Arkansas “Armed to Farm” Retreat Prepares Veterans for Careers in Sustainable Livestock

Agriculture, Education, Events 3 Responses »
May 032011

Now Accepting Applications for May 20-22 Training

May 2, 2011—Davis, CA—The Farmer-Veteran Coalition (www.farmvetco.org) is now accepting applications from veterans who seek a career in farming and want to attend “Armed to Farm,” a two and a half day sustainable livestock retreat in Fayetteville, Arkansas from May 20-May 22, 2011. This educational retreat includes farm tours and hands-on learning opportunities at sustainable livestock operations, as well as presentations on soil, pastures, livestock production, farm planning, and marketing

Sponsored by the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Davis, CA—a non-profit organization that assists veterans with employment, training, and placement on America’s farms—and the Risk Management Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, “Armed to Farm” is free for both veterans and active-duty military personnel. Due to limited spacing, preference will be given to veterans who have demonstrated a serious interest in pursuing food and farming careers, and to post-9/11 veterans who are near the beginning of their careers.

“We are looking forward to having something practical to offer veterans, that will also work towards building a community amongst farming veterans,” says Michael Porter, director of the FVC career development. “This one of the greatest agriculture regions of the country, and the FVC is thrilled to work in strengthening the farming-veteran network there”

More than 40 percent of America’s men and women in uniform are from rural communities. When veterans receive training and secure agricultural employment in those communities, rural America is rejuvenated.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Fayetteville is coordinating the farm tours, logistics, and presentations for the “Armed to Farm” retreat and has created a hands-on learning experience.  NCAT’s sustainable poultry specialist, Terrell Spence, himself a two-tour Iraq war veteran, says participants will learn to milk goats, do a health inspection of sheep and build a chicken coop.  Meals will feature local produce,meat and eggs from the farms that are visited.

Interested Veterans can apply by contacting Michael Porter, at the Farmer Veteran Coalition at (530) 756-1395 or by email at info@farmvetco.org.

Posted by admin at 2:30 pm

Documenting the Farmer-Veteran Story

Agriculture, Education, Feature Stories, Veterans Comments Off
Feb 042011

Documentary film maker Dulanie Ellis is working on a full length documentary of the efforts of the Farmer-Veteran Coalition and our partners.  In this preview, some of this dramatic story of transformation is told through the words of the young veterans we work with and FVC’s Founder and Director, Michael O’Gorman.

A Greater Mission – 13 Min. Preview from Dulanie M. Ellis on Vimeo.

Posted by cliff at 8:54 pm

USDA Funds FVC to Transition Veterans to Ag Careers

Agriculture, Donations, Press, Transition, Veterans 5 Responses »
Nov 052010

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sabir Brara

Farmer-Veteran Coalition
818-635-0780, 530-756-1395
sabir@farmvetco.org

Davis, CA – November 3, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

USDA Funds the Farmer-Veteran Coalition to Transition Veterans into Agriculture Careers

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced that The Farmer-Veteran Coalition (FVC) will receive a grant from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) to assist the transition of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars into careers in farming.

A project of Community Partners and a member of the Coalition for Iraq + Afghanistan Veterans (CIAV), FVC was started by farmers with life-long careers in agriculture.  The grant award will enable them “to share (their) experiences with recent military veterans and to assist them in using their many relevant skills to create a new generation of innovative, ecological, and financially successful young farmers.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” said FVC Director and Founder Michael O’Gorman.  “It really shows the USDA’s commitment to reach out to the veteran community – one ripe with young people who have the character, the interest, and the talent to become great farmers.”

Secretary Vilsack has repeatedly made notice that “Rural America makes us 1/6 of the population of the United States; those who serve us in uniform, 45% come from rural communities.” – a fact that has been a catalyst for the work of the FVC.  FVC started addressing veteran unemployment through its veteran-agriculture programs since early 2009, making increasing ripples in tackling this major issue.

The RMA’s ‘Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program’ will fund five educational retreats hosted and facilitated by FVC around the country to introduce veterans to farming opportunities and to resources available to start businesses, buy land, and overcome disabilities.

The first of these retreats will take place in Oakland, California on November 12th through the 14th.   This retreat will introduce around 25 veterans to all aspects of the movement to bring good food to all Americans:  urban farming, school gardens, inner-city food distribution, regional farming, culinary arts and wine-making.  The weekend retreat will include visits to farmers markets, an urban farming project, a renowned bakery and several area farms run by young veterans.

Additional retreats will take place in 2011 in Southern California, Arkansas, Iowa and Pennsylvania.   The grant will also fund the development and publication of a Resource Guide for Beginning Farmer-Veterans.  The latter three will be done in partnership with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).  The Iowa retreat has received extra funding from Blue River Hybrids, the nation’s largest producer of organic non-GMO field seed, and the retreat will feature visits to organic farms.

Please read more on the Farmer-Veteran Coalition and its programs at www.farmvetco.org.

Posted by admin at 11:14 am

Retreat Report

Agriculture, Education, Events, Innovation, Organic, Veterans No Responses »
Jun 042010

Watch a video of the retreat.

FVC’s Veterans Organic Farming Educational Retreat  took place Memorial Day weekend. Sixteen aspiring farmers with military service backgrounds attended and all day Saturday and Sunday they were informed by experts in organic farming, training and certification. FVC provided accommodations, food and transportation to the venues, all around Santa Cruz, CA. Here are most of the attendees and FVC staff, posing amidst the organic berry bushes of Swanton Berry Farm. Jim Cochran, the founder, is in the center rear:

Photo by Susanna Frohman.

Posted by cliff at 2:48 pm

Organic Gardening Magazine Features FVC

Agriculture, Organic, Press, Veterans 4 Responses »
May 102010

Not that we’re an organic-only organization, but the magazine that helped (re)start organic horticultural practices has recognized the work of veterans who have returned from assignment to become dirt farmers.

This article, Veteran Soldiers Become Novice Farmers, will reach many thousands of readers who are loyal to the Rodale group, which has published OGM for over 50 years.

Posted by cliff at 2:30 pm

Military Does Agriculture, Again

Agriculture No Responses »
May 072010

[Some farmers join the service and take their skills to people in war-torn locations]

From WKYT’s Web page:

Posted: 6:25 PM May 7, 2010

Kentucky National Guard soldiers deploy for farming mission in Afghanistan

They’re prepared to fight for our country, but it’s a different type of mission they’re being sent on. Today at Keeneland more than 60 members of the Kentucky National Guard said farewell to friends and family as they leave on a mission to help Afghan farmers.

Reporter: Tamara Evans
Email Address: tamara.evans@wkyt.com

They’re prepared to fight for our country, but it’s a different type of mission they’re being sent on. Today at Keeneland more than 60 members of the Kentucky National Guard said farewell to friends and family as they leave on a mission to help Afghan farmers.

It was an emotional day for friends and family of the soldiers and airmen who make up Task Force Ironhorse as they now set to deploy to Afghanistan.

More than 60 members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team II were honored during a ceremony at Keeneland Race Track. This is the second mission of this type for the Kentucky National Guard. Kentucky’s first team is currently in Afghanistan and soon expected to return.

The farewell ceremony was a first for some, and nothing new for others. However, it was hard on most of the friends and families of the soldier’s in attendance.

“I don’t even want to talk about it. I’m proud of him but at the same time I’m really afraid”, says Donna Cunningham, whose son is deploying.

“This is our second deployment, so this is gonna help me out a lot having her, so it will be easier I think but still hard”, says Tasha Chrisman, speaking about her 6-week-old daughter Brooklyn. Brooklyn’s father Shawn is deploying on this mission.

The mission is to help Afghan farmers become agriculturally self-sufficient and develop their agricultural marketplace.

“To be a little bit better farmers and a little more prosperous”, says Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, the adjutant general for Kentucky.

It’s a difficult task to leave, but one they say they can do with support from friends and family.

“The youngest thinks I’m going on vacation to Afghanistan. He gave me a stuffed animal and told me not to lose it”, says Fred Bates.

“Words can’t explain how proud I am of my son. I’m so proud of everything he’s done”, says Terry Cunningham.

“She really holds our family together. Without support from families like this, deployments wouldn’t be able to keep going”, says Shawn Lombardo.

After the ceremony the soldiers and airmen of Task Force Ironhorse left for Camp Atterbury in Indiana. They will be there several weeks before deploying to Afghanistan.

On a fitting side note, today is Military Spouses Appreciation Day, which honors the husbands and wives of those who wear the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Posted by cliff at 4:02 pm

Jim Dunlop: Gulf War Vet, Meat Farmer

Agriculture, Farms, Innovation, Land, Rural, Veterans No Responses »
May 072010

In this interview, Jim Dunlop and his wife Rebecca Thistlethwaite talk about their life raising hogs and chickens in Central California and the lessons they’ve learned. It’s not all fun and glory – it’s hard work and you need not apply for an internship with them unless you’re willing to work at least as hard as the owners. With over 5 years under his belt as a professional farmer, Jim has made plenty of mistakes and learned many lessons. This is part one of a two part interview.

Posted by cliff at 9:01 am

Help Needed for Veterans' Farm Cleanup

Agriculture, Events, Land, Support, Veterans No Responses »
May 052010

Following on its announcement that it has secured a new piece of land for growing its berries, the Veterans’ Farm founded by Adam Burke is now inviting volunteers to help clean up that property in advance of setting up its farming operation.

Contact:
Phone: 352-217-1662
Email: veteransfarm@yahoo.com
Where:
5571 Long Branch RD
Jacksonville, FL 32234
When:
Sat May 22nd at 8:00am
Directions:
From jacksonville, FL take I-10 west to 295North to Hwy 228 (Normandy Blvd) heading toward 301. Take a left on McClelland Rd go all the way down until you hit a  4-way dirt road. Take a right onto Long Branch Rd. It’s the 3rd drive on the left – 5571.
Activities:
We will be cleaning up garbage and debris from the old farm house and around the farm. Work gloves recommended, and weedeaters welcomed.
We need to get all of the trash removed from the farm in order for us to start prepping the land for planting.
Bonus byproducts:
This will be a great networking opportunity and give us an opportunity to introduce the different organizations that are supporting us to one another.
Who else will be there:
We will have supporters from Work Vessels for Veterans, Farmer-Veteran Coalition, GreenCare For troops, Truly Nolan, The Mission Continues, and the American Legion.
We hope to have the Patriot Guard Riders participate as well as others.
Posted by cliff at 9:45 am

Marine Veteran Guards a Vineyard

Agriculture, Farms, Transition, Veterans No Responses »
Apr 192010
Jeremy Lopez, a Marine veteran, worked in American embassies around the world. His specific task was opening and closing the embassies each day, always being mindful of security issues in some countries.

Joe Judge, a member of Sonoma County Farm Bureau and a leader in the county’s wine industry, said because Lopez had shouldered that level of responsibility he had no qualms about putting him in charge of frost protection when he and his wife had to travel to visit an ailing family member. Lopez stayed in the family home, sleeping next to the frost alarm and moving into action when temperatures dipped below freezing.

“It was the first time in nine years that we were able to leave the vineyard during frost season. And it was because of the diligence of ex-soldier Jeremy Lopez,” said Judge.

This season, Jeremy is back, helping Joe with his frost protection preparation. He was originally attracted to working on Joe’s vinyard by his friend, Matt Mcclure, a fellow Marine veteran who served in combat in Iraq. Matt now runs his own farm – Shooting Star – with his partner, Lily Schneider.
Posted by cliff at 2:18 pm

FVC Represents at School Garden Project in LA

Agriculture, Education, Events, Press, Veterans No Responses »
Mar 222010

Here’s a message we got this evening from Michael O’Gorman, FVC’s Project Director:

All,

Here are a few pictures of today’s amazing event in Inglewood, California. I and three young vets helped put in a school garden in a poor part of Los Angeles as the first of 1000 schools that Kelly Meyer, wife of Universal Studios President, Ron Meyer, is spearheading. Yesterday my son, Greg, my daughter-in-law Rachael, my grand-kids and two other vets spent a long day filling the beds with soil. One of the vets, John McLaughilin, 27 year-old Army Vet and Purple Heart grew up on a 1200 acre farm outside of Merced. Jose Soto went to Iraq at the age of 17, saw some of the worst battles and lost a lot of friends.

Today we planted the gardens with 700 kids. In the afternoon there was a star-studded assembly.

The first picture is Jose, me and Tobey Maguire, who talked about being a vegan.

The second picture is Kelly introducing me to speak.

The third is John, Gabby Reece (beach volley ball star), me, Derek Fisher from the LA Lakers, Peggy from Growing Great (a project that supports school gardens) and Tobey.

The last one is my son planting with a group of kids.

It was a great day, to put it mildly.

The school is 60% Hispanic, 38% African American and 2% other. I asked the kids how many had family or friends that went to Iraq or Afghanistan and somewhere between one third and one half raised their hands.

After the assembly one teacher brought up an eight year old Hispanic boy that was fighting back his tears. She said he was sad because his Dad was getting sent to Iraq. She asked him if he wanted to meet any of the celebrities. He said no, he wanted to meet my son. Greg knelt down in front of him and held his hands. “Your Dad will have lots of friends that will look after him for you”, he said. “Make sure you write him and send him lots of pictures.” An emotional scene for me at the end of a long two days.

(Click image to enlarge)

Addenda:

Access Hollywood covered the event (because there were celebrities involved, obviously) but gave it good publicity. And participant Gabby Reece described the event in her blog.

Posted by cliff at 10:50 pm
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