Military veterans: grow with agriculture

By Erin Schoenberg on November 2, 2020
Flag on old tractor
Farm and Food

For those who have served in the military, agriculture can be a rewarding next move. 

Veterans who have gotten involved with farming after having served in the military have found possibilities they hadn’t previously imagined. Caring for plants, animals, and the land can be an antidote to PTSD, an avenue to channel a strong work ethic and skill set, and a chance to reach new horizons and connect with new and supportive networks.

But, how does one get started?

Many resources exist for veterans interested in starting a farm or ranch operation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources specifically developed for veterans interested in ag.  More information can be found at usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans/veterans-and-entrepreneurship, where you can read about their programs and partners, as well as hear first-hand accounts from veterans who have transitioned into ag.

A host of additional resources can be found with the National AgrAbility Project on their resource page at agrability.org/resources/veterans. AgrAbility’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with disabilities to help them, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. They’re committed to helping military veterans who choose agriculture as their "Next Mission," as well as beginning farmers with disabilities or other functional limitations.

Farmer Veteran Coalition (farmvetco.org) and Homegrown by Heroes (farmvetco.org/hbh) offer additional opportunities.

The Center for Rural Affairs will be hosting a course of production and business classes for veterans beginning in January 2021. By partnering with three Nebraska-based veteran-owned farms, the Center will feature three distinct enterprises as those operations experience four seasons on the farm. Wherever you’re located, if this course, funded by USDA’s AgVets program, interests you, please reach out to us at erins@cfra.org. Online opportunities will exist as part of this course.