MSSTATE Program Assistant for Sustainable Agriculture: Small Ruminants, Beef and 4H

Project Overview

SMS23-A001
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2023: $33,000.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2024
Grant Recipient: Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University
Region: Southern
State: Mississippi
State Coordinator:
Dr. Leyla Rios
Email
Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University

Information Products

Commodities

  • Animals: bovine, goats, sheep
  • Animal Products: dairy, meat

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, feed management, grazing management, grazing - continuous, grazing - multispecies, grazing - rotational, herbal medicines, livestock breeding, meat processing, meat processing facilities, meat product quality/safety, mineral supplements, parasite control, pasture renovation, rangeland/pasture management, stocking rate, therapeutics, vaccines
  • Education and Training: decision support system, demonstration, extension, mentoring, on-farm/ranch research, technical assistance, workshop, youth education
  • Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures, urban agriculture

    Proposal abstract:

    Traditional agriculture producers benefit and utilize sustainable agriculture practices that prove more economical and/or improve the quality of life and the community in which they live. One training objective is to assist all agriculture producers with a better understanding of sustainable agriculture and fulfill the mission of the S-SARE program: “to expand knowledge and adoption of sustainable agriculture practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and good for all members of the community”. Each year MSSTATE Extension meets in Advisory Council Meetings to find out directly from stakeholders what are the needs of each Commodity group. This year we are planning to include in the State program not only small ruminant producers, as we have done in the past two years, but also beef producers and the most important group, which is the new generation of 4H groups, so getting the information on educational and research programs for all will be a priority. Other target audiences for this Program include educators, researchers, commodity organizations, agri-business leaders, community leaders, and the general public with program delivery through workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training, and mass media. The Program Assistant will help with the development of this program in person, and also through social media and web pages.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Most of the objectives will be the same since the Program Assistant was in the position for only a few months. For 2023-2024 more farmers will be included, and also 4H groups.

    • Promotion of all SARE-related programs and projects
    • Assist the Coordinator with reports, budgets, and programs
    • Assist the Coordinator with the events where SARE will be promoted, including small ruminants, beef, and 4H activities
    • Assist the Coordinator with the collection of data and evaluation
    • Provide input in the development of research and educational programs
    • Provide communication and seek additional contacts with stakeholders
    • Serve as a Sustainable Agriculture liaison for MSSTATE and stakeholders
    • Provide a link with National, Regional, and other State SARE programs
    • Lead effort to increase appropriate grant activities

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.