Progress report for STX21-001
Project Information
Texas’ Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee meets annually to oversee the state program for training agricultural professionals in concepts of sustainable agriculture. The program involves a multifaceted effort that provides training opportunities for County Extension Agents, FSA personnel, NRCS personnel, producers, and other agricultural professionals and also incorporates concepts of sustainable agriculture in existing, state-wide training efforts. These training opportunities include conferences, field meetings and workshops held at various locations in Texas.
Another approach of the Texas Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee is to support travel of selected professionals to regional and national conferences on sustainable agriculture, with the intent of participants gaining knowledge and skills that they will share with other agricultural professionals in Texas.
Program evaluation will be accomplished with pre- and post-tests designed to measure knowledge gained by participating in educational programs. A subset of attendees will be mailed an additional survey instrument four to eight months after the training to determine if participants have adopted any of the sustainable concepts presented. The aim of the evaluation is assess knowledge gained and to determine whether new knowledge will be applied in future programs for their clientele.
- Annually conduct training for new employees of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (AgriLife) and the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) at Prairie View A&M University regarding sustainable agricultural practices and Southern Region SARE programs. Goal of training 20 new employees.
- Annually include USDA - Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Credit System personnel in seminars and trainings regarding sustainable agriculture practices and Southern Region SARE programs held locally or on a state-wide basis. Goal of training 20 USDA and Farm Credit personnel.
- Annually participate in three outreach efforts, such as field days and industry conferences, to inform producers and agricultural professionals regarding the SARE program. Goal of reaching 500 agricultural professionals.
- Maintain a website to provide timely and updated information related to SARE and the SARE grant program to Texas clientele. Goal of 500 “hits” on updated website.
- Annually conduct training for Extension agents and agency staffs to learn to instruct socially disadvantaged farmers, landowners and community leaders, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, women and persons who have limited resources of land, labor and capital regarding sustainable agriculture practices and Southern Region SARE programs. Goal of training 20 Extension agents and/or agency personnel.
Expected outcomes from Texas SARE program
- Forty AgriLife and CEP Agents will increase knowledge in sustainable systems and the SARE program through participation in PDP activities. Agents will also be introduced to the SARE grant program and encouraged to submit appropriate proposals as requests for proposals are called.
- Thirty USDA and FCS staff will increase knowledge in sustainable systems and grants available for agriculture producers for establishing sustainable practices on their operations.
- At least 500 Texas citizens, who are not employed by USDA, will become more knowledgeable of Sustainable Agriculture practices through active participation in the Texas Sustainable Agriculture Program. Although certain in-service training sessions will be limited to USDA employees, farmers and landowners will be invited to participate in most of the SARE-PDP training programs held in 2021-2022.
- Although the primary audience is Extension agents and agency staff, 75 socially disadvantaged farmers, landowners and community leaders including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, women and persons who have limited resources of land, labor and capital, will also be invited and will become more knowledgeable and accepting of Sustainable Agriculture practices through active participation in the Texas Sustainable Agriculture Program. At least five of these minority farmers will submit SARE Producer Grant proposals during 2021-2022.
Advisors
Education
Texas SARE serves as a leader for training Texas agricultural professionals regarding concepts of sustainable agriculture. For the reporting period, the program involved a multifaceted effort that provided opportunities to be trained or to participate in delivering training for mentor producers, county Extension agents, various groundwater district personnel, NRCS personnel, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality personnel, Texas Alliance of Groundwater District personnel, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation personnel, Soil and Water Conservation District personnel, NGOs and other agricultural professionals and also incorporates concepts of sustainable agriculture in existing, statewide training efforts. These training opportunities include conferences, field meetings and workshops held at various locations in Texas. Another approach of the Texas Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee is to support travel of selected professionals to regional and national conferences on sustainable agriculture, with the intent of participants gaining knowledge and skills that they will share with other agricultural professionals in Texas.
Program evaluation was accomplished with pre- and post-tests measuring knowledge gained by participating in educational programs. The aim of the evaluation is to assess knowledge gained and to determine whether new knowledge will be applied by participants.
The Texas Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee (AC) conducted their annual meetings in Prairie View on 30 January 2020 and 21 January 2021 to plan training opportunities in sustainability. The Texas AC sponsored training activities related to the USDA-SARE program, grant opportunities, organic vegetable production and marketing, and sustainable systems.
Emphasis was also placed on outreach efforts to increase awareness of Texas SARE. These included establishing and manning an educational display at the Texas Organic Farmer Gardener Conference and the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Conference. Our outreach efforts were supported through update and maintenance of the Texas SARE program website. From May 1, 2020 until April 31, 2021 there were 162,786 visits. The Texas SARE website can be found at http://sare.tamu.edu.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Provide a sustainable organic agent training for District 9 TCAAA extension agent.
Dr. Nelson Daniels provided agents information on SARE funding opportunities available to them including the Producer Grant, the On-Farm Reseach Grant, and the Graduate Student Grant. Also, John Smith described other Texas SARE programs including the Grassfed Beef Conference, the Sheep and Goat Expo, Cover crop programs, Ft. Bend Regional Vegetable conference and many other continuing education programs available to them and their mentor farmer/ranchers. Brandi Chandler, Interim Coordinator for Organic Certification, explained what is required for organic certification in Texas.
Agents had many questions and positive comments on the training. The training provided details regarding organic certification as well as whom to contact for answers to sustainable and organic questions. Also, the agents expressed interest in other Texas SARE training opportunities available. The 51 Extension agents in attendance expressed appreciation for the program.
Texas SARE are provided scholarships for students from 1890 universities in the southeast to attend the MANRRS Virtual Annual Conference
Texas SARE provided scholarships to the 35th MANRRS Annual Career Fair and Training Conference. It is an intriguing time for the food, agriculture, natural resources, and related science fields as we continue to grow and evolve, remaining always adaptable, motivated and responsive to our membership, societal, and workforce needs.
Through the Annual Career Fair and Training Conference, the National Society of MANRRS offers many benefits and services to help members increase their knowledge and develop skills in partnerships for students’ success. Our sessions acquaint new members with MANRRS and prepare them for future roles in their chapters, and help experienced members improve and refine their knowledge and skills for their ideal job or internship in the field of agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences industry.
Through Dr. Daniels, Texas SARE provided 5 scholarships for this online training opportunity.
Texas SARE provide SARE funding opportunities for the Battleground to Breaking Ground veteran program.
Texas and Southern SARE provided SARE funding opportunities in a video for the Battleground to Breaking Ground program for veterans in cooperation with Texas AgrAbility, USDA, NCAT, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Farm Credit, and Alamo SWCD#330. Veterans learned about Texas AgrAbility, details regarding the Battleground to Breaking Ground Project, rural business ideas, the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, veterans in production agriculture, and business planning basics.
John Smith, Texas SARE delivered a program for video on available funding opportunities and other programs provided by Texas SARE. This is mainly used by Veterans.
Present information on the different SARE grants, and different loans and cost share programs that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE state co-coordinator, provided information on SARE grants, and other grants, loans and cost share offered by USDA Farm Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Department of Agriculture and emergency assistance for commercial producers. Information was also provided on farm planning and business management. The training included women and minorities including beginning farmers/ranchers and mentor farmers/ranches. Some of those trained plan to present the information to other producers
Attendees including both beginning and mentor farmers/ranchers, and master gardeners. Forty-five producers and 12 county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability practices as well as funding sources.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith and Joel Pigg provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners and county Extension agents regarding best management practices for private water wells. Summer Webb, general manager for the Brewster County and Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District (GCD), spoke regarding the suitability of local well water from their aquifer for sustainable agricultural irrigation and domestic purposes, and plans for its sustainability. The GCDs offered to provide follow-up testing for the arsenic problems the well water screening program identified. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees and supported the team’s travel as well as part of John Smith’s salary.
Private well owners and county Extension agents plan to apply and share the information delivered regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Two agents, 5 mentor farmers and 8 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Participants said the program value for their participation was $1,531 each or $19,903 total for the programs.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, fishermen, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding supported some of John Smith’s travel costs and the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Attendees including private well owners, master farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents will apply and share information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Summer Webb, general manager for the Brewster County and Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District (GCD), spoke regarding the suitability of local well water from their aquifer for sustainable agricultural irrigation and domestic purposes, and plans for its sustainability. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to 50 attendees. Survey participants from Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties indicated they valued program at an average of $787 or $39,350.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
Diane Boellstorff, John Smith, Joel Pigg, and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 18 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $367 each or $12,845 total for the program.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith and Joel Pigg provided well water sample testing and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Joel Pigg described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others, and the District well registration/permitting process. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents will apply and share information delivered regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. Two agents, 25 mentor ranchers/farmers and 50 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $1,576.03 each or $118,202.25 total for the program.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
Diane Boellstorff, Joel Pigg, and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the San Gabriel River Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 4 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 9 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $955.11 each or $11,461 total for the program.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, fishermen, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding supported some of John Smith’s travel costs and the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Doug Shaw, General Manager of Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Partnership spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, fishermen, master farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents will apply and share information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to 52 attendees. Survey participants from Wise county indicated they valued program at an average of $441.81 or $27,392.22.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 4 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 12 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $1275 each or $20,00 total for the program.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Doug Shaw, General Manage of Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Partnership spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 29 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $1,012 each or $72,864 total for the program.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, Doug Shaw,General Manage of Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Partnership spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Joel Pigg, Ryan Gerlich and John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 29 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $1003.55 each or $30,106.50 total for the program.
Participants learn about proper stockpiling of forages to safeguard continued forage availability for finishing cattle, as well as science-based information regarding carcass preparation. The training was held in the Texas A and M Rosenthal Meats Center and included a demonstration emphasizing the proportion of total meat product derived from end rather than middle meats in the fabrication of a side of beef.
Texas SARE worked closely to assist Dr. Jason Cleere and Dr. Ron Gill in many ways in coordinating the Grass-fed Beef training held in the Rosenthal Meat Science lab on the TAMU campus. Dr. Cleere also is a Texas SARE AC member. Texas SARE also provided assistance with press release development and financial support for the conference. Texas SARE also provided the SARE book Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures for each participant. Participants learned about proper stockpiling of forages to safeguard continued forage availability for finishing cattle, as well as science-based information on carcass preparation that included a demonstration emphasizing the proportion of total meat product derived from end rather than middle meats in the fabrication of a side of beef. The training was held in the Texas A and M Rosenthal Meats Center.
Participants including county Extension agents and mentor ranchers will apply and share the information delivered at the conference. The training was held in the Texas A and M Rosenthal Meats Center. Four Extension agent employees, 14 mentor ranchers and 22 others attended.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith, Joel Pigg, and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Sinclaire Newby, Public Relations of Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District Partnership spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 29 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $848.50 each or $19,515 total for the program.
Present information on the different SARE grants, and different loans and cost share programs that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Provide information to underserved of legal risk and exposure for agriculture producers.
Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE state co-coordinator, provided information on SARE grants, and other grants, loans and cost share offered by USDA Farm Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Department of Agriculture and emergency assistance for commercial producers. Information was also provided on online resources for developing business plans as well . as informations about marketing agricultural products. The training included women and minorities including beginning farmers/ranchers and mentor farmers/ranches. Some of those trained plan to present the information to others
Attendees including both beginning and mentor farmers/ranchers, and master gardeners. The 9 county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability practices as well as funding sources.
Staff a Texas SARE booth to share county Extension agent sustainable agriculture training opportunities available through SARE and grant opportunities for agents' farmers to use to solve sustainable agriculture problems they might be experiencing.
The Texas SARE booth showcases training opportunities through SARE train-the-trainer programs as well as provides information regarding On-Farm Research and Producer Grant opportunities. Furthermore, agents were asked what training topics were important to them. Information regarding water management practices continued to be requested, both for agricultural irrigation water quality, as well as rain water havesting. Also, Texas Extension agents were encouraged to register for the SARE/NACAA Sustainable Agriculture Fellows program. Many of the agents participated in Texas hosting the Fellows program in 2017, and so they were asked to share information about their experiences and about the Fellows program with others.
Agents learned about SARE training opportunities, with special focus on the the SARE Fellows program. Many of the agents had been involved with the Texas SARE/NACAA Sustainable Agriculture Fellows program in May 2017 and so were able to speak from direct, personal experience. Agents also learned about both grant and train-the-trainer opportunities with SARE. The number of agents attending was 142.
Agents and other participants learn about sustainable vegetable production through a series of break-out sessions.
Boone Holladay, Ft. Bend County Extension Agent for Horticulture, is coordinator of one of the largest and best vegetable garden trainings in Texas. Through Southern SARE training funds, Boone has continued to keep up to date and expand his knowledge by attending a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, the 2016 Southern Cover Crop Conference, and a Texas Organic Farmer and Gardener Association annual meeting. SARE also provided books for break-out sessions for the attendees. Presentations at the 2021 online included: Variety Selection for Disease Management. Pesticide Comparison- Organic vs Conventional and Organic Agriculture Opportunities and Challenges.
Boone Holladay, Ft. Bend County Extension Agent for Horticulture, is coordinator of one of the largest and best vegetable garden trainings in Texas. Through Southern SARE training funds, Boone has continued to keep up to date and expand his knowledge by attending a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, the 2016 Southern Cover Crop Conference, and a Texas Organic Farmer and Gardener Association annual meeting. SARE also provided books for break-out sessions for the attendees. Presentations at the 2021 online included: Variety Selection for Disease Management. Pesticide Comparison- Organic vs Conventional and Organic Agriculture Opportunities and Challenges.
Present information on the different SARE grants, and different loans and cost share programs that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Present information on the different SARE grants, and different loans and cost share programs that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Attendees including both beginning and mentor farmers/ranchers, and master gardeners. The 22 women producers will use and share the information received regarding the suitability practices as well as funding sources.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith, Ryan Gerlick and Joel Pigg provided well water sample testing and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Gary Westbrook, General Manager, and Bobby Bazan, Water Resources Management Specialist for the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others, and the District well registration/permitting process. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents will apply and share information delivered regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. Two agents, 25 mentor ranchers/farmers and 72 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $949.61 each or $73,119.97 total for the program.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Merideth Allen,General Manager Menard County Underground Water Conservation District spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, watershed coordinators, GCD personnel, and county Extension agents will use and share information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. Three agents, 2 USDA, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 31 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $679.80 each or $36,029.40 total for the program.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, watershed coordinators, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, Andy James, watershed coordinator for the Leon River Watershed Protection Plan Partnership described local aquifer characteristics as well as aquifers of Texas. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Merideth Allen,General Manager Sutton County Underground Water Conservation District spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents plan to use information presented regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, four mentor farmers, 2 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $679.80 each or $4,758.60 total for the program.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, Meredith Allen, General Manager Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents plan to use and share information delivered regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. An Extension Agent, 3 mentor farmers and 3 others attended. A survey of Junction participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $679.80 each or $ 10,876.8total for the program.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
Joel Pigg provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers, master gardeners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding supported the distribution of the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply to attendees. In addition in Seguin, Evginia Spears, watershed coordinator for the Geronimo/Alligator Watershed and in Lampasas, Lisa Pricin, watershed coordinator for the Lampasas River Watershed spoke regarding efforts of the watershed protection plan partnership to protect and preserve water quality for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers, master gardeners and county Extension agents plan to use the information delivered regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to participants. SARE also supported travel costs and part of John Smith’s salary. Three agents and 99 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $553.30 each or $31,538.10 total for the program.
Present information on the different SARE grants, and different loans and cost share programs that are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE state co-coordinator, provided information on SARE grants, and other grants, loans and cost share offered by USDA Farm Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Department of Agriculture and emergency assistance for commercial producers. Information was also provided on feral hog management and the Texas AgrAbility project. The training included women and minorities including beginning farmers/ranchers and mentor farmers/ranches. Some of those trained plan to present the information to others.
Attendees including both beginning and mentor farmers/ranchers, and master gardeners. The 11 county Extension agents trained will use and share the information received regarding the suitability practices as well as funding sources.
Provide well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents will use and share the information received regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. One agent, 17 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 29 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $500 each or $23,000 total for the program.
Present a Texas SARE booth to share sustainable agriculture training opportunities available through SARE and grant opportunities for farmers to use to solve sustainable agriculture problems they might be experiencing. Ask attendees what SARE training they would like to see occur.
The Texas SARE booth showcases training opportunities through SARE train-the-trainer programs as well as provides information regarding On-Farm Research and Producer Grant opportunities. Furthermore, 300 SARE publications were distributed to the 137 attendees.
Agents and mentor ranchers also learned about both grant and train-the-trainer opportunities with SARE. Agents in attendance, learned about SARE training opportunities, with special focus on the the SARE Fellows program.
Provide well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith and Joel Pigg provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE funded part of John Smith’s salary.
Attendees including private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents will apply and share information delivered regarding best management practices for private water wells and the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. One agent, 5 mentor farmers/ranchers and 15 others participated. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $940 each or $18,800 total for the program.
Provide sustainable agriculture training to teachers and instructors on a variety of water subjects from conservation and quality, to rainwater harvesting as well as the latest on the FSMA guidelines.
Topics included: 1) Innovation in connecting agriculture to health and wellness; 2) Growing sustainability and empowering teachers; 3) Water quality, Where does my water come from, and how good is it for my plants?
The 146 attendees will train others based on the information delivered at the training.
Provide sustainable agriculture books to NRCS, Texas A&M AgriLife employees, Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension and mentor farmer ranchers through the SSARE book program.
Provide sustainable agriculture books to NRCS, Texas A&M AgriLife employees, Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension and mentor farmer ranchers through the SSARE book program.
This is a great program that is very beneficial to Texas! Delivery goes to directly to the office of those requesting the materials. Candace does an excellent job in directing this effort! For 2020 Texas requested 956 books. Obviously, it is a very appreciated resource by the Texas participants.
Provide sustainable agriculture training to teachers and instructors on a variety of water subjects from conservation and quality, to rainwater harvesting as well as the latest on the FSMA guidelines.
Topics included: 1) Organic Cotton Transition-Daniel Hathcoat; 2) 26 cover crop species-Daniel Hathcoat; 3) Residual herbicide and cover crops-Daniel Hathcoat; 4) Greenhouse gas emissions from cover crops and reduced tillage-Diana Zapata-Rojas; 5) Cover crops in corn and sorghum-Jack Nielson; 6) Legume species and seeding rate trial-Dr. Jake Mowrer; 7) Carbon amendments and tillage in corn production-Binita Thapa; 8) XtendFlex cotton stewardship trail-Rohith Vulchi; 9) SARE funding opportunities-John W. Smith.
Forty-seven attendees made up of 25 employees from USDA, 15 employees of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and 7 employees from Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Service.
To provide sustainable forage management practices to county extension agents, NRCS staff and mentor farmers in Comanche County.
Topics included: Management of introduced forage species; Pasture integrated pest management and Non-restricted use herbicides for forage production systems.
Thirty five attendees made up of 5 employees from USDA, 5 employees of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and 25 mentor farmers and ranchers.
To provide sustainable forage management practices to county extension agents, NRCS staff and mentor farmers in Wise County.
Topics included: Native vs. introduced forages and pest management; Establishing native grasses; and Management of forage insect pests.
Fifteen attendees made up of 3 employees from USDA, 2 employees of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and 10 mentor farmers and ranchers
Texas SARE provided SARE funding opportunities for the Battleground to Breaking Ground veteran program.
Texas and Southern SARE provided SARE funding opportunity for the Battleground to Breaking Ground program for veterans in cooperation with Texas AgrAbility, USDA, NCAT, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Farm Credit, and Alamo SWCD#330. Veterans learned about Texas AgrAbility, details regarding the Battleground to Breaking Ground Project, rural business ideas, the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, veterans in production agriculture, and business planning basics.
Texas SARE delivered a program for a video on available funding opportunities through SARE. This video was watched by 86 participants with most being Veterans.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Pre/Post test administered indicate a 93 percent increase in knowledge of program participants
Thank you for providing continued support to make a difference in sustainable agriculture in Texas!
Face of SARE
Texas SARE serves as a leader for training Texas Agriculture professionals regarding concepts of sustainable agriculture. Cooperative program efforts involve providing opportunities to be trained or to participate in delivering trainings for mentor producers, county Extension agents, various groundwater district personnel, NRCs personnel, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality personnel, Texas Alliance of Groundwater District personnel, River Authority personnel, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation personnel, Soil and Water Conservation District personnel, NGO's and other agriculture professionals. These training opportunities include conferences, field meetings and workshops held at various locations in Texas and nationwide. The Texas Sustainable Agriculture Resource Education Advisor Committee also supports travel of selected professionals to regional and national conferences on sustainable agriculture, with the intent for participants to gain knowledge and skills that they share with other agriculture professionals in Texas.