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What Students Are Saying: “Good base to jump off into a small farm operation” “Gave me a quick and thorough exposure to a lot of business ideas” “Now I have a good idea of what I need to be a success” The Situation Program Outcomes •Increasing interest in farming small acreages in Washington and Idaho •Over 20 locations at county Extension offices and college campuses in WA and ID have offered or are currently offering Cultivating Success courses. •Increasing attention to and interest in conserving land and natural resources •Increasing economic risk in farming •Increasing complexity of marketing agricultural products The Response •872 students have attended at least one Cultivating Success course. •81% of these students are farmers, ranchers, or agricultural professionals. • 100% of students surveyed reported that their understanding of sustainable agriculture increased after completing Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching in 2004. A Sustainable Small Farms Education Program, Cultivating Success, was developed with input from WA & ID small acreage producers to: •98% of student survey respondents rated the Cultivating Success Program as effective in potentially increasing the number and success of small acreage farmers. •Provide in-depth education in sustainable practices, marketing & farm planning •90% of student survey respondents have participated in additional educational programs such as farm tours, conferences, workshops, or have joined a small farm organization as a result of taking a Cultivating Success course. •Work to strengthen community networks to better serve small farmers •Promote “learning by doing,” on-farm activities and farmer-to-farmer mentoring •90% of students in Agricultural Entrepreneurship – Tilling the Soil of Opportunity completed a business plan. The Goal •85 Latino and Hmong immigrant farmers have attended courses adapted to their language, culture and needs. To create and implement new educational programs that will increase the number and foster the long-term success of sustainable small acreage farmers and ranchers. •Twelve farmers have gone through farmermentor training and five are currently certified to host an apprenticeship. Program Coursework The Cultivating Success program offers courses that can be taken individually, or as a series for a Certificate of Proficiency. Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Students take a realistic look at their goals and resources and evaluate what type of small acreage enterprise is right for them. Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems A week-long immersion field trip that exposes students to all aspects of the food system, using participatory and experiential learning techniques. On-Farm Apprenticeship An on-farm apprenticeship with a trained farmer mentor provides hands-on experience in student’s area of interest. World Agricultural Systems Interaction between agriculture and human societies, including historical discussions of the world’s major food crops and farming methods, the role of climate and soils, and the world’s current agricultural systems. Agricultural Entrepreneurship Explores business planning and market development using NxLevel’s curriculum, “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity.” Features experienced practitioners from the community & region. Science, Society and Sustainable Food Systems An introductory course to sustainable food systems providing global perspectives and local examples of food system issues. Ecological Soils Management A hands-on approach to learning to build a healthy soil complex that promotes a balance of soil nutrients and organisms. Sustainable Livestock Production Covers alternative health practices, nutrition, feeding, housing, rotational grazing, marketing and regulations Organic Gardening and Farming Principles and production practices of organic gardening and farming including cropping and composting systems, techniques, tools, and resources. Incorporates guest speakers, field trips, and hands-on experience. Organic Farming Practicum A 12 week experiential course in organic agriculture on the WSU Organic Farm. Will cover market development and production skills needed to manage an organic market garden or farm. Sustainable Agriculture Explores the on-farm aspects of food and farming systems, their components, and sustainability. Features guest speakers, field trips and independent projects. Catherine Perillo, Washington State University Cinda Williams and Theresa Beaver, University of Idaho Funding provided by: W.K. Kellogg Foundation Partnership 2020 Sustainable Food Systems Initiative, USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education, and USDA Risk Management Agency Washington State University, University of Idaho and Rural Roots have developed a single website for the program at: www.cultivatingsuccess.org