Progress report for STX23-001
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 35 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 35 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 1,000 agricultural professionals.
- Maintain a website to provide timely and updated information related to SARE and the SARE grant program to Texas clientele. Goal of 1,000 “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 35 Extension agents and/or agency personnel.
Advisors
- (Researcher)
- (Educator)
- (Educator)
- (Educator)
- (Researcher)
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 meeting in Prairie View on 30 January 2024 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, the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Conference, Extension Specialist Association, and the Food Summit and Texas Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference- McAllen. Our outreach efforts were supported through update and maintenance of the Texas SARE program website. From July 1, 2023, until May 31, 2024 there were 281,315 visits. The Texas SARE website can be found at http://sare.tamu.edu.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Participants learn about proper nutrition for locally grown finishing cattle, as well as science-based information regarding carcass preparation. The training was held in the Texas A&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 helped 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&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&M Rosenthal Meats Center. Five Extension agent employees, 33 mentor ranchers and 38 others attended.
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.
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.
Joel Pigg provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, fishermen, 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 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, 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 14 attendees. Survey participants from Bee County indicated they valued the program at an average of $787 per participant or a total value of $11,018.
Provide rainwater harvesting and water quality and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private capture structures owners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses for urban farmers.
John Smith provided water quality education and rainwater harvesting train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for mentor farmers wanting a RWH structure and county Extension agents regarding best management practices for private water conservation. Rachael Windham, Senior Planner at Houston-Galveston Area Council, spoke regarding the suitability of local water resources from their aquifer for sustainable agricultural irrigation and domestic purposes, and plans for its sustainability. SARE funding provided the Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning Manual that was made available to attendees and supported the team’s travel as well as part of John Smith’s salary.
Mentor farmers and county Extension agents plan to apply and share the information delivered regarding the suitability of local water conservation for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. One agent, 25 mentor farmers and 39 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Harris County indicated they valued program at an average of $589 per participant or a total value of $38,285.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Two agents, 7 mentor farmers and 33 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Galveston County indicated they valued program at an average of $487 per participant or a total value of $20,454.
Staff manned 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 rainwater harvesting. 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 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 147.
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 provided well water sample testing 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. Joel Pigg described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others, and the Clearwater Groundwater Conservation 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. Survey participants from Bell County indicated they valued the program at an average of $938 per participant or a total value of $39,396.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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, 3 mentor farmers and 8 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Nacogdoches County indicated they valued the program at an average of $405 per participant or a total value of $5,265.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Three agents, 7 mentor farmers and 34 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Fannin County indicated they valued the program at an average of $1,412 per participant or a total value of $62,128.
Staff manned a Texas SARE booth to share Texas Specialist 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, Specialist 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 rainwater harvesting. Also, Texas Extension Specialist 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.
Specialist learned about SARE training opportunities, with special focus on the SARE Fellows program. Many of the Specialists 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 Specialist attending was 43.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning 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. Survey participants from Montgomery County indicated they valued program at an average of $1,116 per participant or a total value of $16,740.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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, 4 mentor farmers and 23 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Harris County indicated they valued program at an average of $548 per participant or a total value of $15,892.
Provide best management practices to improve sustainability of forage production in the state of Texas. Due to weather conditions and fertilizer costs, livestock producers need to improve management practices to remain profitable and sustainable.
Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Dr. F. Monte Rouquette, Jr., Dr. Larry Redmon and Dr. Ray Smith provided critical information to livestock producers on ways to improve sustainability. Primary focus was on grazing management strategies, utilization of cool season annual forage, integrated pest management and improved nutrient management.
Livestock producers plan to utilize soil testing as a means of making more effective and more economical nutrient management decisions. Grazing management strategies will be implemented to improve persistence of perennial forage stands. Four hundred livestock producers, county extension agents, NRCS faculty and students attended this program that was offered as part of the Beef Cattle Short Course. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge.
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 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. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the Friends of the San Bernard River 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, 6 mentor farmers/master gardeners and 33 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $1,473 each or $58,920 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.
Joel Pigg provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, fishermen, 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 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, 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 240 attendees. Survey participants from Burleson and Milam Counties indicated they valued program at an average of $787 per participant or $188,880.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning 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.
Provide an educational opportunity for livestock producers on the utilization of stockpiled forage and cover crops for maintaining livestock during the winter and spring.
Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson and Dr. Jason Banta provided livestock producers with information on the utilization of stockpiled forage and cover crops for winter pasture systems. Information on SARE funding opportunities was made available to them including the Producer Grant and the On-Farm Research Grant.
100 producers attended this event. Based on post event evaluations 80% of participants indicated that they would implement cover crops in their forage systems in the future. 100% of the participants indicated knowledge gained.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Three agents, 6 mentor farmers and 6 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Guadalupe County indicated they valued program at an average of $834 per participant or a total value of $12,510.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning 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. 94.4% increased their knowledge and 100% plan to adopt.
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.
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. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.
Two agents, 6 mentor ranchers/farmers and 8 others attended. A survey of participants indicated that they valued the program at an average of $2,500 each or $35,000 total for the program.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning 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.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Three agents, 11 mentor farmers and 26 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge.
Update AC membership on 2023 project highlights. Provide recommendations for 2024 plans.
The Texas AC meeting provides update on 2023 program highlights and 2024 program plans from those involved. The AC involvement is greatly appreciated from Texas SARE to provide critical recommendations to Texas SARE.
Participants including Extension specialist (PVAMU and AgriLife), county extension agents (PVAMU and AgriLife) and mentor ranchers. The training was held as a hybrid program for convenience to the 15 participants present.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning 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. 93% plan to adopt what was presented and 89% increased their knowledge on materials presented.
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, over 150 SARE publications were distributed to the attendees.
Participants learned about both grant and train-the-trainer opportunities with SARE. Agents in attendance, learned about SARE training opportunities, with special focus on the SARE Fellows program. 250 participants attend the conference.
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.
Books available included: 1) Building a Sustainable Business; 2) Building Soils for Better Crops; 3) Crop Rotation on Organic Farms; 4) Farmers' Guide to Business Structures; 5) Managing Alternative Pollinators; 6) Managing Cover Crops Profitably; 7) Organic Transition; 8) Systems Research for Agriculture; 9) The New American Farmer; 10) Youth Renewing the Countryside.
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 2024 Texas requested 228 books. Obviously, it is a very appreciated resource by the Texas participants.
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 2024 conference included: Protecting pollinators in crop production areas-Bees & Honey Production, Dennis Gray, Pirate Honey Farm, Marketing Produce, Robert Maggiani, NCAT, Katie Triitsch, Texas Center for Local Food, Climate/Drought & Irrigation, Dr. Ali Fares, Prairie View A&M University, Backyard Gardening & Alternatives Techniques: An Introduction to Permaculture Design, Carol Burton, Urban Harvest, Mushroom Gardening, Dr. Venkatesh Balan, University of Houston, Integrated Pest Management, Dr. John Gordy, Syngenta.
Agents and participants attended a variety of break-out session on sustainable vegetable production. Information will be used and shared by participants and/or to train others. Seven agents, 6 USDA employees, 2 Texas Prison System, 47 mentor farmer/gardeners and 124 others attended. SARE provided much-appreciated books for break-out sessions for the attendees.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. One agent, 9 mentor farmers and 36 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. Survey participants from Kendall County indicated they valued program at an average of $770 or $35,420.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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, 2 mentor farmers and 4 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. 94% of participants satisfied with accuracy of information and timeliness of the information. Survey participants from Hays County indicated they valued program at an average of $1,750 or $14,000.
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, over 150 SARE publications were distributed to the attendees.
Participants learned about both grant and train-the-trainer opportunities with SARE. Agents in attendance, learned about SARE training opportunities, with special focus on the SARE Fellows program. Over 255 participants attended the conference.
Provide rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for water conservation and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of rainwater for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.
John Smith provided rainwater harvesting and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for rainwater capture and water conservation to county Extension agents and other participants regarding best management practices for water use.
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 Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning was made available to attendees. SARE funding supported travel expenses and part of John Smith’s salary. Two agents, 5 mentor farmers and 22 others attended. Post-tests indicated that all attendees increased their knowledge. 100% of participants plan to construct a RWH capture system. 89% of participants increased knowledge.
Staff manned 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 rainwater harvesting. 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 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 22.
Staff manned 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 rainwater harvesting. 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 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 24.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Pre and Post test administered indicate 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 agricultural 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.