Operation Grow: Veteran Farming Support in Alabama

Operation Grow: Veteran Farming Support in Alabama

This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast looks at veteran farming in Alabama through Operation Grow, an Alabama Cooperative Extension program developed in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Operation Grow supports military veterans and their families who are interested in agriculture for health, employment, and farm business opportunities. The program focuses on training, networking, and support for veteran farms through farm-planning assistance, hands-on, on-farm, and digital learning, connections with agricultural partners, and access to farm equipment through the Operation Grow Hardware and Equipment Loan Program. Guests Chuck Michaels and Jesse Teel discuss Chuck’s path from the Air Force into horticulture, what he is learning from veteran farmers in Alabama, and how Extension-based programs can help veterans explore agriculture, build farm plans, and connect with local resources. Learn more about Operation Grow: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/operation-grow-for-military-veterans/ [https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/operation-grow-for-military-veterans/] The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard and is supported through a USDA NIFA 2501 grant.

Farm Credit for Veteran Farmers

This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast explores farm loans, agricultural financing, and resources available to veteran and beginning farmers through Farm Credit Mid-America. The conversation covers financing for land, equipment, livestock, fencing, buildings, operating expenses, and other farm infrastructure, along with when to contact a lender and what information farmers should prepare. Featuring Marcus Tyler Jr., Customer Resource Manager with Farm Credit Mid-America. Find a Farm Credit Mid-America office: https://www.fcma.com/locations [https://www.fcma.com/locations] Join the next VetFarm Network Live! Office Hours on July 9, when we’ll be talking about Christmas tree farming: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYTb3Ej0QieMcRvmc0vTqA [https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYTb3Ej0QieMcRvmc0vTqA] Learn more about At Ease Orchard: https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard and is supported through a USDA NIFA 2501 grant.

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]