Completed Project Report


Developing Young Producers through a Challenge Group

  • Award Amount: $27,504
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2008 Competitive Grant Program
  • Project Director: Cole Ehmke
  • Email: cehmke@uwyo.edu
  • Organization: University of Wyoming

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

Producers typically have strong production and technology skills. Less strong are skills relevant to business assessment and relationships. The Challenge Group, a one-year, multi-session program for new and beginning producers built a set of financial, legal, risk management and strategic skills in a highly participatory environment using three strategies. This class reached 11 individuals from eight farming operations in the Powell area of northwestern Wyoming. At each session content was provided on management skills which were used in developing the elements of a business plan. Participants toured classmates’ operations and hosts discussed the venture’s production performance and methods for improvement. Participants’ financial records were analyzed quarterly by a University of Wyoming economist to highlight opportunities for improved risk management and cost control. This program challenged families to think comprehensively about their operations, interact closely with peers and build management skills. Peer associations have continued after program.

Number of Participants: 11

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.

DELIVERY AREA

DESCRIBE ANY UNEXPECTED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT:

HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE PROJECT IF YOU WERE TO DO IT AGAIN?

WHAT WERE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR YOUR PARTICIPANTS?

INDIVIDUAL STORIES / EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS / QUOTES