By Blake Jackson
Mary Keeter of Lincoln University Cooperative Extension's (LUCE) Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program (ISFOP) believes that true empowerment comes from building farmers' skills and confidence.
ISFOP's core mission is to uplift small-scale farmers in Missouri through hands-on training, vital resources, and access to financial opportunities, enabling them to strengthen their farms and implement sustainable practices for long-term growth.
Keeter emphasizes the importance of practical learning: "I try to do hands-on workshops as much as possible. People can listen to my explanations, but they’re more likely to remember and apply the skills once they’ve done it themselves. I can talk about electric fencing for hours, but until you’re out there, feeling the weight and setting it up, it doesn’t fully register.”
Workshops cover topics like low tunnel construction, cultivation, fencing, drip irrigation, soil health, and livestock management. ISFOP also provides grant-writing workshops to aid farmers in securing funding.
One instance saw Keeter assisting a farmer in constructing low tunnels to protect crops from temperature drops, ultimately saving her harvest and income.
Recognizing that not all farmers can attend workshops, ISFOP also offers on-farm support, bringing necessary tools and resources directly to them.
As Keeter explains, “Sometimes it’s not just about teaching skills but providing the resources farmers don’t have access to... I bring the tools with me, so they can learn hands-on without needing to purchase everything upfront.” This approach fosters confidence in adopting new methods.
ISFOP collaborates with LU's College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences to share innovative agricultural techniques and partners with LUCE’s Poultry Program for poultry management training. "Being part of Cooperative Extension allows us to find the best solutions for farmers,” Keeter notes.
Living and farming within the community she serves allows Keeter to build trust and provide relevant support. "Each ISFOP farm outreach worker is embedded in their community across different regions in the state," she says. "Farmers know we’re in it with them, dealing with the same issues they are.” ISFOP's localized support aims to build resilience and sustainability for Missouri's small-scale farmers. Keeter concludes, “If I empower a farmer, that energy spreads throughout the community. Once someone feels confident and empowered, they can share that with others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Photo Credit: lincoln-univsersity-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Education