The 100 Ranchers Inc., project focused on beginning, retired and transitioning socially disadvantaged
producers providing information, skills, and tools needed to make informative decision and enhance their profitability. The
100 Ranchers concentrated on issues facing the targeted audience and
collaborated with Landowners Association of Texas, Prairie View A&M University,
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Natural
Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.
The most effective
delivery method were the weekend regional
meetings and one state meeting. The mentors guided producers in the implementation of proven best management
practices relating to animal science, agriculture economics, and natural resource
management with the goal of reducing cost of production and increasing profit
potential. Practical field demonstrations provided an opportunity for producers to visually understand the value of best
management practices in their region.
Surveys conducted in counties with SDFR producers analyzed information
obtained from the 2012 African American Producer Risk Listening Session
conducted by the SRMEC in Memphis, TN. The issued identified from producers’ from the surveys and sessions were:
Access to Capital, Business/ Financial Training, Government Program Education
and Estate and Succession Planning. The issues identified
were consistent with those identified by CEP-PVAMU over the years via their
producer input sessions.