VetFarm Network Podcast

VetFarmNetwork
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

The VetFarm Network Podcast connects veterans and civilians through farming, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship. Hosted by Veterans IN Farming and At Ease Orchard, we share inspiring stories, practical tips, and expert advice for anyone interested in agriculture—whether you're just starting out or have been farming for years. Join our community to see how tradition meets innovation, empowering veteran farmers and driving success in agriculture. Learn more at vetsinfarming.com and ateaseorchard.org. Farm ON!

  1. 5d ago

    Operation Grow: Veteran Farming Support in Alabama

    This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast looks at veteran farming in Alabama through Operation Grow, an Alabama Cooperative Extension program developed in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Operation Grow supports military veterans and their families who are interested in agriculture for health, employment, and farm business opportunities. The program focuses on training, networking, and support for veteran farms through farm-planning assistance, hands-on, on-farm, and digital learning, connections with agricultural partners, and access to farm equipment through the Operation Grow Hardware and Equipment Loan Program. Guests Chuck Michaels and Jesse Teel discuss Chuck’s path from the Air Force into horticulture, what he is learning from veteran farmers in Alabama, and how Extension-based programs can help veterans explore agriculture, build farm plans, and connect with local resources. Learn more about Operation Grow:https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/operation-grow-for-military-veterans/ The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard and is supported through a USDA NIFA 2501 grant.

    28 min
  2. Farm Credit for Veteran Farmers

    Jun 16

    Farm Credit for Veteran Farmers

    This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast explores farm loans, agricultural financing, and resources available to veteran and beginning farmers through Farm Credit Mid-America. The conversation covers financing for land, equipment, livestock, fencing, buildings, operating expenses, and other farm infrastructure, along with when to contact a lender and what information farmers should prepare. Featuring Marcus Tyler Jr., Customer Resource Manager with Farm Credit Mid-America. Find a Farm Credit Mid-America office:https://www.fcma.com/locations Join the next VetFarm Network Live! Office Hours on July 9, when we’ll be talking about Christmas tree farming:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYTb3Ej0QieMcRvmc0vTqA Learn more about At Ease Orchard: https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard and is supported through a USDA NIFA 2501 grant.

    25 min

  3. Jun 9

    VetFarm Network Live: What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend On

    This week, we’re introducing VetFarm Network Live, a monthly Zoom gathering for military veterans and currently serving military members who are exploring farming. VetFarm Network Live is held on the second Thursday of each month and is designed more like office hours than a formal webinar. Participants are welcome to ask questions, join the conversation, or simply listen while doing chores, driving, or catching up at the end of the day. This month’s topic is What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend On. We’ll talk about land, tractors, livestock, equipment, infrastructure, zoning, regulations, and other early decisions that can affect a farm before it has a clear production plan, market, or business model. We also explain the larger American VetFarm Network program, a program of At Ease Orchard supported through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 2501 Program. Through this funding, American VetFarm Network provides outreach, education, technical assistance, tailored farm coaching, online resources, and opportunities to connect with other beginning veteran farmers. Preregistration is required to receive the Zoom link. Learn more and register:https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

    5 min
  4. From Bison to Butcher Shops: How Flower Hill Institute Helps Farmers Navigate Growth

    Jun 5

    From Bison to Butcher Shops: How Flower Hill Institute Helps Farmers Navigate Growth

    In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Dave Carter of Flower Hill Institute to discuss the growing interest in meat processing, recent USDA investments supporting small meat and poultry processors, and the technical assistance available to producers across the country.Dave shares lessons from decades of experience in agriculture, including his work with the National Bison Association and his current role helping farmers, ranchers, processors, and communities navigate opportunities through Flower Hill Institute’s USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program.Topics include:• Recent USDA announcements supporting meat and poultry processing capacity• Technical assistance available to producers and processors• Challenges facing small and regional meat processors• Opportunities in the bison industry and lessons for livestock producers• Resources available through Flower Hill InstituteLearn more about Flower Hill Institute:https://flowerhill.institute/Learn more about the American VetFarm Network:https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm...The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard dedicated to helping veterans take their next step in farming through education, technical assistance, and connections to agricultural resources.

    38 min
  5. For Farmers Movement: Grants, Nominations, and Support for Working Farms

    May 29

    For Farmers Movement: Grants, Nominations, and Support for Working Farms

    In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we speal with Dana DiPrima, founder of the For Farmers Movement and host of the podcast "One Bite Is Everything". Dana shares how the For Farmers Movement supports farmers through community nominations, grants, and direct support for farm needs and projects. We discuss who can nominate a farmer, what kinds of farms may be a good fit, and how community support can make a real difference for working farms. This conversation is especially helpful for veterans exploring sustainable agriculture, beginning farmers, and anyone interested in supporting local farms. American VetFarm Network: https://www.ateaseorchard.com/vetfarm-network For Farmers Movement: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com

    24 min

  6. Mar 15

    SBA Resources for Veteran Farmers

    Starting or growing a farm also means building a strong business. In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we speak with Laura Schafsnitz about how the U.S. Small Business Administration supports veterans who are starting or expanding agricultural businesses. Laura shares how veteran farmers and rural entrepreneurs can access SBA programs for business planning, training, financing, and long-term growth. Whether you're launching a farm enterprise, developing value-added products, or looking for capital to expand, this conversation highlights resources that can help veterans turn agricultural ideas into sustainable businesses. Learn more about SBA resources for veterans:• SBA Veterans Business Resources: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses• SBA Financing Programs: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans 🌱 Upcoming Event:Registration is now open for the Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting on March 28, 2026, at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. Join veteran farmers, agricultural experts, and service providers for a full day of learning, networking, and support for veterans in agriculture. Event registration:https://vetsinfarming.com The VetFarm Network Podcast is brought to you by At Ease Orchard, supporting military veterans and their families through meaningful agricultural opportunities.

    24 min

  7. Mar 3

    March 28: Indiana Veteran Farmers — Be There

    On March 28, Veterans in Farming is hosting its State Meeting — and if you’re a veteran in agriculture in Indiana, this episode explains why you should be there. In this conversation, we sit down with Retired Colonel Joe Ricker, Executive Director of Veterans in Farming and founder of At Ease Orchard. Joe was recently featured on RFD-TV discussing the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Safety Week initiative and also represented our community at the West Virginia Small Farm Conference. Now he shares why this in-person gathering matters before the growing season begins. We discuss:• Who the State Meeting is designed for• Why the Indiana State Director of Agriculture’s participation is significant• What author and pasture-based farmer John Klar brings to the program• The practical value of attending in person• AgrAbility and farm safety resources for veteran producers• Lodging scholarships and how to reserve your room This is more than a meeting. It’s a full day of practical education, strong speakers, and connection with fellow Indiana veterans in agriculture before the busy season begins. Registration is available on the Veterans in Farming website under the “State Meeting” page. www.vetsinfarming.com

    10 min

  8. Feb 18

    Supporting Veteran Farmers Through Extension: A Conversation with Emily Kring

    In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re joined by Emily Kring, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Regional Educator and Extension Veteran Farmers Coordinator with Purdue University. Emily shares how Extension supports veteran farmers and military families as they explore agriculture, farming, and land-based livelihoods. To find out more about Purdue Extension services: https://extension.purdue.edu/ We talk about the people-centered nature of Extension work, common questions veterans bring with them when considering agriculture, and how programs like AgrAbility help ensure farming is accessible and sustainable for producers with service-connected disabilities. Emily also discusses her involvement with the Veterans IN Farming 2026 State Meeting and why events like this matter for building community, sharing knowledge, and connecting veterans to trusted resources. This episode is especially relevant for veterans, military families, and beginning farmers looking for guidance, support, and practical next steps in agriculture. Learn more about Veterans IN Farming at vetsinfarming.com

    16 min
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About

The VetFarm Network Podcast connects veterans and civilians through farming, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship. Hosted by Veterans IN Farming and At Ease Orchard, we share inspiring stories, practical tips, and expert advice for anyone interested in agriculture—whether you're just starting out or have been farming for years. Join our community to see how tradition meets innovation, empowering veteran farmers and driving success in agriculture. Learn more at vetsinfarming.com and ateaseorchard.org. Farm ON!

Information

  • Creator
    VetFarmNetwork
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © VetFarmNetwork
  • Show Website
    VetFarm Network Podcast