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Connecting the Dots for Small & Beginning Farmers: A Replicable Extension Program Model

Teaching & Educational Technologies

Andrea Lazzari
County Extension Director, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent
University of Florida
Vero Beach

Abstract

Small and beginning farmers often know they need help – they just don’t know where to start. In Indian River County, Florida, new producers regularly contacted Extension for guidance on regulations, exemptions, cost-share programs, and production practices. The challenge wasn’t a lack of resources; it was that the information they needed was scattered across agencies and difficult to navigate. To address this need, the Agriculture Agent created the Small & Beginning Farmers Mini-Conference, a one-day event designed to bring key agencies and practical information into one room. The objectives of the conference were to: 1) enhance participants' knowledge of agricultural topics; 2) increase awareness of available resources; and 3) encourage adoption of best practices to improve farm management and profitability. Presenters included UF/IFAS Extension agents, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), USDA Farms Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Florida Farm Bureau, the county Property Appraiser’s office, and local farmers and business owners. Session topics have included agricultural exemption, Florida agriculture rules and regulations, FDACS Best Management Practices program, USDA NRCS cost share programs, pasture management, business planning, marketing strategies, succession planning, selecting the right enterprise, managing wildlife, and more. Participation grew from 43 producers in 2024 to 75 in 2025, reflecting strong demand. Across two years, participants reported an average knowledge gain of 45.5%. An average of 68.5% of survey respondents (n=50) indicated plans to adopt at least one recommended practice, including enrolling in BMP programs, exploring financial assistance programs, improving pasture management, developing business plans, or contacting their local Extension agent. The model is now being replicated in other Florida counties, with additional events scheduled and a statewide implementation handbook under development. This program offers a practical, partnership-driven approach that other Extension professionals can adapt to better support small and beginning farmers in their communities.

Authors: Andrea Lazzari, Caitlin Justesen, Hannah Baker, Yvette Goodiel, Alissa Hevesh, Aly Schortinghouse, Ashley Stonecipher, Morgan Yoder
  1. Andrea Lazzari County Extension Director, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32960
  2. Caitlin Justesen Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34470
  3. Hannah Baker State Specialized Agent, Beef & Forage Economics, University of Florida, Florida, 33865
  4. Yvette Goodiel Sustainability & Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34996
  5. Alissa Hevesh Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 33875
  6. Aly Schortinghouse Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34461
  7. Ashley Stonecipher Agriculture Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32724
  8. Morgan Yoder Agriculture Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32960