Name: Assessing What Matters - How Do We Know Our Programs Are Working?
Start: 2026-09-24T08:00:00-0600
End: 2026-09-24T09:30:00-0600

Assessing What Matters - How Do We Know Our Programs Are Working?

Thursday September 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am MDT

Alvarado H

How do we know if our programs and services are making a difference for producers? While evaluation is often viewed as a funder requirement, it can also be a valuable tool for learning, improving services, and understanding impact.

This highly interactive session invites participants to share how they currently define and measure success in their technical assistance, farm viability, and producer support programs. Through small-group discussions, peer exchange, and real-world scenarios, participants will explore what is being measured, what may be missing, and how factors such as relationships, engagement, timing, and adaptability influence producer outcomes.

Rather than focusing on a single evaluation approach, the session creates space for participants to learn from one another, examine different assessment practices, and leave with practical ideas they can apply within their own organizations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

Discuss why evaluation matters beyond funder reporting.

Explore the difference between outputs, outcomes, and impact.

Examine how different organizations define and measure success.

Identify gaps between what is measured and what producers experience.

Leave with at least one new idea or approach to strengthen evaluation in their own work.

Speakers

Rachel Brice

Director, Development & Grants, Land For Good

Rachel Brice is Director of Development and Grants at Land For Good, a New England-based nonprofit working to expand secure farmland access, tenure, and farm transfer. In her role, she manages grants across federal, foundation, and individual funders, and works closely with program... Read More →

Liz Gleason

Vt Farm & Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

iz joined the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program in 2010, becoming Director in 2021. Liz leads all program activities, funding awards, outcomes evaluation and reporting. She also fosters a robust set of partnerships with partner organizations across the state and leads fundraising... Read More →

Winona Dorris

Technical Assistance Director, Potlikker Capital

Winona Dorris is the Technical Assistance Director at Potlikker Capital, where she leads the design and implementation of technical assistance strategies that help agricultural producers build resilient, sustainable businesses. She oversees the development of technical assistance... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am MDT
Alvarado H

Program Design Development Management and Funding

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National Farm Viability Conference

Rachel Brice

Liz Gleason

Winona Dorris

Attendees (3)

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Success you have shared X tickets.

National Farm Viability Conference

Rachel Brice

Liz Gleason

Winona Dorris

Attendees (3)

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