From July 1, 2023, until October 31, 2023, EAEC staff held several outreach trainings by
way of zoom and in person. Some additional outreach
was also one-on-one.
There were high school graduates and college attendees whom had questions regarding
risk management and the ovaious USDA programs. There were about three young adults who were interested in starting up their own farming operation which included cattle, row crop or specialty crops.
Some of our participants were familiar with most of the agency programs. We provided assistance with cash flows, budgets, crop
insurance, conservation practices that is being utilized in the Phillips, Lee
County, Monroe and St. Francis counties.
Surveys were completed by the farmers and the summer youth interns. Their knowledge prior to the survey was none, but after the training, there was some improvement.
This program is well needed for the area. EAEC will continue to assist participants by providing the necessary risk management and crop insurance and
conservation training. We also guide them to the local office for assistance for different farms which including how to get a farm number and where to go.