From Bison to Butcher Shops: How Flower Hill Institute Helps Farmers Navigate Growth

VetFarm Network Live: What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend On

This week, we’re introducing VetFarm Network Live, a monthly Zoom gathering for military veterans and currently serving military members who are exploring farming. VetFarm Network Live is held on the second Thursday of each month and is designed more like office hours than a formal webinar. Participants are welcome to ask questions, join the conversation, or simply listen while doing chores, driving, or catching up at the end of the day. This month’s topic is What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend On. We’ll talk about land, tractors, livestock, equipment, infrastructure, zoning, regulations, and other early decisions that can affect a farm before it has a clear production plan, market, or business model. We also explain the larger American VetFarm Network program, a program of At Ease Orchard supported through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 2501 Program. Through this funding, American VetFarm Network provides outreach, education, technical assistance, tailored farm coaching, online resources, and opportunities to connect with other beginning veteran farmers. Preregistration is required to receive the Zoom link. Learn more and register: https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network [https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network]

From Bison to Butcher Shops: How Flower Hill Institute Helps Farmers Navigate Growth

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Dave Carter of Flower Hill Institute to discuss the growing interest in meat processing, recent USDA investments supporting small meat and poultry processors, and the technical assistance available to producers across the country.Dave shares lessons from decades of experience in agriculture, including his work with the National Bison Association and his current role helping farmers, ranchers, processors, and communities navigate opportunities through Flower Hill Institute’s USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program.Topics include:• Recent USDA announcements supporting meat and poultry processing capacity• Technical assistance available to producers and processors• Challenges facing small and regional meat processors• Opportunities in the bison industry and lessons for livestock producers• Resources available through Flower Hill InstituteLearn more about Flower Hill Institute:https://flowerhill.institute/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGRyanUyMWhCalJvcHZMb2xvLVRoUGtFdEUxd3xBQ3Jtc0tuYnRPNkdqWHZYODE2WU1IN1JHMTBMMml2NTdTM3RHWE1vcnpGUUZqNG5fYThWUTk2M05fMWMyS01vY2d6RC1TWmk0cFNpbThnRk5FLUxoeEJDSUFQQ2RhaklFcjE3RGVYcHpJdUtmSmY4YjZlOVdwaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fflowerhill.institute%2F&v=m2IeQPyxRhg]Learn more about the American VetFarm Network:https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0ptSk93alZHVnVURU9qZUdjb3lYMExYOHMyd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcVBYb0g2TWxLVFd0TXBlaXBSTDJrNXY5a2JTNlNxZ05PNGdIbVhPYy00YTZuU1FCSDM1eUp1MVg2Um1LaVlrLW5TNlNqMlZFbmpYbU5nbTQ2bndUY0JneVhDM0VmSk5USTFoSmpUVk9ZWmlEOVZOMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ateaseorchard.org%2FVetFarm-Network&v=m2IeQPyxRhg]The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard dedicated to helping veterans take their next step in farming through education, technical assistance, and connections to agricultural resources.

For Farmers Movement: Grants, Nominations, and Support for Working Farms

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we speal with Dana DiPrima, founder of the For Farmers Movement and host of the podcast "One Bite Is Everything". Dana shares how the For Farmers Movement supports farmers through community nominations, grants, and direct support for farm needs and projects. We discuss who can nominate a farmer, what kinds of farms may be a good fit, and how community support can make a real difference for working farms. This conversation is especially helpful for veterans exploring sustainable agriculture, beginning farmers, and anyone interested in supporting local farms. American VetFarm Network: https://www.ateaseorchard.com/vetfarm-network [https://www.ateaseorchard.com/vetfarm-network] For Farmers Movement: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com [https://www.forfarmersmovement.com]

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