Agriculture Commons^™

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Overview Of The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project Articles, Walter A. Hill, Gertrude Wall, Lila B. Karki, Barrett Vaughan, Miles D. Robinson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

The Challenges Of Developing A Successful Cooperative Through An Integrated Resource Approach: Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, Gertrude Wall, Walter A. Hill, Tasha M. Hargrove, Barrett Vaughan, Franklin Quarcoo, Miles D. Robinson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This paper shares the challenges that small, socially disadvantaged Alabama vegetable and fruit producers in Alabama faced and overcame to secure their USDA Produce Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) food safety certification. The commercial buyers, collaborating with the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative (SFAC) producers, required the producers to be certified. This certification was based on the regulated security standards for food safety, the Harmonized Food Safety Standards with the Global Addendum (Global Markets Primary Production Assessments). This venture entailed the integrated resource approach, which comprised experts from Tuskegee University (Extension and Research staff) working closely with SFAC producers. Additional support …

Assessing The Impact Of The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project On The Household Economy Of Small And Limited Resource Farmers In Alabama, Lila B. Karki, Walter A. Hill, Raymon Shange, Tasha M. Hargrove, Miles D. Robinson, Barrett Vaughan, Ntam R. Baharanyi, Gertrude Wall, George Hunter, Konnie D. Pace

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agribusiness opportunity for small and limited resource farmers in rural Alabama. The Project provided a package of programs that strengthened the farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity and secured a market with Walmart for contracted produce. The study applied the triangulation approach to collect field data, and conducted a case study using quantitative and qualitative tools to measure socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The results revealed that the target group benefitted enormously, as desired variables, namely, family income; technical knowledge; agribusiness entrepreneurial skill; leadership quality; factor productivity; direct, indirect, and …

The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project: Observations Of The Steps Within Commercial Supply, Barrett Vaughan, Miles D. Robinson, Audrey Zeigler, George X. Hunter, Gertrude Wall, John Brown

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Observations of the various efforts necessary in an initiative, the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, to assist small farmers to comply with produce industry standards and supply produce to a major retailer over a six-year period were documented through an illustrative case study. The observations were taken from meetings with commercial buyers and farmers, site visits to processing centers and corporate farms, conference calls, and, mainly, from the authors’ “hands-on” participation with the functioning and preservation of this initiative. Consequently, these observations were organized into a framework of criteria that must be successively satisfied to be able to supply produce …

Small Farmer Cooperative-Larger Farmer-Commercial Retailer Partnership, Walter A. Hill, Thomas Turner, Miles D. Robinson, Barrett Vaughan, Tasha M. Hargrove, John Brown, Gertrude Wall, Raymon Shange

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

The Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Today, Miles D. Robinson, John Brown, Alice Paris, Walter A. Hill, Tasha M. Hargrove, Barrett Vaughan, Raymon Shange, Al Hooks, Demetrius Hooks, Thomas Turner, Bobby England, Audrey Zeigler

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to large companies such as Walmart. Activities included specialized training, workshops, and informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized trainings included food safety standards and food safety certification requirements, efficient production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of the process, Tuskegee University assisted with the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, which is comprised of members from …

The Socioeconomic And Ecological Impact Of Cool Season Forage Production: A Case Of Black Belt Counties, Alabama, Lila B. Karki, Uma Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Raising livestock during the lean season of forage production has become a great challenge for small and limited resource farmers because of a high cost involved in procuring supplementary feed. This study was conducted to assess the impact of cultivating cool-season forages on the feeding costs for meat goats and cattle. Three case studies were conducted in three Black Belt Counties of Alabama, Russell, Dallas, and Bullock. The socioeconomic and ecological impacts of developing cool-season pastures were evaluated using the before versus after assessment approach. The findings revealed that all three cooperator farmers reduced costs of procuring hay and …

Evaluating The Impact Of Nitrogen Fertilization Treatments And Irrigation On Soil Health Indicators In A Long-Term Crop Rotation Research Plot, Andria Howard, Raymon Shange, Anthony S. Kumi, Leonard Githinji, Yucheng Feng, Ramble Ankumah

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce the maximum yield while still sustaining the soil ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from the “Old Rotation” area (Auburn University, Auburn, AL), and were assessed for soil biochemical, chemical and biological characteristics related to soil quality. Treatments of the experimental site were a control with no legumes or N fertilizer; cotton every year with winter legumes; a 3-yr cotton-corn-soybean rotation with wheat and winter legumes; and cotton every year with N fertilizer. Impacts of irrigation were also tested between the sites. Assays were performed measuring …

Assessing Marketing Alternatives For Small Farmers In Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties, Langston Anderson, Tasha M. Hargrove, Robert Zabawa, Andrew A. Zekeri

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Market access is an important factor for the success of small farmers. In Alabama rural counties, farmers are in search of alternative market outlets to broaden their sales and make a profit. The purpose of this research was to assess marketing alternatives for small farmers in selected Alabama Black Belt Counties because local markets are essential to the economy and the overall well-being of local communities. Ethnographic field research was used to collect data by interviewing participants in selected rural counties, as well as from the Alabama Farmers Market Authority and USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The findings indicate …

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Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.