Veterans returning to or expanding their farm enterprises were the target audience for Veteran Farmer Workshops held in Nebraska and Kansas, with funding from a USDA Risk Management Agency grant received by the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) in Nebraska. CFRA networked with AgrAbility projects, Farmers Union organizations in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition to host the workshops. The focus of the programs was to introduce returning veterans to resources available to help them begin or expand a farming/ranching operation. More than sixty veterans and family members took part in the three workshops held in Kansas and Nebraska. State AgrAbility staff presented a segment about AgrAbility and farming with a disability, and staffed exhibits during networking breaks. In addition, farm tours are planned for the summer, including visits to one or more AgrAbility clients.
Submitted by Kerri Ebert