Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative - 2022 Final Report

Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative (TCAC) provides outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. TCAC conducts trainings, farm visits, and agricultural programs designed to ensure the success of small farmers and ranchers.

TCAC offers hands-on training in sound management practices, financial management, production, marketing, loan application completion, and the acquisition of farmland.

About TCAC

A Mississippi-Based Cooperative

TCAC is located in Oakland, Tallahatchie County, Mississippi(MS). TCAC educates participants on the basic foundations of production, marketing, management, and networking skills through continuous training, mentoring, and technical assistance.

Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative has worked with numerous socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in MS by implementing programs and initiatives focusing on topics such as credit counseling, farming demonstration, field days, and technical assistance.

In 2010, Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative started providing technical assistance to small farmers and ranchers in ten MS counties: Bolivar, Coahoma, Grenada, Lafayette,

TCAC focuses on helping its participants transform small operations by keying on specific foundations of production, marketing, management, and networking skills through continuous training programs, mentorship initiatives, and technical assistance.

Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica, and Yalobusha.

With the help of this co-op, socially disadvantaged producers gain knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make sound decisions for their farm operations which, in turn, increases long-term sustainability and quality of life

The Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative (TCAC) was incorporated in 2009.

The beginnings of Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative started among forty-five (45) small, sociallydisadvantaged farmers and ranchers from Panola, Tallahatchie, and Yalobusha counties in Mississippi.

Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program

Outreach, Training, Education, and Technical Assistance

This project’s goal included the desire to serve 150 African American, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers in Mississippi. At the conclusion of the program, TCAC served 275 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

TCAC committed to conducting approximately 30 educational training and activities for one year. These trainings involved working with small farmers and ranchers in specific MS counties. TCAC’s engagement included farm visits, trainings, workshops, field days, etc., to enhance skills for African American farmers and ranchers. Through careful selection, TCAC selected three cooperative groups and seven groups of socially disadvantaged farmers who were new to the agricultural industry. These farmers included first-time farmers and emerging farmers with some farm history.

The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program took place in various settings based on the size and scope of the meeting. During fieldday experiences, seasoned farmers agreed to mentor program participants. Through careful planning, this program helps its participants create diversified farms, structured plans, production and management strategies, and business management decisions to enhance the long-term viability of socially disadvantaged farmers’ operations.

The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program duration was September 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022. Throughout this time, TCAC provided an opportunity to align the evaluation of activities with the peak growing and harvest periods.

The objectives of this project are as follows:

• Enhance knowledge, skills, and experience, and stimulate hands-on education for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers on sustainable agriculture production practices.

• Enhance and provide socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers the knowledge of different market outlets or

alternatives.

• Educate socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers’ other members of the agriculture community on farm financial planning and good farm record keeping.

• Develop a coordinated outreach and educational program that will inform program participants about United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of programs and services.

The goal of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program is to assist farmes in the development of diversified marketing strategies.

Numerous socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are interested in growing their farming operations. However, these farmers encourage significant changes in connecting with available resources, often due to a need for more capital and credit. For example, sometimes, the lack of capital has been a challenge for local farmers and ranchers because their forges are not in the best condition for the herd on their property.

Thus, TCAC’s overall success transformed the agricultural ecosystem for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in Mississippi. The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program improved economic conditions in Mississippi by developing and enhancing agricultural businesses. The efforts of TCAC and the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program provided future generations with high-quality trainings to learn and understand the farming business.

Objective 1:

TCAC recognizes that stimulating handson education can be practical for socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers to learn about sustainable agriculture production practices. This approach involves providing practical, hands-on training and education that enables participants to learn through experience and experimentation.

The following are some critical elements of a TCAC hands-on education program for socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers on sustainable agriculture production practices:

• Tailored curriculum: The education program should be tailored to the target audience’s needs. This can involve understanding the farmers’ or ranchers’ current level of knowledge and experience

and designing the curriculum accordingly.

• On-farm training: The program should involve on-farm training where farmers or ranchers can learn by doing. This can include crop rotation, soil health management, and pest management.

• Accessible training locations: The training locations should be accessible and convenient for the target audience. This can involve selecting sites close to the participants’ farms or ranches and providing transportation if needed.

• Demonstration farms: The program should

involve demonstration farms where farmers or ranchers can see sustainable agriculture practices in action. This can involve visiting farms implementing sustainable agriculture practices and learning from the already successful farmers in this area.

• Collaborative learning: The program should foster collaborative learning, where farmers or ranchers can share their experiences and learn from each other. This can involve group discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and problem-solving exercises.

• Follow-up support: The education program should provide follow-up support to participants, such as mentoring or technical assistance, to ensure they can successfully implement sustainable agriculture practices on their farms or ranches. By providing hands-on education tailored to the needs of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, the program can help these individuals adopt sustainable agriculture practices that can improve their livelihoods and support the long-term sustainability of their communities. The recruitment efforts of TCAC resulted in numerous successes. Program participants completed a total of nine (9) farm loan applications.

Thirty-three (33) one-to-one trainings on farm production and management were provident to participants. Most oneto-one farm production and management trainees were from Charleston, MS, accounting for about 33 percent of the attendees. About 79% of the attendees owned vegetable operations, and 18% owned cattle operations. One attendee had a combined farming operation of cattle, vegetables, and forestry. These engagements aimed to educate program participations on farm production and management.

The chart indicates crosstabulation of the data set. Most of the farming operations were vegetable farms and located in Charleston, MS. TCAC conducted four (4) whole-farm planning workshops in the following locations:

• Grenada

• Clarksdale

• Jonestown

• Charleston

Thirty-six (36) participants attended these whole-farm planning workshops.

Twenty-six (26) participants participated in estate planning two workshops that included discussions on creating and implementing wills. These workshops were held in Grenada, MS, in Grenada County, and Oakland and Coffeeville, MS, in Yalobusha County.

TCAC conducted four farm field days on livestock production (3) and crop (1). Forty-three socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers attended these field days in Enid, Oakland, Charleston, and Tutwiler.

Objective 1: Enhance knowledge, skills, and experience, and stimulate hands-on education for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers on sustainable agriculture production practices.

Other activities include conducting conservation practice workshops. A total of 11 participants attended workshops in Charleston, MS, and Coffeeville, MS.

Two risk management workshops were held in Grenada, MS, and Coffeeville, MS. A total of 17 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers attended these workshops.

Additionally, two demonstration sites were available for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to learn about vegetables and cattle onsite. The vegetable site was available in Oakland, MS, in Yalobusha County. The cattle site was located in Enid, MS, in Tallahatchie County.

Objective 2:

TCAC understands the significance and importance of identifying market outlets and providing training for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers is crucial for several reasons:

• Economic empowerment: Access to markets and training can help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers increase their income and economic stability. By identifying market outlets, they can sell their produce or livestock at fair prices and generate revenue, improving

their quality of life.

• Addressing inequality: Historically, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have faced systemic discrimination and barriers to entry into the agriculture industry. Identifying market outlets and providing training can help level the playing field and address these inequalities.

• Sustainable agriculture: By providing training in sustainable agriculture practices, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers can learn to operate in ways that are environmentally friendly, costeffective, and socially responsible. TCAC knows this can help them produce high-quality crops or livestock in demand in their local markets.

• Community development: Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers often operate in rural communities where agriculture is a critical industry. By supporting these farmers and ranchers, communities can promote economic development and create jobs.

Identifying market outlets and training for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers is critical for promoting economic empowerment, addressing inequality, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and supporting community development.

Being strategic with community engagement, TCAC partnered with two other cooperatives: Delta Community Farms and Farm-

Up. Through this engagement, TCAC strengthened the quantity and quality of fruit and vegetables to sell to larger wholesale markets. Additionally, TCAC provided training and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers in market development, enterprise selection, and feasibility and requirements.

TCAC held three (3) production and marketing of selected alternative crops workshops in Charleston, Batesville, and Clarksdale. Twenty-one (21) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers attended these three trainings.

educational trainings workshops and hands-on demonstrations on food safety and biosecurity in Clarksdale and Coffeeville.

Biosecurity refers to measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, pests, and other biological threats in agricultural settings. TCAC believes biosecurity is essential for all farmers and ranchers, but it is essential for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers often have limited resources and may be more vulnerable to the economic impacts of disease outbreaks or pest infestations. These farmers may also be more reliant on local markets and direct sales to consumers, making it crucial to maintain the health and safety of their livestock and crops.

TCAC staff provided 25 one-to-one trainings that discussed agricultural product production, management, and marketing. Most of the participants in these trainings were from Charleston and Batesville, MS. About 20 percent of attendees were from Glendora, MS.

Nine (9) participants attended two

Additionally, socially disadvantaged farmers may face unique challenges in accessing information and resources related to biosecurity. This can include language barriers, limited access to technology, or lack of

Objective 2: Enhance and provide socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers the knowledge of different market outlets or alternatives.

trust in government agencies or other institutions.

By prioritizing biosecurity, TCAC conducted this workshop to ensure that socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and pests, protect their livelihoods, and ensure the safety of their products. TCAC provided resources and support to help implement effective biosecurity practices.

Objective 3:

Educating socially disadvantaged farmers and other members of the agriculture community on farm financial planning and good farm record-keeping is of great significance to TCAC for several reasons:

• Improved Financial Stability: Farm financial planning helps farmers to make informed decisions about their financial future. By understanding how to develop a budget, track income and expenses, and project future cash flow, farmers can make better decisions about investing

their money and managing their debt. TCAC knows this can improve financial stability and a better quality of life for socially disadvantaged farmers and their families.

• Increased Profitability: Good farm record-keeping is essential for tracking expenses, income, and profits. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers with accurate financial records can analyze their operations and identify areas where they can cut costs and increase revenue. TCAC helps socially disadvantaged farmers run more profitable agricultural enterprises and improve their economic situation.

• Access to Credit and Other Financial Services: Many socially disadvantaged farmers need help accessing credit and other financial services because they need the financial records and planning necessary to demonstrate their creditworthiness. Educating farmers on financial planning and recordkeeping can make them more attractive to lenders and other financial service providers. TCAC helps them to access credit and other resources that can help them to grow their businesses.

• Improved Agricultural Practices: Educating socially disadvantaged farmers and other members of the agriculture community on financial planning and record-keeping can also lead to improved agricultural practices. By understanding the financial implications of their decisions, farmers can make more informed choices about managing

their crops and livestock. Through this effort, TCAC helps socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to improve yields, have better animal welfare, and have a more sustainable operation.

Subsequently, TCAC conducted two credit counseling workshops for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in Batesville, MS. A total of 18 participants attended these sessions.

The agribusiness specialists provided one-one assistance and farm visits to education program participants in farm production and management. TCAC engaged with a total of 19 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

allocation, such as land, labor, capital, and other inputs. Effective farm record-keeping enables farmers to monitor the use of these resources, identify areas of waste, and optimize their use for maximum yield.

• Financial management: Good farm record-keeping is vital for financial management. By keeping accurate records of income and expenses,

About 47 percent of the participants were from Charleston, MS. Most farmers owned vegetable operations, which accounted for 63 percent of the participants.

Providing training on farm planning and good farm record-keeping is essential to TCAC for the following reasons:

• Efficient use of resources: Farm planning helps farmers make informed decisions on resource

farmers can track their profitability, identify inefficiencies, and make informed financial decisions.

Objective 3: Educate socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers’ other members of the agriculture community on farm financial planning and good farm record keeping.

• Compliance with regulations: Farm planning and record-keeping is critical for compliance with regulations, such as tax reporting, environmental regulations, and food safety regulations. Good recordkeeping ensures that farmers have the necessary information to comply with these regulations.

• Risk management: Farm planning and record-keeping help farmers manage risks associated with crop production, such as disease outbreaks, weather disasters, and market fluctuations. By analyzing past performance and monitoring current operations, farmers can take proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect their investments.

• Improved decision-making: Good record-keeping provides farmers with historical data that can be used to make informed decisions about future farm operations. By tracking key metrics such as yields, costs, and revenue, farmers can identify trends, evaluate performance, and make data-driven decisions.

Therefore, TCAC engaged with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to provide one-on-one training on record

keeping and financial planning. A total of 15 participants received this training. Keeping the trend of transforming financial literacy for the farmers engaged with the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program, TCAC developed operational farm business plans. Educating socially disadvantaged farmers and other members of the agriculture community on financial planning and recordkeeping is critical for improving their economic situation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By providing the necessary knowledge and skills, TCAC assists these farmers in building stronger, more profitable businesses that support their families and communities. Two (2) financial planning workshops were held in Batesville and Grenada, including 18 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Objective 4:

TCAC believes that providing information on USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) programs to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers is crucial for several reasons:

• Access to Resources: Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers often lack the resources necessary to run successful operations, such as capital, land, and technical assistance. USDA programs can provide financial and technical assistance to help overcome these barriers and improve their chances of success.

• Equity and Inclusion: TCAC understands that providing information on USDA programs to

socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers is essential to promoting equity and inclusion in agriculture. Historically, these groups have faced systemic discrimination and exclusion from government programs. By increasing their awareness of and access to USDA programs, the agency can work to address these inequalities and ensure that all farmers and ranchers have an equal opportunity to succeed.

programs that help farmers and ranchers implement practices that protect soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. By increasing access to these programs among socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, the USDA can help promote sustainable agricultural practices and protect natural resources.

One of the significant accomplishments of TCAC was the establishment of a Marketing Advisory Board. This advisory board coordinated the production schedules of small farmers so that sufficient animals would reach market age at the same time. This advisory board improved the relationships between socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Objective 4: Develop a coordinated outreach and educational program that will inform program participants about United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services.

• Economic Benefits: Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers often operate small and medium-sized farms that contribute significantly to local and regional economies. By providing them with the resources and support necessary to thrive, USDA programs can help to stimulate economic growth and development in rural communities.

• Environmental Sustainability: Many USDA programs promote environmental sustainability in agriculture, such as conservation

TCAC developed websites, pamphlets, and brochures on the various USDA programs and other agricultural agencies. Also, TCAC used social media tools to educate socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers about the numerous USDA programs available.

Also, TCAC sponsored a Small Farmer Conference in Oakland, MS, with 72 attendees.

TCAC conducted four USDA informational town halls. One was held in Clarksdale and included six (6) participants. Thirteen (13) attendees participated in the town hall held in Charleston. For the USDA information town hall in Grenada, nine (9) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers attended the event. Twelve participants engaged in the town hall that TCAC held in Oakland.

An organization’s capacity for sustainable change in the agriculture ecosystem depends mainly on its ability to build strong and positive relationships within the community.

The agriculture ecosystem is a complex and interconnected system that

includes farmers, consumers, suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders. Therefore, creating sustainable change in this ecosystem requires collaboration and partnerships between various actors in the community.

TCAC builds relationships in the community by engaging in transparent communication and active listening, respecting the opinions and needs of different stakeholders, and creating shared values and goals. TCAC achieves it through community engagement programs, public consultations, and other forms of stakeholder engagement. The systems map above shows the various communities that TCAC connected with during the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program.

By building strong community relationships, TCAC understands the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture ecosystem and develops more effective strategies for sustainable change. TCAC creates a network of support and advocacy that can help overcome resistance to change and promote adopting sustainable practices among socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

In summary, TCAC’s capacity for sustainable change in the agriculture ecosystem depends on its ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders in the community. This involves transparent communication, active listening, and creating shared values and goals. By doing so, TCAC can continue to create a supportive network of stakeholders that can help

overcome resistance to change and promote adopting sustainable practices. In summary, providing information on USDA programs to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers is crucial for promoting equity and inclusion in agriculture, improving economic opportunities in rural communities, and promoting environmental sustainability in farming practices.

TCAC established the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program to help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who historically have faced barriers to successful farming operations.

Overall, the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program sponsored by TCAC was extremely successful in accomplishing its four objectives.

TCAC worked extensively with socially to improve their farming operations and skills. Through their efforts, they improved cross-fencing, and improved the quality

disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and enhance their knowledge and improved the quality of fencing, developed quality of forges.

Conclusion

The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program has been highly successful in achieving these objectives. This project’s goal included the desire to serve 150 African American, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers in Mississippi. At the conclusion of the program, TCAC served 275 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

The program has helped socially disadvantaged

farmers and ranchers access USDA programs and services by providing outreach, education, and other technical assistance. For example, the program has helped farmers and ranchers navigate the USDA programs and services application process. The program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers access credit and financial assistance by providing loan guarantees and other

TCAC has a dedicated team that enjoys assisting socially disadvantaged farmers.

financial support. The program has also helped farmers and ranchers develop business plans and financial management skills to improve their chances of success.

The program has provided training and technical assistance to help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers improve their farming and ranching skills. For example, the program has provided training on sustainable agriculture practices, marketing, and crop production.

The program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers improve their land tenure and property rights by providing legal and technical assistance. The program has helped farmers and ranchers navigate land acquisition and access landrelated programs and services.

In conclusion, the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program sponsored by TCAC has successfully

accomplished its four objectives to help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. By improving access to USDA programs and services, credit and financial assistance, training and technical assistance, and land tenure and property rights, the program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers overcome historical barriers and achieve more success in farming and ranching.

The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program has been highly successful in achieving these objectives. Here are some reasons why: The program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers access USDA programs and services by providing outreach, education, and other technical assistance. For example, the program has helped farmers and ranchers navigate the USDA programs and services application process.

The program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers access credit and financial assistance by providing loan guarantees and other financial support. The program has also helped farmers and ranchers develop business plans and financial management skills to improve their chances of success.

The program has provided training and technical assistance to help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers improve their farming and ranching skills. For example, the program has provided training on

sustainable agriculture practices, marketing, and crop production.

The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers improve their land tenure and property rights by providing legal and technical assistance. The program has helped farmers and ranchers navigate land acquisition and access land-related programs and services.

In conclusion, the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Program sponsored by TCAC has successfully accomplished its four objectives to help socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. By improving access to USDA programs and services, credit and financial assistance, training and technical assistance, and land tenure and property rights, the program has helped socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers overcome historical barriers and achieve more success in farming and ranching.