Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
The UAPB Program Assistant (PT) will run the UAPB SARE Program with the assistance of the state coordinator. The PA will meet at least quarterly with the state coordinator to provide an update or progress report on the project. The PA may recommend changes or activities needed to keep the project on track to accomplish the objectives of the model state program. The PA will work directly with the UAPB-SARE Team and UAPB-SARE Partners to implement the project's objectives. The PA will assist the UAPB Agents in disseminating demonstration results to farmers and others. SARE education material will also be obtained and distributed to agents and farmers.
The PA will also schedule and arrange for all travel to professional educational meetings for the staff and mentor farmers. The reports will be prepared by the PA but reviewed by the state coordinator before submission or presentation. The PA will also work with the UAPB Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure that SARE Funds are being used as planned.
Project objectives from proposal:
This project will educate UAPB and EAEC Agents and mentor farmers and producers on sustainable agricultural practices, including the five principles of soil health. Education on the use of cover crops, crop rotations, nutrient management, and conservation tillage will be emphasized in row and vegetable crop production. Education on the importance of rotational grazing will be noted with livestock producers. Arkansas researchers who work on cover crops and NRCS soil health specialists will be contacted to provide education and information to the UAPB Agents and others.
This project will also provide education and assistance in vegetable production to individuals in food-desert communities. Arkansas is the most food-insecure state in the United States. Individuals, groups, and others with community gardens and raised beds will also be introduced to sustainable gardening practices.
UAPB and EAEC will have sustainable vegetable demonstrations at their locations. In addition, there will be southern peas and sweet potato demonstrations at UAPB's Lonoke and Mariana Farms. To assist in the education of agents, they will attend sustainable conferences and field days.
Training objectives
Objective One - To educate agents, mentor farmers, and producers about the use of sustainable agriculture practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, crop rotations, biodiversity, and nutrient management.
Objective Two - To educate individuals, groups, and others in food-desert communities on how to grow community or other gardens using sustainable agriculture practices such as companion crops and drip tape.
Objective Three - To provide sustainable agriculture demonstrations with sweet potatoes, southern peas, cover crops, and high tunnels. In addition, demonstrations will be conducted with community gardens and raised beds.
Objective Four - To attend conferences and field days to obtain knowledge and information about the efficient use of sustainable agriculture practices.
Objective Five - To educate farmers, ranchers, and community gardeners about the NRCS conservation programs that provide cost-share assistance to help in installing sustainable agriculture practices.