Veterans on farms

USDA has programs aimed at helping encourage veterans to pursue agricultural careers.

How often do we, as Americans, get a chance to thank those who so bravely and selflessly served in the military? Here’s no surprise. The extended arm of this country’s farmers and ranchers, the USDA has extended a helping hand. At a two day conference on beginning farmers and ranchers sponsored by USDA and the Farm Foundation, one group was given special attention. “I also want to highlight another need for our program, AG Waves program, which focuses on specifically on serving veterans that are returning to agricultural careers, including farming operations. That was the acting chair of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Parag Chitnis. He points to the beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program, which is legislatively mandated… “in the U.S., at least five percent of these farms which are projects that are limited resource farmers. And I know there are at least five percent of the funds for projects supporting veteran farmers.” USDA has many resources available for veterans focusing on employment, education and entrepreneurship. One main website to check out is newfarmers.USDA.gov/veterans.