The American VetFarm Network continues to grow as a place for veterans, service members, military families, and agricultural partners to connect with farming education, resources, and support.
This month, we have several updates to share, including our next VetFarm Network Live office hours, beta testing for the new American VetFarm Network app, and several recent podcast conversations now available online.
Join Us July 9: Growing Christmas Trees
Our next VetFarm Network Live office hours will be held on July 9 at 7 p.m. ET. This month, we’ll be talking about growing Christmas trees with George B. Tucker Jr. of Tucker Family Tree Farm in Ludlow, Vermont.
George is a fourth-generation farmer helping guide the next chapter of his family’s farm by establishing a Christmas tree operation. While relatively new to Christmas tree production, he has spent the past five years planting and developing the farm’s first generation of trees. He brings the perspective of someone building a new operation from the ground up while learning from experienced growers along the way.
This conversation is a good fit for anyone beginning to think about trees as a farm enterprise, whether that means Christmas trees, another tree-based enterprise, or simply exploring how long-term perennial crops might fit into a farm plan.
Register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYTb3Ej0QieMcRvmc0vTqA
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.
American VetFarm Network App Beta Testing
We are also beginning beta testing for the American VetFarm Network app, a new online space we are developing to help veterans, service members, military families, and partners connect around farming and agricultural work.
The app includes a Field Guide with trusted resources, a Network discussion area, an Events calendar, and an Exchange for sharing farm-related opportunities, equipment, products, jobs, land access, and other listings.
The app is still in development, and we welcome early users who are willing to test it, explore the features, and share feedback.
Request access here:
https://vetfarmnetwork.lovable.app/welcome
Recent Podcast Episodes
Over the past month, the American VetFarm Network podcast has featured conversations with farmers, lenders, state agriculture leaders, veteran-serving organizations, and military-connected farm families.
Recent episodes include discussions on farm financing with Farm Credit Mid-America, veteran farming support in Alabama through Operation Grow, veteran agriculture resources in West Virginia, community-based veteran support with America’s Warrior Partnership and Indy Warrior Partnership, and building a veteran-owned family farm with IrishMudd Farm.
These conversations are designed to help veterans, service members, and military families hear real stories, learn from different parts of the agriculture community, and think through possible next steps in farming.
Watch recent episodes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@vetfarmnetwork
The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts/iTunes and Spotify.
Stay Connected
The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard supporting veterans, service members, and military families who are exploring farming or getting a beginning farm business started.
Through VetFarm Network Live, one-on-one farm coaching, the Field Guide, podcast conversations, and the developing app, we are working to make farming resources easier to find and easier to navigate.
This work is supported by USDA NIFA 2501.