This project has educated a total of 713 participants in risk management topics ranging from crop insurance, farm business financial planning and management, market outlet access, land access, new production systems and technologies. Over 600 participants agreed that they "gained knowledge that will help to improve financial stability." 100% of participants strongly agreed with the statement that: "After completing this program, I am more able to make informed decisions about my current or future in Agriculture," Most importantly, 59 program participants reported a gross income increase of up to 9%, 18 participants reported 10-19% increase, 5 participants reported 20-29% increase, and one participant indicated 30% or more gross income increase.
In fulfillment of the SERME grant
agreement GR01856 entitled Risk Management Education for Socially Disadvantaged
Farmers, the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program (VSU-SFOP) the
following risk management educational activities were conducted:
Total Number of Meeting: 48
Total Number of Meeting
Participants: 713
Total Number of Meeting Participant
Hours: 2,093
Total Webinars: 7
Total Webinar Participants: 177
Total Webinar Participant Hours: 393
Total Website Visits: 3,947
Total Online Course Participants: 67
As a result of the conducted risk
management educational activities, the following positive outcomes resulted:
335 producers increased knowledge of farm business financial planning and management
91 producers developed farm business financial plans, and improved their skills in record keeping and financial analyses
29 SDNBVFR participants increased income by identifying, connecting to new markets and applying effective marketing strategies.
64 SDNBVFR participants improved their knowledge, skills and abilities to rent, lease or own, retain, and operate sustainable and profitable farm businesses
85 producers increased their farm production a minimum of 10 % by incorporating new production systems and technologies
Two online Risk Management resource and training tools developed https://vsusmallfarms.com/risk-management; https://vsusmallfarms.com/heirs-property
The
VSU-SFOP VSU is grateful for the SERME opportunity to partner in educating
participants about the risks involved in farming and how to effectively manage risks. We look forward to future funding
opportunities to continue this important work for SDNBVFR producers on behalf
of SERME.