Are there any programs that help veterans start a business in the farming industry?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:03:54 -0400

My wife and I want to start a small farming business when I retire and I wanted to know if there are any programs that help veterans start a business in the farming industry?

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jul 14 at 2014 11:19 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:19:38 -0400

There is one I know of on facebook that is call growing Veterans They could help you find more info.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 14 at 2014 11:31 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:31:24 -0400

You may be able to obtain a small business loan and support through the SBA.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 14 at 2014 1:01 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:01:42 -0400

Here are a few sources to look at. I've not researched this thoroughly and I do not know what the restrictions are but these should be a decent place to start your planning .....

http://www.cfra.org/resources/beginning_farmer/fundingsources

http://www.beginningfarmers.org/funding-resources/

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/government-grants-start-up-farm-12981.html

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-marketing-and-management/5-steps-to-writing-farm-grant.aspx

http://www.ncagr.gov/SmallFarms/FAQs.htm

http://www.smallfarm.org/main/for_new_farmers/new_farmer_q_and_a/what_about_loans_grants_and_capital/

Beginning Farmer Funding Sources and Financing Options | Center for Rural Affairs

After considering their financial situations, new farmers and ranchers should look to five main funding sources:Local banksPrivate contractsFarm Credit ServicesAggie Bond programsU.S.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2014 11:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 11:17:59 -0400

http://www.farmvetco.org/

I found another real good site for farm vets.

Home - FARMER VETERAN COALITION

Cultivating Connections. For Veterans. For Agriculture. For America. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION The 2015 Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference brings together leaders of government, agriculture, and farmer veterans to create and extend solutions to assist US military veterans establishing their careers in agriculture. LEARN MORE REGISTER Homegrown by Heroes The Homegrown By Heroes Label Helps …

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Jul 26 at 2014 10:57 AM

CPL Jay Strickland — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 10:57:14 -0400

http://www.sba.gov/content/agriculture

The SBA has some farm loans. I do not know if they have a specific military to farmer program but they do have new farmer and veterans loans.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:14:18 -0400

http://veteransfarm.org/
Our mission is to help veterans reintegrate back into society through the use of our Beginning Farmer fellowship program.

Work Vessels for Veterans http://www.workvesselsforveterans.org/
Provide training tools such as labptop computers to new beginning veterans farmers. In addition they donated equipment after the students graduation that will help support them with the start up of their new farms
A main fiscal 501c3 non profit sponsor.

The Mission Continues https://www.missioncontinues.org/
Sponsors students in the training program and provided volunteers to help veterans and their families build their farms

Farmers Veterans Coalition
Provides farming mentorship, guidance, resources and post training to Veteran Farm graduates

The Good People Fund https://www.missioncontinues.org/
provides funding for training material, equipment and training support for Veterans Farm students.

veteransfarm.org | Our mission is to help disabled combat veterans reintegrate back into society...

Veterans Farm second Farmer/Rancher workshop - Veterans Farm agriculture training a big hit with military veterans - Blueberry season ends Saturday May 23rd -

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Aug 4 at 2014 8:58 AM

CPL Jay Strickland — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 08:58:51 -0400

Here is a article on Stripes about it. http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/grants-to-help-veterans-become-farmers-1.296660

Not only are loans available so are grants.

Grants to help veterans become farmers

The federal government will provide more than $9 million to help veterans become farmers.

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made Aug 10 at 2014 7:33 PM

Sgt Randy Hill — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 19:33:39 -0400

In Vermont we have the Vermont Veteran Farmer coalition.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 9 at 2015 2:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:29:18 -0400

USDA employs veterans as well.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 9 at 2015 2:31 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:31:49 -0400

there are yes the USDA has a program for it. I noticed it when I was installing copiers in their NY state offices.