FAMU Master Farmer program trainee wins 2013 Florida Innovative Farmer Award

(1st row- L-R)  Linda Sapp, J.B. Ballard, Faith Clarke; 2nd row L-R) Angela McKenzie-Jakes, Gilbert Queeley and Vonda Richardson, Interim Director.

Joseph “JB” Ballard, who completed the Master Farmer and Master Goat/Sheep Producer certification training program with the Cooperative Extension Program at FAMU, was selected as the winner of the 2013 Florida Innovate Farmer Award.  This honor was given to Ballard by the Florida Small Farm and Alternative Enterprise Conference, a collaborative organization comprises professionals from the Cooperative Extension Programs at FAMU and the University of Florida Institute Food Science.

Ballard, a native of Coffee County, Alabama, has been involved in agriculture since a youth on his fathers’ farm.  He began and operated his own farm production from age 10–20.  After a hiatus, JB started farming again in 2009. He is the co-owner of SB Farms located in Malone, Florida, where he is a certified producer of a wide variety of naturally grown agricultural products including: sheep, lambs, quails, chickens, turkeys, ducks, guineas, goats, pigs, figs, olives, heirloom and exotic vegetables, ornamental plants, herbs, fruits, bees and bee products.

The opportunity for recognition was made possible through Ballard’s participation in the programs offered through the FAMU Cooperative Extension Program. 

Reflecting on his decision to get training to help his enterprise, Ballard, expressed, "I am very glad that I became involved with FAMUs Master Sheep/Goat program and the Master Farmer program. There is abundant small farms knowledge available to farmers and the extension faculty was very supportive. I would like to thank Faith Clarke, for all of the assistance she provided with marketing and getting the farm ready for agro-tourism opportunities."

Faith Clarke, Coordinator, USDA 2501 Programs, FAMU Cooperative Extension, nominated Ballard for the award.  Clarke stated that her nomination was based on the following "Having noticed the shortage of naturally grown/organic foods in Malone, SB Farms developed an integrated approach including good agricultural practices, sustainable management and ‘farmscaping’ to produce and market healthy foods to the community.”

According to Clarke, Ballard represents the caliber of farmer that others aspire to become, and is great product of the FAMU Cooperative Extension Program.  She expressed, “We are proud to take a special opportunity to congratulate Joseph Ballard his achievement.  He is the first farmer of our group to be honored in this category."

As a result of the support given by FAMU extension specialists, SB Farms will begin to host on site tours this year, including being highlighted as an organic farm on the New Leaf Market Farm Tour this fall.

FAMU’s Master Goat and Sheep Producer’s Certification Program is a comprehensive training program which offers classes such as nutrition management, herd health, marketing, risk management, financial management, and pasture management.