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 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 …

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 …

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.

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Future Of The Land Grant Universities: Challenges And Opportunities, L. Washington Lyons

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Porcine Plasma Supplementation On Gestating Sow Serum Igf-1 Concentration And Litter Weights, Mathew Vaughn, Crystal Serrano, Derris Burnett, Duane Davis, Jason Woodworth, John Gonzalez

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

The objective of this pilot study was to determine the effect of dietary porcine plasma on circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations in gestating sows and characteristics of their litters. Primiparous and multiparous sows were randomly allocated to two treatment groups of sows fed a basal diet or sows fed the basal diet plus 6 g of porcine plasma throughout gestation. On 4 periods during gestation and farrowing, blood was collected for IGF-1 analysis. After farrowing, gestation length, number born, birth weight, and total litter weight were recorded. There were no three-way or two-way interactions between treatments, day of …

Future Of The Land Grant Universities: Challenges And Opportunities, Dewayne L. Goldman

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessing Georgia Consumer Attitudes And Beliefs About Locally Or Regionally Produced Livestock And Products, Jannette R. Bartlett, Reem I. Omer, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, David Nii O. Tackie, Francisca A. Quarcoo, Bridget J. Perry

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Interest in local and regional food production has been growing in the last few years. The study, therefore, assessed consumer attitudes and beliefs regarding local or regional livestock products. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 384 participants from several counties of Georgia, and were analyzed by descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. A majority of respondents thought using chemicals and additives in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was a serious or somewhat serious hazard. Consequently, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Furthermore, a majority agreed or strongly …

Comparison Of Four Harvesting Systems In A Loblolly Pine Plantation, John Klepac, Dana Mitchell

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Felling and skidding operations were monitored while clearcut harvesting a 12-acre area of a 14-year old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation. The study area contained 465 trees per acre for trees 2.0 inches Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and larger with a Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD) of 7.26 inches. Two feller-bunchers (tracked and rubber-tired) and two skidders (conventional and large capacity) were paired to create four different harvesting systems which were randomly assigned to 3-acre units for evaluation of production rates and costs. Each system was balanced to determine the number of machines needed to minimize the …

Assessing Florida Consumer Attitudes And Beliefs About Locally Or Regionally Produced Livestock And Products, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Reem I. Omer, Jannette R. Bartlett, David Nii O. Tackie, Bridget J. Perry

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

In recent years, consumer interest in locally or regionally produced foods has been growing. This study analyzed consumer attitudes and beliefs on local or regional livestock products in Florida. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 404 participants from counties in Florida. They were assessed by descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. Most participants believed using chemicals in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was at minimum a somewhat serious hazard. Thus, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Moreover, most agreed or strongly agreed with statements on meat attributes. …

Future Of The Land Grant Universities: Challenges And Opportunities, Ian Maw

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Farm Practice: Study Of Total And Soluble Phosphorus In A Poultry Farm Equipped With Heavy Use Area Protection Pads, Dover, Delaware, Gulnihal Ozbay, Raju Khatiwada, Lathadevi K. Chintapenta, Eunice F. Handy, Stacy L. Smith

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Poultry litter contains high concentrations of water-soluble phosphorus and is readily transported in the farm run-off. This research aims to study the efficiency of heavy use area protection (HUAP) pads in decreasing litter spillage and phosphorous run-off at a Delaware poultry facility. Soil and water samples were analyzed for pH, total phosphorous, orthophosphate, and Mehlich III phosphorous throughout 2012. It has been hypothesized that the efficiency of HUAP pads would be reduced over time. Mehlich III phosphorus ranged from 22.82-200 mg/kg at site I, and 48.17 – 1179.6 mg/kg at site II, which were greater than the optimal soil concentrations. …

National Food Safety: Training, Education, Extension, Outreach, And Technical Assistance Program And The National Curriculum Stand For Food Protection Professionals, Gerald Wojtala

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Grazing With Goats Changed The Woodland Plant-Species Composition During Summer, Rishi Khatri, Uma Karki, Jerry Bettis, Yubaraj Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Woodland grazing is a common practice in the Southeast; however, information is limited on its effects on the woodland plant-species composition. The study objective was to determine the effect of summer grazing on woodland plant-species composition. Before- and after-grazing observations were taken at the ground, mid, and high levels in three plots (1-acre each) along the pre-established transects. Kiko wethers (29, 6-8 months old, 26.8±0.67 kg body weight) were allowed to graze the plots after before-grazing observations were taken. After-grazing observations were taken immediately after the goats were moved out from the plots. Grazing showed a significant effect on …

Impact Of Climate Change On Corn Yields In Alabama, Pauline Welikhe, Joseph Essamuah-Quansah, Kenneth Boote, Senthold Asseng, Gamal El Afandi, Souleymane Fall, Desmond Mortley, Ramble Ankumah

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The study used calibrated Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES) maize (corn) model to simulate maize (corn) physiological growth processes and yields under 2045 and 2075 projected climate change scenarios for six representative counties in Alabama. The future climatologies for two emission scenarios Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 (medium) and RCP 8.5 (high) were developed based on the IPSL-CM5A-MR high resolution climate model. Average yield decreases of 19.5% and 37.3% were, respectively, projected under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for 2045, and average yield decreases of 32.5% and 77.8% were, respectively, projected under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for 2075. …

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Latinos And Afro-Latino Legacy In The United States: History, Culture, And Issues Of Identity, Refugio I. Rochin

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Introduction

Since my first visit to the campus in 1992, I have looked forward to this event. Tuskegee University is a world famous campus with many firsts in science and higher education. And it gives me great pleasure to speak about Latinos and Afro-Latinos.

My presentation has three objectives: first, to address the historical origins, and challenges facing U.S. Latinos; second, to expand on the national interest in U.S. Latinos and the surfacing issues of our relations with African-Americans, and, third, to advocate coalition building and suggest ways of working together.

I wish to begin by citing a few caveats …

Modulation Of Colorectal Cancer By The Probiotic Organism Lactobacillus Reuteri, Camara A. Blasingame, Leonard H. Billups, Thomas Graham, Janell Henry, Brianna Carter, David W. Threadgill, A. Deloris Alexander

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Probiotics are beneficial to gastrointestinal health and have anti-inflammatory properties. An experiment was conducted to determine if L. reuteri could protect mice from azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer (AOM-CRC). A/J mice were randomly assigned to controls, pre-treatment, or post-treatment groups. The mice in the groups were injected with 10mg/kg body weight of AOM and treated with L. reuteri; given only AOM; given only L. reuteri; or given neither AOM nor L. reuteri. At the end of a 26-week latency period, the mice were euthanized, dissected, and colons examined for tumors. L. reuteri did not protect animals against tumor …

An Analysis Of The Characteristics And Practices Of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus On Production And Processing, Jannette R. Bartlett, Mst Nusrat Jahan, David Nii O. Tackie, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Francisca A. Quarcoo

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from South Central Alabama, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic factors showed most were part-time farmers; middle-aged producers; producers with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education, and producers with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage (direct from pasture), hay and concentrate, and about half conducted soil tests regularly. Furthermore, many had goats with parasite problems that …

Fatty Acid Composition Of Growing Kiko X Spanish Crossbred Intact Male Goats Fed Varying Levels Of Peanut Skins, Aleta R. Stone, Nar Gurung, Sandra G. Solaiman, Byeng R. Min, Gamal M. Abdelrahim, Anthony S. Kumi, Wendell H. Mcelhenney

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the effects of feeding peanut skins (PS) on fatty acid profile of goat meat. The diets used contained 0, 10, 20, and 30% of PS. After 92 days, longissimus muscle (LM), mesenteric adipose (MA), and subcutaneous (SA) tissue samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile. Eighteen (18), 21, and 21 fatty acids were detected in LM, MS and SC adipose tissues, respectively. No changes were detected in the fatty acid profile, but C18:0 increased linearly in LM (p < 0.05) with increasing level of PS whereas C18:1 decreased in the similar manner (p = 0.05). Total saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid percentage increased linearly ( …

Improving Agricultural Workers Food Safety Knowledge Through An Online Curriculum, Angela M. Shaw, John Dzubak, Catherine Strohbehn, Linda Naeve

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

A one-hour online food safety curriculum was developed to inform university farm workers on food safety hazards associated with production and harvesting of fresh produce. The farm curriculum consists of five sections (food safety importance, pre-harvest hazards, post-harvest hazards, personal hygiene, and regulations). Engagement activities and a user manual were developed to support the curriculum. Curriculum content was validated by an expert panel and a convenience panel of farm workers. The developed curriculum was piloted at two land grant universities (n=50). Multiple-choice quizzes were used to assess knowledge changes in each of the sections. Results indicated significant knowledge gains …

Economic Impact Of Recreational Fishing In Alabama, Gbenga Ojumu, Diane Hite, Deacue Fields

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Anglers’ direct mail survey data were used with IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning), input-output system, to estimate the economic impact of recreational fishing in Alabama and the Alabama Black Belt. Separate economic impacts are analyzed for the Black Belt and the State; and direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts were estimated for government revenues, income, and employment. Possible increases in these impacts were also estimated for hypothetically improved recreational fishing sites, using the ‘ideal’ hypothetical site characteristics. The results showed a direct total value added impact of $102.5m; indirect impact of $24.7m, and an induced impact of $8.3m, which …

Using Technology To Serve The Agricultural Community In The Western Cape Province Of South Africa, Pavarni Naidoo, Lise Sandenbergh, Maud Bonato, Johann Strauss, Mike Wallace, Andre Roux, Shaheed Martin, Ilse Trautmann, Schalk Cloete

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has a team of agricultural experts using novel approaches to address the challenges faced by South African agriculture. The objective of this paper is to describe some of the innovative research and technologies, and methods of technology transfer, used to better serve the agricultural community. The spectrum of technologies implemented includes new research on breeding (biotechnology); new approaches to conservation agriculture; remote sensing satellite and spatial information for improved decision making, such as the spatial intelligence project and FruitLook; Agricultural Integrated Management System; and technology to manage and disseminate information, such as smart …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

South Africa's Agricultural Sector Twenty Years After Democracy (1994 To 2013), Jan C. Greyling, Nick Vink, Edward Mabaya

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

South Africa’s agricultural sector has undergone substantial policy reform since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Now, twenty years later, it is an opportune time to look back at this period to review key successes and failures. This article revisits South Africa’s context and policy at the start of this period, the reforms that followed, and evaluates the transformational effect (or lack thereof) on the sector. For this purpose, the article pulls from both qualitative sources and descriptive statistics to provide both a historical context and current perspective. The analysis shows that redistributive land reform and smallholder support programs …

Scaling Up Fruit And Vegetable Production: Is Machinery Sharing A Possibility?, Georgeanne M. Artz, Linda Naeve

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Interest in local food is growing among consumers and small-scale farmers, as evidenced by the significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture arrangements, and food hubs, in the last ten years. To meet the demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables, many small-scale farmers are considering scaling up their production. However, to remain profitable they need to balance production with increased labor costs and the need for specialized machinery. A study conducted in Iowa worked with five groups of farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. With help from the researchers, they developed sharing agreements and …