Shows
VetFarm Network PodcastVeteran Farming in West VirginiaNick Dayton, Program Manager for Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, joins the American VetFarm Network podcast to talk about veteran farming, beginning farmer resources, marketing support, and small farm opportunities in West Virginia.Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture:https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/veterans-and-heroes-to-agriculture/West Virginia Department of Agriculture:https://agriculture.wv.gov/American VetFarm Network:https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-NetworkThis episode is part of the American VetFarm Network, a program of At Ease Orchard, supported by USDA NIFA 2501.
2026-07-0121 minVetFarm Network PodcastOperation Grow: Veteran Farming Support in AlabamaThis 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...
2026-06-1927 min
VetFarm Network PodcastFarm Credit for Veteran FarmersThis 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/locationsJoin the next VetFarm Network Live! Office Hours on July 9, when we’ll be talking ab...
2026-06-1625 minVetFarm Network PodcastVetFarm Network Live: What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend OnThis 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, infras...
2026-06-1005 min
VetFarm Network PodcastFrom Bison to Butcher Shops: How Flower Hill Institute Helps Farmers Navigate GrowthIn 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• Techni...
2026-06-0638 min
VetFarm Network PodcastFor Farmers Movement: Grants, Nominations, and Support for Working FarmsIn 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...
2026-05-2924 minVetFarm Network PodcastSBA Resources for Veteran FarmersStarting 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...
2026-03-1523 minVetFarm Network PodcastMarch 28: Indiana Veteran Farmers — Be ThereOn 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 dis...
2026-03-0309 minVetFarm Network PodcastSupporting Veteran Farmers Through Extension: A Conversation with Emily KringIn 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 di...
2026-02-1815 minVetFarm Network PodcastGrazing Basics for New Farmers — National Grazing Lands CoalitionIn 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 La...
2026-02-1619 minVetFarm Network PodcastFood Freedom and the Future of Farming with John KlarIn 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
2026-01-2614 minVetFarm 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.🔗 Learn more at vetsinfarming.com & ateaseorchard.org. Farm ON!
2025-03-1413 min