creationsinclude Reap New Profits: Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranchers and CSA Farms in the United States, 1999-2000. The marketing bulletin offers snapshots of many alternatives to conventionally marketing commodities. Written for producers and agricultural professionals, the publication offers tips on how to get started in alternative marketing enterprises, peppered with examples of people using such strategies in the field. This free publication is available at www.sare.org/htdocs/pubs. Call 402-472-7081 or send e-mail to ncrsare@unl.edu for a printed copy. The Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) collaborated with the USDA and many nonprofit organizations to create the CSA publication. Available in print as well as online, the list of more than 450 farms offers names and contact information for CSA operations in almost every state. To access the new CSA list, see www.sare.org/csa/index.htm, where you can search by state. Farmers and consumers can receive lists of CSA farms in their states by writing to CSA/CSREES, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 2207, Washington, DC 20250-2207. Organizations can request a free copy of the printed CSA directory at the same address. (Please specify whether you want a directory or a state list in your request.) Western SARE proudly presents a sustainable agriculture conference in Portland, Oregon, on March 7-9. This millennium event will showcase innovative agricultural practices and systems, outcomes of scientific research and successful examples of sustainable agricultural enterprises. Progressive farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators from the Western region will share their experiences and results. See wsare.usu.edu/2000/ or call 541-737-5477 for more information.
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