A free program available nationwide is helping military veterans move into farming. A recent Instagram post shed light on Armed to Farm, which teaches veterans how to care for livestock, grow crops, and manage the business side of a farm.
Here's what to know
Localize (@localizefood.app) recently shared a post highlighting the good work being done by Armed to Farm. The organization's results extend past the training itself. In nearly every region where Armed to Farm has operated, graduates have gone on to buy land and start farms.
That matters because the agricultural workforce is getting older. With the average U.S. farmer nearing 60, noted Localize, experienced operators are leaving the industry faster than new ones are taking their place.
More background
The caption on the first image read, "Military veterans are filling farming bootcamps faster than the programs can expand," showing how popular this program has become.
One person commented, "Wait, how can I do this? Bc this is so veteran coded, we love the dirt."
Another wrote, "I did it years ago, it was awesome and tons of information gained."
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What's being done?
Starting a farm takes more than interest and some land, which is why business training is a critical part of the program. Through Armed to Farm, veterans learn both the production side of agriculture and the business skills needed to run a farm.
At a time when the nation's farmers are aging, the program is bringing fresh energy into agriculture while giving veterans a path to a new career.
Where can I learn more?
Armed to Farm helps veterans clear one big hurdle to getting started in agriculture by teaching them how to run a farm. These articles look at the other pressures new farmers face, from stalled grant funding to technology support and new ways to earn income from working land.
• USDA funding cuts are blocking desperately needed rural grant applications for farmers with limited assets.
• In the U.K., officials launched a program to modernize farms with productivity-boosting technology grants.
• A U.S. energy company rolled out a tool to help farmers earn money from solar.
Building a viable farm takes more than training alone. Access to funding, equipment, and reliable income can help determine whether new farmers succeed.
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