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Happy New Year From "Cultivating Wealth" The Black Agricultural Financial Network
Hello, and welcome to this edition of Cultivating Wealth! We're excited to continue supporting Black farmers across the nation and providing resources that nurture both your growth and success. This issue is packed with valuable insights, including updates on industry trends, success stories, and tools to help you thrive. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your operation, we aim to inspire and empower you with the knowledge and support you need. Let's dive into the highlights we've gathered for you!
The Latest from "Cultivating Wealth" Your Monthly Guide to Black Agricultural Wealth-Building and more
Volume 1. January 31, 2025
"CULTIVATING WEALTH“ THE BAF NETWORK”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Narrative example
Social media channels
Major things are happening…Are you on the “LIVE” zoom calls?
Farming Fact of the Month
2025 Agriculture Grants: New Opportunities for Farmers & Innovators
Hello, Valued Members of the Black Farmers Agriculturalists Association Inc. (BFAA),
In this edition of Cultivating Wealth, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting and empowering Black farmers across the nation.
1. Example Narrative
NARRATIVE OF SALLIE DOE
In 1985 my father, Frank Doe, Jr. owned approximately 100 acres of farmland in Fayette County, Tennessee. This land was located in the Fredonia Community approximately 10 miles from Mason, Tennessee. He also leased 25 acres located off State Highway 222 from a relative in the same year. My father had been farming all of his life and in 1985 he went to the local USDA office in Somerville, Tennessee to apply for a loan to plant his corn, soybean and hay crops. He also grew vegetables, hogs, cattle and needed money to purchase seeds, fertilizer and other supplies.
I remember my father telling me that he was denied an application by the officials at the local USDA county office at the same time that white farmers were getting loans from USDA.
I believe that the losses from not being able to receive the loan from USDA were over $35,000.00.
In the summer and fall of 2023, after hearing about a program from which individuals who believed that they had been discriminated against by USDA could apply for settlement money from the USDA, I attended a meeting where USDA officials were helping and explaining the application process. However, when I told them that I was applying for my deceased father I was told that I could not participate in the process and was denied an opportunity to fill out the application papers.
I firmly believe that not only was my father discriminated against in 1985 but that, as his daughter I was also a victim of discrimination in 2023 when I attempted to file a claim for my father’s estate.
Social media channels:
Connect with The Black Farmers Agricultural Association Inc. on social media to stay updated on our latest initiatives, events, and agricultural insights. Join our thriving community of farmers and supporters by following our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts. Click the links below to engage with us across these platforms!
ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN THE WEEKLY ZOOM MEETINGS
3. Don't Miss Out: Weekly Zoom Meetings with President Thomas Burrell
In the 2024 assemblies, President Burrell will provide timely updates on changes in agricultural regulations, evolving market conditions, and economic factors affecting Black farmers. You'll receive exclusive early access to new BFAA projects, upcoming events, and partnership opportunities. Additionally, these sessions offer crucial financial strategies tailored to farming businesses, helping you build long-term financial success through agriculture.
These meetings also serve as a platform for advocating legal and policy issues, ensuring you stay informed about the challenges and efforts impacting Black farmers. You'll gain skills to effectively advocate for your rights and understand how new farming laws may affect your operations.
Importantly, these virtual sessions offer a valuable networking opportunity. You'll connect with members nationwide, sharing experiences and insights on both successes and challenges. These interactions often lead to collaborations, mentorship, and business opportunities that can transform your agricultural endeavors.
The interactive Q&A sessions provide a chance to get direct answers from President Burrell and other BFAA experts regarding your specific concerns. You’ll also engage in problem-solving discussions on common issues and share your expertise to support fellow members. Plus, you’ll stay updated on the latest farming technologies and methods to improve productivity and efficiency.
While attendance isn’t required for grant eligibility, participating in these meetings can greatly enhance your chances of success in your agricultural activities. The information shared often leads to better profitability, improved operations, and stronger community connections.
We strongly encourage all members to prioritize these weekly virtual gatherings. They are held weekly, and although recordings might be available, live participation is highly recommended to fully engage with the interactive elements. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource. Join us this week and see how these meetings can transform your farming journey.
5. Farming Fact of the Month
The Tuskegee Institute and its Agricultural Program:
Foundation and Purpose:
The Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Its mission was to provide education to Black Americans, particularly in the South, and to improve their economic and social status.
Washington believed in practical education that would teach African Americans vocational skills they could use to improve their economic conditions. Agriculture was central to this philosophy, as farming was one of the most accessible means of livelihood for Black people in the post-Reconstruction South.
Agricultural Training:
The Tuskegee Institute became known for its agricultural programs. Washington believed that Black people could become economically self-sufficient by acquiring farming skills and learning modern agricultural techniques.
Under the leadership of Washington and the guidance of agricultural experts, Tuskegee became one of the first institutions to focus on scientific farming, crop rotation, and animal husbandry specifically for Black farmers.
The school developed an Agricultural Experiment Station that conducted research on soil conservation, improved crop yields, and better farming practices, benefiting Black farmers both locally and nationally.
George Washington Carver's Influence:
One of the most famous figures associated with Tuskegee and its agricultural program is George Washington Carver. He was hired by Booker T. Washington in 1896 to head the school’s agriculture department.
Carver was an innovator and an agricultural scientist who became internationally renowned for his work with crops like peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. He promoted the use of crop rotation to restore soil quality and advised farmers on how to diversify their crops to avoid over-reliance on cotton, which had depleted the soil.
Carver developed over 300 products from peanuts (such as soap, ink, and flour) and several from sweet potatoes, greatly improving the lives of farmers by helping them increase their income through new markets.
The Extension Movement:
The Tuskegee Institute also played a key role in the extension movement. The school trained agricultural extension agents, often referred to as "county agents", who went into rural communities to provide farmers with educational materials, technical assistance, and help with modern farming methods.
The extension agents were crucial in spreading the agricultural knowledge developed at Tuskegee and were particularly important for reaching farmers in isolated, rural areas who lacked access to formal education.
Economic and Social Impact:
The work done at the Tuskegee Institute helped improve the livelihoods of many Black farmers by introducing them to more efficient farming techniques and providing them with the tools they needed to become more self-sufficient.
Beyond agriculture, Tuskegee trained students in other vocational skills like carpentry, blacksmithing, and home economics, all of which contributed to improving the economic conditions of Black families in the South.
Legacy:
The impact of Tuskegee’s agricultural program extended far beyond Booker T. Washington’s era. Many of the agricultural practices introduced at Tuskegee became standard in the broader U.S. agricultural community.
Today, Tuskegee University still maintains a strong focus on agriculture, offering programs in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and sustainable farming, continuing its legacy of empowering African Americans in the field of agriculture.
Tuskegee's role in Black farming history is a testament to the power of education in lifting communities out of poverty and fostering economic independence. Washington's and Carver's legacies in agricultural education continue to influence modern farming techniques, especially in the context of sustainability and crop diversification.
6. 2025 Agriculture Grants: New Opportunities for Farmers & Innovators
Remember, "Cultivating Wealth" is committed to:
Building a Stronger Future Together with BFAA 🌱
At BFAA, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest agricultural trends and policies that impact our community. By sharing critical insights and resources, we empower you to thrive as a farmer and strengthen the agricultural landscape for all.
What We’re Focused On:
Empowering You with Knowledge: We provide valuable strategies and skills to help you manage and grow your farm with confidence.
Supporting Our Community: Through grants and resources, we’re working to uplift Black farmers and foster collective success.
Championing Black Farmers’ Voices: We stay committed to communicating the issues that matter most to you, advocating for policies that make a real difference.
Your involvement is key to our shared success. Spread the word and share this newsletter with a fellow farmer—together, we can grow stronger.
In Conclusion:
Your engagement with BFAA and our newsletter, Cultivating Wealth, is vital to our collective prosperity. By staying connected, participating in events, and sharing the message, you’re not only growing your own wealth—you’re helping to nurture the growth of the entire community.
Together, we’re planting the seeds for a brighter and more prosperous future in Black agriculture.
Wishing you a fruitful and successful month ahead!
