growing profitability for farms
Central State University Extension (CSUE) Community and Economic Development (CED) team has partnered with American Farmland Trust for the Growing Equity Partnership, a multi-year project aimed at building capacity to provide business technical assistance (BTA) to historically underserved farmers and ranchers. The partnership also seeks to increase their participation in USDA programs and services. Key project partners include American Farmland Trust, Black Family Land Trust, The Carrot Project, and 19 cohort organizations, including BTA consultants, Cooperative Extension services like CSUE, and nonprofits that serve the target audiences. All CED educators involved have received comprehensive training and are now equipped to deliver effective programming across the state of Ohio. Their outreach efforts have been instrumental in reaching over 120 participants, significantly enhancing the partnership's impact.
“It’s inspiring to see our educators fully trained and ready to make a difference. This training has given them the tools to effectively support our
communities,” said Mark Rendleman, Statewide CED program leader.
Business Technical Assistance encompasses customized technical assistance, one-on-one services, and training to enhance farm and ranch viability. Topics covered range from improving financial literacy, accessing capital, and business management skills to new enterprise development, marketing and sales, land access and succession planning, and even access to high-speed internet. "The potential impact across Ohio is immense. By equipping our farmers and ranchers with the right skills and knowledge, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural community," said Stephen Washington, Regional CED Educator, Northeast, The CED team has conducted two marketing conferences and various classes throughout the state of Ohio. These classes included six sessions lasting 30 minutes each, one session per week over six weeks. Participants delved deep into a new topic each week, covering: Business mission, vision, and values
Business structures Business planning Business marketing Records and financials Operations and resources
"One-on-one business technical assistance is crucial because it allows us to address specific challenges and provide tailored solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of our farmers and ranchers," explained Washington. The classes have had a profound impact, providing participants with practical skills and knowledge, and significantly improving their business operations and financial stability. Participants and educators alike have expressed excitement about the training and the positive outcomes they’ve seen so far. Looking ahead, stakeholders are optimistic about the continued success and expansion of the program to benefit even more farmers and ranchers in Ohio. For more information on the Growing Equity Partnership, contact Statewide Program Leader Mark Rendleman at mrendleman@centralstate.edu.
1890 LAND-GRANT | 8
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease