TECHNICAL & OUTREACH ASSISTANCE
THE CENTER
The Small Farms Research Center at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) was first
conceived in 2000 with funding from
USDA’s Office of Outreach authorized under
Section 2501 of the 1990 Farm Bill. The
Center is devoted to issues affecting the family farm, and assessing how such issues impact profitability and overall sustainability of
small farm operations. AAMU’s 2501 project
(a.k.a. Small Farmers Outreach Training and
Technical Assistance Project) received its
initial funding in 1994. As project staff and
faculty grew in numbers and became diverse
and activities more complex and holistic in
nature, the need for a Center to conduct
sound and targeted research, provide quality
education and effectively deliver outreach
training to underserved agricultural producers became increasingly inevitable. Thus, the
Small Farms Research Center was initiated in
2000 to conduct research and provide services throughout Alabama, with special and
particular outreach emphasis on 21 underserved counties in north Alabama.
Small Farms Research Center
Alabama A&M University
4900 Meridian Street
James I. Dawson Building Room #219
P.O. Box 700
Normal, Alabama 35762-0700
Tel: 1-866-858-4970
Fax: 1-256-372-5517
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Duncan M. Chembezi
Director & Professor
Alabama A&M University
(256) 372-4970
Email: duncan.chembezi@aamu.edu
NEW AND
BEGINNING
FARMERS
AND
RANCHERS
PROGRAM
Ms. E’licia L. Chaverest
Program Manager & Marketing Specialist
Alabama A&M University
(256) 372-4958
Email: elicia.chaverest@aamu.edu
Mr. JaMarkus Crowell
Program Assistant
Alabama A&M University
(256) 372-4424
Email: jamarkus.crowell@aamu.edu
Ms. Denera Perdue
Program Assistant
Alabama A&M University
(256) 372-4424
Email: denera.perdue@aamu.edu
TRAINING & EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE
SMALL FARMS RESEARCH CENTER
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 Meridian Street
James I. Dawson Building
Normal, Alabama 35762
Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center New & Beginning Farmers Program
NEW AND BEGINNING FARMERS
AND RANCHERS PROGRAM
YOU ARE A BEGINNING FARMER, IF
YOU MEET THESE CRITERIA:
The New and Beginning Farmer and Ranchers
Program at Alabama A&M University has been
developed to
improve opportunities for new
and beginning
f ar mer s
to
establish and
sustain viable
agricultural
operations in
A l a b a m a
through
the
d e ve l o p me n t
and enhancement of innovative educational
programs, services, and social networks.

The purpose of this project is for AAMU Small
Farms Research Center to deliver outreach and
technical assistance so that beginning farmers
and ranchers can successfully acquire, own,
operate, and retain sustainable farming and
ranching enterprises.





Have not operated a
farm or ranch, or who
has operated a farm or
ranch for not more
than 10 consecutive
years, and
Will materially and
substantially participate in the operation
of the farm or ranch.
Have participated in the business operations of a
farm for not less than 3 years, but no more than
10 years;
Agree to participate in borrower training;
Do not already own farmland in excess of 30% of
the average farm size in the county;
You are leaving one agricultural business and
pursuing a new agricultural business
OBJECTIVES
Through this project, AAMU Small Farms
Research Center and its partners will train
farmers and deliver agricultural information,
enhance and increase farm knowledge, skills
and abilities that will enable beginning farmers
and ranchers to participate in USDA agricultural programs, services and benefits.
(1) Equip beginning farmers and ranchers with
knowledge, skills and abilities,
(2) Promote the availability of and accessibility to
USDA programs and services among new and
beginning farmers,
(3) Provide production and management strategies
that enhance the financial viability of new and
beginning farmers, and
(4) Train new and beginning farmers and ranchers in
farm business management.
NEW AND BEGINNING FARMERS
AND RANCHERS PROGRAM
CURRICULUM
The Small Farms Research Center (AAMU) will
host a series of beginning farmers and ranchers
workshops/short courses. The goal of this project
is to grow the next generation of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and entrepreneurs in the state
of Alabama.
The short courses will assist beginning farmers
and individuals interested in farming or agribusiness. The overall program will focus on how to
start farming (crop production and livestock production), financial avenues and resources available, profitable and emerging enterprises, and
hands-on and research-based information from
specialists, experts, and fellow farmers. The following courses will be held:





Land Acquisition and Tenure
Production Practices & Management
Business Planning & Financial Management
Markets and Marketing
Capital and Access to Capital
(More details including the dates will follow.)
For more information, please contact us at
(256) 372-4970 or 1-866-858-4970.