Shows
VetFarm Network PodcastSARE Grants for Farmers Explained🎙️ VetFarm Network Podcast | Guest: Lais McCartneyIn this episode, we’re joined by Lais McCartney, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with Purdue Extension Hancock County and Indiana SARE State Coordinator.Lais shares insights on SARE grant opportunities available to farmers across the nation — supporting innovation, sustainability, and on-farm research. Whether you’re a beginning farmer, veteran farmer, or experienced producer, this episode breaks down how SARE can help fund your ideas and strengthen your operation.🌾 Learn more:🔗 vetsinfarming.com🔗 sare.org
2025-10-2416 minVetFarm Network PodcastFrom Service to Stewardship: Craig Stevenson on Land, Legacy, and Veteran AgricultureIn this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Craig Stevenson—Air Force veteran, lifelong farmer, and Co-Owner of Geswein Farm & Land—to talk about his path from the military to agricultural real estate and the lessons he’s learned along the way.Craig shares his insights on:Growing up on a working farm in IndianaHow military service shaped his leadership and business mindsetHelping families navigate land sales, inheritance, and legacyWhat new or veteran farmers should look for when buying landWhy wo...
2025-06-2016 minVetFarm Network PodcastFrom Farm to School: New Market Opportunities for Veteran Farmers in IndianaLooking to grow your farm business while making a difference? In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, Kate talks with Brianna Goode, Farm to School Coordinator with the Indiana Department of Health. They break down how the Farm to School program works, what schools are looking for from local farms, and how beginning and veteran farmers can take advantage of this mission-aligned market opportunity.More info: https://www.ingrown4schools.com/Whether you’re raising veggies, meat, eggs, or other farm products—this episode will help you understand how to connect with loca...
2025-06-0515 minVetFarm Network PodcastServing Farmers Differently: From Campus to Field with UTK & AgrAbilityStudent innovations for safer farms and smarter emergency response tools, designed with disabled veteran farmers in mind.In this special episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we visit with a student team from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who spent their semester working with AgrAbility to design practical tools that improve farm safety and emergency preparedness for farmers.Together, they’ve developed:A preventative farm safety guide with tips A customized emergency farm mapping systemThese innovations were shaped by real farm visits, universal design principles, and meaningful conversations wi...
2025-06-0217 minVetFarm Network PodcastPermaculture Design and Virtual Farm Tours with Andrew TuttleIn this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Tuttle, co-founder of Edge Perma and Redtail Edge Design, to explore how virtual farm tours are transforming agricultural education. Andrew shares his journey from serving as a USMC Airframe Mechanic on Marine One to pioneering regenerative farming and immersive digital storytelling.🔗 Learn more about Andrew's work:Edge PermaRedtail Edge Design🎟️ Interested in learning more about farming or supporting our veteran-led ag programs?Register for the upcoming midwest Veteran Farmer Conference: vetsinfarming.com/conferenceExplore national programs...
2025-05-1217 minVetFarm Network PodcastLeading a New Mission: Joe Ricker and the Vision Behind At Ease OrchardIn this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Retired Colonel Joe Ricker, founder and Executive Director of At Ease Orchard. After a long career in the Army, Joe turned his focus to helping veterans find connection, healing, and new purpose through agriculture and rural community life.We talk about how At Ease Orchard got started, what makes their approach different, and why hands-on work, education, and strong support networks are critical for veterans transitioning out of the military. Joe also shares how he first got interested in beekeeping while still on active duty...
2025-04-2820 minVetFarm Network PodcastServing at Home: Cory Mahan on Farming and the VFWIn this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Cory Mahan, Marine Corps veteran and current State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Indiana. Cory shares his journey from serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and at U.S. embassies, to coming home and working on his family’s farm in southern Indiana.We talk about how his military experience shaped his approach to farming, how he got involved with the VFW after service, and how the organization is still making a difference for veterans today—especially those living in rura...
2025-04-2512 minVetFarm Network PodcastMaking Farming Work After Injury: AgrAbility for VeteransIn this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we talk with Eileen Legault, TN AgrAbility Area Specialist with UT Extension, about how veterans and farmers facing physical limitations can continue working the land with the right tools and support.From spinal injuries to arthritis and amputations, AgrAbility helps farmers overcome challenges through on-farm assessments, adaptive equipment, and connections to state and national resources. We highlight how the program serves veterans specifically—and how you or someone you know can get connected.We also explore the AgrAbility Toolbox (agrability.org/toolbox), packed with practical solutions to ke...
2025-04-2415 minVetFarm Network PodcastLeading Through Change: Charley on Leadership, Adaptability, and Finding Your Place in AgricultureIn this episode of the VetFarm Network, we sit down with Charley, who served in the Army for 28 years. He shares how leadership experience from military service carries over into agriculture—and why veterans shouldn’t be afraid to do things differently. Whether it's starting small, pivoting your plans, or stepping into a mentorship role, Charley brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to build something meaningful after service.We also cover two upcoming events:– The 12th Annual Salute to Veterans Charity Golf Outing, hosted by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, is on May 9 and be...
2025-04-0918 minVetFarm Network PodcastHow NRCS Supports Veteran Farmers: A Conversation with Shane JohnsonIn this episode of VetFarm Network, we’re joined by Shane Johnson, State Outreach Coordinator for USDA NRCS Indiana, to talk about how NRCS helps farmers — especially veterans — plan, fund, and implement conservation practices.Shane breaks down the basics of programs like EQIP and CSP, explains what a conservation plan really is, and shares how to connect with your local NRCS office for support. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your operation, this quick conversation offers practical guidance and encouragement.Learn more about NRCS in Indiana:🔗 https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-o...
2025-04-0120 minVetFarm Network PodcastConservation & Technology: Innovative Programs for Veteran FarmersWelcome to the VetFarm Network Podcast, brought to you by Veterans IN Farming and At Ease Orchard! In this fast-paced 15–20 minute episode, we sit down with Olivia (Wildlife Biologist at Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever) and Aubree (Precision Ag Specialist at Pheasants Forever) to discuss their programs that support veteran farmers through conservation initiatives and modern technological solutions.In today’s discussion, our guests cover:• Their personal journeys into conservation and precision agriculture• The mission and work of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever• Practical programs for veteran farmers, including conservation & cost-share opportunities and affordable Precision Ag tools f...
2025-03-2111 minVetFarm Network PodcastFarming, Teaching, and Serving: Christina Magers on Supporting Veterans in AgricultureIn this episode, we talk with Christina Magers, Farm Manager at At Ease Orchard and coordinator for Veterans IN Farming workshops. Christina shares how these Indiana-based nonprofits help military veterans gain hands-on farming skills, build community, and access resources for success in agriculture. Whether you're a veteran, a farmer, or just curious about the journey, this episode is packed with insights on learning, growing, and giving back.đź”— Learn more at vetsinfarming.com & ateaseorchard.org. Farm ON!
2025-03-1413 min