Texas

Twenty-six veterans and beginning farmers and ranchers were admitted into the BattleGround to Breaking Ground program. Training farms in Gatesville and Nixon will be hosting participants to gain their 100 hours of hands-on training. The program consists of 16 weeks of business planning courses along with agriculture production education and hands-on training.

Eighteen new participants of the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program attended the basic training weekend. AgrAbility staff member Makenzie Thomas presented AgrAbility to participants, and a local farm equipment dealership conducted an equipment selection and safety presentation.

Participants also visited Howdy! Farm, an on-campus farm managed by students of Texas A&M. Howdy! Farm has enabling gardens for individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations. Farm managers demonstrated the farm's innovative agricultural practices that individuals can implement in their own operations.

The FSA Farmer Veteran Streamlined Eligibility program and BattleGround to Breaking Ground cohorts graduated 24 individuals in September. Graduates completed their business plans, 100 hours of hands-on training with a mentor, and 20 agriculture production courses. These individuals will serve as mentors for incoming cohort members.

Submitted by Makenzie McLaurin Thomas