VetFarm Network Podcast

SBA Resources for Veteran Farmers

Starting or growing a farm also means building a strong business. In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we speak with Laura Schafsnitz about how the U.S. Small Business Administration supports veterans who are starting or expanding agricultural businesses. Laura shares how veteran farmers and rural entrepreneurs can access SBA programs for business planning, training, financing, and long-term growth. Whether you're launching a farm enterprise, developing value-added products, or looking for capital to expand, this conversation highlights resources that can help veterans turn agricultural ideas into sustainable businesses. Learn more about SBA resources for veterans: • SBA Veterans Business Resources: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses [https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses] • SBA Financing Programs: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans [https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans] 🌱 Upcoming Event: Registration is now open for the Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting on March 28, 2026, at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. Join veteran farmers, agricultural experts, and service providers for a full day of learning, networking, and support for veterans in agriculture. Event registration: https://vetsinfarming.com [https://vetsinfarming.com] The VetFarm Network Podcast is brought to you by At Ease Orchard, supporting military veterans and their families through meaningful agricultural opportunities.

March 28: Indiana Veteran Farmers — Be There

On March 28, Veterans in Farming is hosting its State Meeting — and if you’re a veteran in agriculture in Indiana, this episode explains why you should be there. In this conversation, we sit down with Retired Colonel Joe Ricker, Executive Director of Veterans in Farming and founder of At Ease Orchard. Joe was recently featured on RFD-TV discussing the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Safety Week initiative and also represented our community at the West Virginia Small Farm Conference. Now he shares why this in-person gathering matters before the growing season begins. We discuss: • Who the State Meeting is designed for • Why the Indiana State Director of Agriculture’s participation is significant • What author and pasture-based farmer John Klar brings to the program • The practical value of attending in person • AgrAbility and farm safety resources for veteran producers • Lodging scholarships and how to reserve your room This is more than a meeting. It’s a full day of practical education, strong speakers, and connection with fellow Indiana veterans in agriculture before the busy season begins. Registration is available on the Veterans in Farming website under the “State Meeting” page. www.vetsinfarming.com

Supporting Veteran Farmers Through Extension: A Conversation with Emily Kring

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re joined by Emily Kring, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Regional Educator and Extension Veteran Farmers Coordinator with Purdue University. Emily shares how Extension supports veteran farmers and military families as they explore agriculture, farming, and land-based livelihoods. To find out more about Purdue Extension services: https://extension.purdue.edu/ We talk about the people-centered nature of Extension work, common questions veterans bring with them when considering agriculture, and how programs like AgrAbility help ensure farming is accessible and sustainable for producers with service-connected disabilities. Emily also discusses her involvement with the Veterans IN Farming 2026 State Meeting and why events like this matter for building community, sharing knowledge, and connecting veterans to trusted resources. This episode is especially relevant for veterans, military families, and beginning farmers looking for guidance, support, and practical next steps in agriculture. Learn more about Veterans IN Farming at vetsinfarming.com

Grazing Basics for New Farmers — National Grazing Lands Coalition

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Shea, Resource Manager for the North Central Region with the National Grazing Lands Coalition. Tom brings hands-on experience working with cattle, sheep, and goats across diverse grazing systems, along with a deep understanding of how thoughtful pasture management supports both land health and farm viability. Our conversation focuses on grazing fundamentals, what beginning farmers should consider when getting started with livestock, and how sustainable grazing practices can build resilient, profitable operations. Tom also explains the mission of the National Grazing Lands Coalition and how programs like Working Effectively with Livestock Producers help bridge conservation goals with real-world farming needs. Find out more at: https://www.grazinglands.org/ We also share details about the Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting coming up in March 2026 in Indianapolis. The event is open to everyone—you do not need to be a veteran to attend. Learn more at vetsinfarming.com

Food Freedom and the Future of Farming with John Klar

In this episode of the Veterans IN Farming podcast, we’re joined by John Klar, a Vermont farmer, author, and food freedom advocate, for a conversation about the challenges facing small farms and local food systems. John shares his perspective on food sovereignty, regulatory pressure, and the growing importance of protecting independent agriculture for farmers, rural communities, and local food economies. This conversation continues at the upcoming Veterans IN Farming State Meeting, where John Klar will appear as a featured speaker. Event details and registration are available at: https://vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org/StateMeeting [https://vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org/StateMeeting]