Small Farm Conference Administrative Info
Name and Title:
Wilda Harrison, Ph.D., Associate Extension Administrator/State Specialist
Rufus Jones, Ph.D., Director of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program
Extension Program Title:
1890 Administration
Extension Program:
Small Farm Conference
Program Location:
Southeast Missouri (Bootheel)
Objective:
To assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers improve their quality of life and well-being through the application of educational and research-based information focused on critical needs and issues.
Summary of Work:
During this past year, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension programs provided valuable information to small farmers and ranchers for application on their farms and use in the maintenance of their health and well being as rural citizens. The 2004 Annual Small Farm Conference was held from March 8-10 at the Best Western Inn and Conference Center in Sikeston, Missouri, under the direction of Drs. Michael Heard, Rufus Jones, Wilda Harrison and a planning team. The Small Farm Conference focused on the current and future needs of small farmers and ranchers, providing three days of sessions and workshops which included agri-tourism, pastures and pasture management for goats, alternative crops, farm services, alternative forest production practices, aquaculture/fish farming, USDA appeals process, herbs and their uses, health and wellness issues for small farmers, and more. The keynote speaker at the awards banquet was Dr. John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers’Association. Some of the concerns of black farmers were highlighted, such as developing a credit union to loosen credit restraints. He spoke on the importance of educating our youth on the industry of farming. Local high school and elementary school students competed in a poster contest demonstrating their skills and abilities by creatively designing posters reflecting the conference theme, “Cultivating New Fields Together.” DeMarco Owen, 5th grader, Charleston, MO, won first place. He received a plaque and a $50 savings bond. The conference ended with a panel discussion that focused on the future implications for small farmers in America. The panel members included Dr. John Ikerd, an advocate of sustainable agriculture, Dr. Denis Ebodaghe, National Program Leader Small Farms, Washington, D.C., and Dr. Willard Downs, University of Missouri program leader for health and wellness issues. The Lincoln University Cooperative 2005 Annual Small Farm Conference is currently being planned for February 23-25th at the Best Western Hotel Inn and Conference Center in Sikeston, MO. More information will be forthcoming. If you have questions or would like more information about the 2005 Conference, please contact Dr. Wilda Harrison (phone 573-681-5550) or Dr. Rufus Jones (phone 573-681-5391) at Lincoln University, Allen Hall, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029.
Impact (Present and Future):
Information transfer technology; University , USDA, and farmers interaction; local, state and national collaboration for small farmers; information sharing and improved profitability, enhanced health, well-being and safety; and land retention and acquisition.
For More Information, Contact:
Wilda Harrison, Ph.D., Associate Extension Administrator/State Specialist
Rufus Jones, Ph.D., Director of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
110A Allen Hall
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029
Voice (573) 681-5550
Fax (573) 681-5546
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