Starting a Farm Education Program for U.S. Military Veterans
Sustainable Agriculture
Iris Mayes
Extension Educator Horticulture & Small Farms
Moscow
Abstract
Some U.S. Military Veterans return from military service and are interested in farming or ranching but may not have had direct experience. Some may not initially have access to land, nor do they want to go into a formal educational program. These beginning farmers want to learn the most efficient and sustainable methods for farming and ranching today and greatly appreciate hands-on learning. Many veterans face physical and psychological issues and disabilities upon leaving the service. Using individual interviews and nominal group technique, veteran stakeholders in Idaho were queried as to their preferences in program design. Through this process, veterans asked for a program specifically for them, to allow them to develop farming and ranching businesses with a supportive cohort of other veterans.
The University of Idaho Extension education program dubbed, “Harvest Heroes,” is now in its fifthyear, and was funded by the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program beginning in 2019. The program includes lectures from knowledgeable experts, some of whom are veterans, on a variety of sustainable farming topics as well as providing networking opportunities with other beginning farmer veterans. Each class include hands-on activities such as farm planning, seed starting, developing a flower basket business, growing hydroponic tomatoes, and other activities oriented towards beginning farming business and sustainability, as well as providing opportunities for veterans to find their farming niche. Program participants have donated over 3,000 pounds of produce to local food banks each year.
This presentation will outline the process employed to begin and expand a farm education program for U.S. Military Veterans. Over 100 veterans and family members in Idaho have participated in at least one Harvest Heroes program and many of these veterans have started farm businesses and are selling their farm goods at local farmers markets. Over half of participants who were already farming, or ranching have implemented a new method such as cover cropping, or other sustainable land use technique.
Authors: Ariel Agenbroad, Iris Mayes
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Ariel Agenbroad Area Extension Educator, Community Food Systems and Small Farms, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83714
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Iris Mayes Extension Educator, Small Farms and Horticulture, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83843