Helping Vets

Viet Nam taught us a valuable lesson which was to not ignore our vets and Farm Bureau has a new program aimed at helping veterans who want to get into agriculture, connect with experienced farmers. Lisa Benson is the rural development director for the American Farm Bureau and says the goal of the Patriot Project is to create meaningful, mentoring relationships that last a lifetime.

BENSON: We are hoping people are able to connect, share best practices, share resources and that that veteran really becomes successful and has a new network when they are returning back home.

Benson says it's important to help veterans be successful, especially in light of the sacrifices they have made for this country.

BENSON: So we feel like it's our responsibility to give back. How can we help them be successful when they return home? So I feel like, just as an American, it's our responsibility to make sure that these veterans feel welcome and that they have all the connection they need when they return home.

The program recently started with a pilot project. Organizers hope to expand in the spring of 2016.

BENSON: It's just been kicked off in Texas and in Arkansas. We had some veterans that were interested in being mentored, we have some great state Farm Bureau staff that was able to support that and really facilitate that relationship.

For more information, visit www.strongruralamerica.com/patriot_project.

And that's Washington Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.