Alabama A&M University
APRIL-JUNE. 2015
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1
S M A L L FA R M S R E S E A R C H C E N T E R
NEWS UPDATE
COLLEGE OF
AGRICULTURAL, LIFE
AND NATURAL SCIENCES
United States Department of Agriculture
Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO)
BUSINESS PLAN WORKSHOP
Inside this Issue
Business Plan
Workshop
1
Farmer-to-Farmer
Mentorship Program
USDA FSA
2
USDA NRCS
SFRC Outreach Efforts 3
DFDSFINSIDE
T H I S I S S2015
UE:
Highlights
SSAWG Conference
4
Highlights 2014 Farm
Bill Education
The Facts About Organic
Meetings
5
Hopewell Women In
3
6
Editor’s Corner
3
Quote of the Quarter
Upcoming
Communities
Activities & Events
The Small Farms Research Center at Alabama A&M University will
host a Business Plan Development Workshop scheduled for May 78, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the James I. Dawson Building on
the campus of Alabama A&M University. This workshop has been
derived from the New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (NBFR)
Program. The centers previous New and Beginning Farmers and
Ranchers Program Conference held on November 19-21, 2014 left
great survey feedback from minority, limited resource and socially
disadvantaged farmers to receive more training/knowledge on
business planning. Therefore, the center has designed a Business
Plan Development Workshop.
Everyone must pre-register online at http://www.aamu.edu/sfrc and
submit your $10.00 fee to reserve your spot for this event. Please make checks or money orders payable to
the Small Farms Research Center Foundation and mail to the Small Farms Research Center, (P.O. Box 700,
Normal, AL 35762). If there are any questions, please give the center a call at (256)-372-4970.
FARMER-TO-FARMER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Small Farms Research Center at Alabama A&M University is pleased to announce its Farmer-to-Farmer
(F2F) Mentorship Program. As another component of its outreach
efforts, the program will provide an opportunity to build relationships between the experienced farmers and new and beginning
farmers/ranchers, who are considering new farm production, hands
-on and practical farm techniques, including exposure to various
marketing outlets. This program is suitable for beginning farmers
with their own farms, community garden plots, or access to land
where they can practice while learning one-on-one from a mentor.
The program was developed to expose new and beginning
producers to all levels of farming as a business.
The Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Mentorship Program begins with
your application. Please note everyone that applies, as mentor or mentee, will not be selected immediately.
Since the program will cover North Alabama, we must identify the right farm operation to fit your needs, and
the proximity must also be considered. All applications will be held in our database, until everyone is
perfectly paired to meet your agriculture needs.
Small Farms Research Center
Alabama A&M University
4900 Meridian Street
James I. Dawson Building
RM #219
P.O. Box 700
Normal, AL 35762
To apply for the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Mentorship Program, please review and complete the application
online. For more information, please review the informational brochure about the program at http://
www.aamu.edu/Academics/alns/SFRC/Pages/default.aspx and return applications via email to
smallfarmsresearchcenter@gmail.com or mail to Small Farms Research Center (P.O. Box 700, Normal, AL
35762), as soon as possible. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mr. JaMarkus
Crowell, Program Assistant at (256)-372-4424.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)
USDA Reminds Farmers of 2014 Farm Bill Conservation Compliance Changes
The 2014 Farm Bill implements a change that requires farmers to have a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland
Conservation Certification (AD-1026) on file.
For farmers to be eligible for premium support on their federal crop insurance, a completed and signed AD-1026
certification form must be on file with FSA. The Risk Management Agency (RMA), through the Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation (FCIC), manages the federal crop insurance program that provides the modern farm safety net for American
farmers and ranchers.
Since enactment of the 1985 Farm Bill, eligibility for most commodity, disaster, and conservation programs has been
linked to compliance with the highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation provisions. The 2014 Farm Bill
continues the requirement that producers adhere to conservation compliance guidelines to be eligible for most programs
administered by FSA and NRCS. This includes most financial assistance such as the new price and revenue protection
programs, the Conservation Reserve Program, the Livestock Disaster Assistance programs and Marketing Assistance
Loans and most programs implemented by FSA. It also includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the
Conservation Stewardship Program, and other conservation programs implemented by NRCS.
Many FSA and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs already have implemented this requirement and
therefore most producers should already have an AD-1026 form on file for their associated lands. If an AD-1026 form has
not been filed or is incomplete, then farmers are reminded of the deadline of June 1, 2015.
When a farmer completes and submits the AD-1026 certification form, FSA and NRCS staff will review the associated
farm records and outline any additional actions that may be required to meet the required compliance with the conservation
compliance provisions.
FSA recently released a revised form AD-1026, which is available at USDA Service Centers and online at:
www.fsa.usda.gov. USDA will publish a rule later this year that will provide details outlining the connection of
conservation compliance with crop insurance premium support. Producers can also contact their local USDA Service
Center for information. A listing of service center locations is available at offices.usda.gov.
USDA NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)
NRCS Financial Assistance Programs
Eligible producers may receive a payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation
practice. Socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment
based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. In addition, socially disadvantaged,
limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 30 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting.

Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) (not available in Alabama for 2014) is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement
agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land to conserve surface and ground water and improve water
quality.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages agricultural
and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations. CSP
is a new voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to conserve and enhance soil,
water, air and related natural resources on their land. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards
and deliver valuable new conservation.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) - is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption
of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental
enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.
Please visit your local NRCS office for more details. You can find your local office by visiting http://
offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
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SMALL FARMS RESEARCH CENTER OUTREACH EFFORTS
Mobile AL — The Small Farms Research Center (AAMU) participated in the 2015 Southern Sustainable Agriculture
Working Group (SSAWG) Conference in Mobile, Alabama on January 14-17, 2015. The staff held consultations with many
ethnic groups of farmers, producers, landowners, extension agents and USDA personnel one-on-one with given overview of
the Small Farms Research Center and its various functions. There were readily agricultural material available such as:
educational brochures, factsheets and booklets for SSAWG participants. The center reached over (90+) producers through
consultations and (36) interested in the centers programs and events; these producers will received notifications on the
center’s events and programs geared to sustaining minority farms and educating this new generation of farmers.
Huntsville, AL — The Small Farms Research Center (AAMU) and
Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) have initiated a series of
Farm Bill Education Meeting titled, “Let’s Talk about the 2014 Farm Bill!
How does it affect me, the farmer?” The Center has strategically developed
a thorough program on the new USDA programs and services available
under the farm bill. The Center has scheduled farm bill educational training
meetings geared to specifically address the needs of small limited resource
and socially advantaged producers and landowners throughout the state of
Alabama, especially underserved communities, community leaders and
grass root organizations. In developing the program, the Center in collaboration with ACES partnered with USDA agencies including Farm Service
Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural
Development (RD) and Alabama Farm Credit to assist in informing and
updating producers and landowners on the new and current USDA programs available.
The Center has held (6) Farm Bill Educational Training Meeting in the state of
Alabama. Each meeting covered detailed reports on the programs and services
available to specifically assist our target audience. The majority of the meetings
have been held in north and eastern Alabama, and majority of the participants
have been in attendance are from surrounding areas. The Center has developed
the 2014 Farm Bill curriculum to be utilized long after the project end, but to
continue to work closely one-on-one with producers that are interested in
pursuing certain loan programs, grants and services.
In 2014, the Center has educated (80+) participants on the farm bill updates.
From each meeting, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire
concerning their awareness of the topics, thoroughness of content and
usefulness of the material. The majority of the participants found the programs useful and the topics were well discussed.
Overall the “Let’s Talk about the 2014 Farm Bill” educational training meetings have been very successful. As previously
stated, the Center hosted meetings throughout (urban and rural) to socially disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities
such as Birmingham, Alabama; Greensboro, Alabama; Epes, Alabama; Madison, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; and
Florence, Alabama.
Scheduled Farm Bill Meeting Dates
October 7, 2014
November 20,
2014
December 2,
2014
January 12,
2015
February 11,
2015
Alabama A&M
University
Alabama A&M
University
Limestone
County Extension
Office
Hale County
Extension Office
4900 Meridian
Street. NW
4900 Meridian
Street. NW
1109 W. Market
Street, Suite A
701 Hall Street
802 Veterans
Drive
4817 Jefferson
Ave SW
Normal, AL
35762
Normal, AL
35762
Athens, AL
35611
Greensboro, AL
36744
Florence, AL
35630
Birmingham, AL
35221
March 12, 2015
Lauderdale
Project Hopewell
County Extension
Center
Office
3
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 SSAWG CONFERENCE
The center participated in the 2015 SSAWG Conference displaying valuable information for many different ethnic group of
farmers from the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee to name a few.
The center reached (90+) producers with (36) interested in the center’s programs and events. Apart from the centers participation, the staff participated in the Growing Farm Profits Training for Service Providers to better assist this growing generation of
farmers. Within the SSAWG Conference, there were concurrent conference sessions that included: Organic Soil Management
for High Tunnels, Essential Tools and Machinery for Small Farms and Market Growers, Choosing Your Markets Wisely and
Sustainable Production of Brambles for Southern Farms to name a few. Save the date: 2016 SSAWG Conference will be held in
Lexington, Kentucky, January 2016.
4
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2014 FARM BILL EDUCATION MEETINGS
The Small Farms Research Center completed (6) successful Farm Bill Education Meetings that focused on items related to the
perspective programs provided through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) and Rural Development (RD). This initiative has brought knowledge about the Microloan Program and its maximum
loan amount of $50,000 which was raise through the 2014 Farm Bill and the Direct Farm Operating Loan to $300,000. The
center has reached over (80) producers through this Farm Bill Education Meetings. This effort could not have been made
possible with the collaboration with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), USDA FSA, NRCS, RD and the
Northwest AL RC&D Council.
5
Cooperating Units: USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO), USDA/NIFA/ Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
Development Program (BFRDP), USDA/OAO/Outreach Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
(OASDFR) Program, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and Alabama A&M University.
EDITOR’S CORNER
The 2014 Farm Bill Education Meetings were very educational
that exposed producers to new forms and ways to sustain their
many farm operations. The center’s staff was please to notify
the many attendees of the center’s role, functions and objectives
used to educate, inspire and assist along with the USDA
agencies officials discussing farm bill items related to their
perspective programs.
Small Farms
Research Center
NEW LOGO!
If you would like to submit articles related to agriculture issues,
or would like to make an announcement of your upcoming
event(s), please forward your information to:
QUOTE OF THE
QUARTER
“The real wealth of a
planet is in its landscape, how we take
part in that basic
source of civilization—
agriculture”
Frank Herbert
_______________
Mr. JaMarkus Crowell, B.S.
jamarkus.crowell@aamu.edu
Office: (256) 372-4424
Fax (256) 372-5517
UPCOMING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
April 11, 2015, 2:00 p.m. - April 12, 2015, 6:00 p.m. - Tennessee Valley Farm Tour, All curious consumers and food
lovers will get a chance to load up their cars with family and friends and explore the Tennessee Valley countryside on
a self-guide tour. The 2015 Tennessee Valley Farm Tour will highlight small farms from Cullman to the Shoals to
Guntersville, plus a few north of the border. For $25, each carload receives a map of the farms with directions, a copy
of ASAN’s local food guide and a 2015 Farm Tour magnet for their car. Any questions, please contact (256)-5202400 or rositasfarm@gmail.com of more information;
April 16, 2015, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Cottage Food Law Classes, 13075 AL Hwy 157 Suite 6, Moulton, AL. Food
Safety in Selling Cottage Foods. An individual will learn what foods are allowed to be sold when prepared in their
homes and how to prepare these foods in a safe manner. Hosted by ACES. Contact person: Susan Hill, (256)-9742564.
April 17, 2015, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Rain Barrel Workshop, 3200A West Meighan Boulevard, Gadsden, AL 35904. Attend
a rain barrel workshop to learn more about water conservation, protecting our Alabama waters and collecting rain
water. Then you will build your very own rain barrel. Don’t forget that a 55 gal plastic barrel may not fit in your
trunk!! Barrels are $40.00. Hosted by ACES. Contact person: Dani Carroll, (256)-547-7936.
April 19, 2015, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Earth Day Festival and Farmers Market, Monte Santo State Park Picnic Area,
5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, Artisan craft, rain barrels, organic foods and plants, Appalachian mountain medicine, birds of prey, eco-friendly cars, outdoor gear, conservation organizations, critters, hands-on activities
for children, and much more. The only cost is the donation at the Park Gate - $5.00 per vehicle.
May 7-8, 2015, - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Small Farms Research Center (AAMU) will host a Business Plan Workshop,
James I. Dawson Building, 4900 Meridian Street Normal, AL 35762. Please pre-register by completing the online
registration form at http://www.aamu.edu/sfrc under Quick Glance. Reserve your spot with a $10.00 fee, please
make checks payable to Small Farms Research Center Foundation. Please mail to Small Farms Research Center,
Alabama A&M University, P.O. Box 700, Normal, AL 35762.
6