2-02449E+13

Beginning farmers and those interested in starting a farm as a business in New Hampshire have been on the rise over the past several years.

Since 2012, the number of beginning farmers has increased by 40%, according to the USDA Census of Agriculture.

Beginning farmers have small farms in the state, with the average size farm at less than 50 acres.

The majority of agricultural products that are produced in New Hampshire are sold directly to the end consumer.

If demand falls or a market is eliminated, farmers need to quickly adapt to sell their products.

This involves knowledge and preparation for the markets that exist and the ability to reach consumers who are seeking local food in their communities.

Yet, the ability to draw a living wage from the farm is challenging, with many beginning farmers relying on off-farm income to supplement their farm income.

This challenge is exacerbated by the effects of weather-related events that impact farming each year.

In 2023 alone, two freeze events and a rainy growing season contributed to statewide farm losses valued at $12.7 million.

In fact, in a survey of beginning farmers who participated in training programs with University of New Hampshire Extension, 88% of those surveyed are unable to withstand any losses on their farm due to the weather, and still remain in business.

Furthermore, the majority of respondents reported having little to no preparation for temperature fluctuations, changes in precipitation patterns, and animal disease outbreaks.

This project will train 500 beginning farmers in New Hampshire to be climate-ready, reducing their risk in crop and animal losses, preserving the resources they need to keep their farms viable, and maintaining or increasing a local supply of food to the public.

This project will focus on training beginning farmers to develop a crop/animal loss and emergency response plan, and ensure they have adequate records to document those losses; connect beginning farmers with federal and state programs that will aid in converting their existing farming practices to climate smart practices that will minimize soil loss, food contamination, and increase their ability to overcome pest populations that can destroy crops and animal populations; and train beginning farmers to adapt so they can sell their products quickly, or supplement their income when there is a natural disaster and they risk losing most if not all of their income.

Through a series of on-farm demonstration and field day events, workshops, and webinars, this project will train beginning farmers in recordkeeping, pest management practices, food safety, and other agriculture practices that protect animals and crops and minimize the impact of weather on the soil, farm property, and the safety of food products for consumers.

Beginning farmers will be evaluated on what they learn, and the practices they implement as a result of this project through follow-up surveys and interviews with participants.

Extension Foundation

NOT APPLICABLE

10.229 - Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement

Institute of Youth, Family, and Community (IYFC) [USDA - NIFA]

Covington, Kentucky 41011-1912 United States

Single Zip Code

USDA-NIFA-EXCA-011034

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 09/14/27 to 05/14/27 and the total obligations have increased 5340% from $381,173 to $20,736,173.