Resources for veteran careers in agriculture

George Silva, Michigan State University Extension -

Educational resources providing valuable information to veterans seeking agriculture-based careers are now available.

The Farmer Veteran Coalition in America has released a valuable educational resource for veterans who are seeking agriculture-based careers. The publication “Veteran Careers in Agriculture: A Resource Guide” is now available on the Internet or as a printed copy. Please visit the Farmer Veteran Coalition website or call 530-756-1395.

The mission of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is to mobilize veterans to feed America. This publication points out that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. The consensus is that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity and physical and psychological benefits to veterans.

Recently, an increased number of veterans have connected with the Michigan State University Extension offices seeking information about potential farming careers and opportunities. This publication is a timely resource to this audience, providing basic information on starting a farm, funding sources and building business, legal and marketing plans. A multitude of websites and contact numbers of organizations helping veterans seek agriculture careers are included in this publication.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Insitute of Food and Agriculture provides resources for new and beginning farmers through the grant program, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, and a new microloan program. The closing date for grant application is Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. A webinar for new Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program applicants that serves veterans beginning farmer and rancher audiences will be aired on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2016, from 1-2 p.m. EST. To access the webinar, follow this link: BFRDP Veteran Serving Programs Webinar.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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