At Veterans IN Farming, we love highlighting inspiring work from people in our community. This month, we are excited to feature Frontline Gardens, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting our nation’s heroes. Frontline Gardens offers a unique horticulture therapy program designed to help Veterans, First Responders, and Gold Star Families heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their work focuses on providing participants with custom-built gardens right at their homes, creating a lasting space for personal growth and recovery.
The organization’s founder, Michael Trost, is a 32-year U.S. Army veteran with a deeply personal connection to this mission. In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, Michael was seriously injured, resulting in the loss of his right leg and partial right hand. He endured 35 surgeries and spent over a year recovering at Walter Reed Military Hospital.
After five years of intense physical and emotional recovery, Michael and his wife, Stephanie, purchased a farm in Madisonville, Tennessee. The healing power of working with the land made a profound impact on their lives, helping them find emotional, physical, and spiritual renewal. This personal transformation inspired Michael to launch Frontline Gardens, creating an opportunity to give back to fellow Veterans, First Responders, and Gold Star Families.
Since its founding, Frontline Gardens has expanded to serve participants in Tennessee, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia, with plans to grow further as new opportunities arise. The organization has completed over 70 custom garden projects, each designed to fit the specific needs of the individual veteran.
These projects go far beyond simply installing raised garden beds. Frontline Gardens provides ongoing support by connecting participants with master gardeners and offering monthly "Lunch and Learn" gardening classes through the University of Tennessee. This ensures that each participant not only starts with a garden but also has the knowledge and resources to succeed in cultivating it.
Frontline Gardens emphasizes working within each veteran’s existing care plan. While the organization itself does not provide formal therapy, it collaborates with participants' therapists—whether through the VA or civilian providers—to incorporate horticulture therapy into their treatment process. This thoughtful integration ensures a smooth and supportive path to recovery.
Michael and his team are committed to expanding their reach and are always open to conversations with new partners, supporters, and volunteers. As their work continues to grow, so does their vision to support more individuals across the country. If you would like to learn more about Frontline Gardens, get involved, or explore how you can support their mission, visit www.frontlinegardens.org.
Starting a farming business requires the right mindset to succeed, and one of the most important approaches is having a Growth Mindset. Popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can grow through effort, learning, and perseverance. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are set in stone.
With a growth mindset, you view challenges as opportunities to improve rather than obstacles to avoid. This mindset is critical for anyone looking to start a farming business because it encourages resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning—all essential traits for running a farm.
Starting a farm comes with its own set of challenges, but each challenge is a chance to learn and grow. Here are a few you might encounter as you transition from military service into farming:
Learning New Skills: Farming covers a wide range of skills, from animal care and raw dairy production to managing finances and marketing your products. At first, this might feel overwhelming, but with a growth mindset, you can embrace the process of learning as part of the journey to success.
Financial Management: Planning a budget, securing funding, or applying for grants may be new to you, but every step forward improves your financial knowledge. With a growth mindset, you recognize that financial skills can be learned and developed over time, and any early challenges will set the foundation for future success.
Adapting to the Unpredictable: Farming has variables like weather, market fluctuations, and equipment maintenance. A growth mindset helps you adapt and find solutions when things don’t go as planned. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and grow your problem-solving abilities.
Finding Your Niche: Whether you're focusing on raw dairy, poultry, or crop farming, finding the right niche for you and your land takes time. It’s okay to experiment, try different approaches, and refine your focus as you discover what works best. A growth mindset embraces this process as part of building a successful farm.
As you start your farming business, remember that each obstacle is an opportunity to improve, not a setback. A growth mindset will help you persevere through the challenges of learning new skills, managing finances, and adapting to change. Just like in your military career, success in farming comes from the ability to learn, adapt, and grow.
Transitioning into agriculture isn’t just about what you already know—it’s about embracing the potential for what you can learn and achieve. Keep pushing forward, stay open to new experiences, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Farm ON!
As the cold Indiana winter approaches, it’s time to ensure your goat herd stays healthy and comfortable. Whether you’re raising goats for weed control, milk, or meat, keeping them warm and well-cared for during the winter months is key to maintaining a humane, self-sufficient homestead. Here are three essential tools that will help you protect your goats from harsh weather while staying on budget.
Indiana winters can be tough, with freezing temperatures and icy winds. In fact, Indianapolis recorded an all-time record low of -27 degrees F (-33 Celsius) on January 19, 1994. To keep your goats warm and safe, providing them with well-insulated shelters is a must. Whether you build a small barn, retrofit an existing structure, or use a movable shelter, make sure it’s properly insulated and draft-free. Goats don’t need a heated barn, but they do need protection from wind and moisture. A three-sided shelter with the open side facing away from the wind can work well. Adding straw or hay bedding will help trap heat, keeping them more comfortable and dry.
Budget Tip: Consider repurposing materials like pallets, old lumber, or even metal roofing to build a cost-effective shelter. You can also use natural insulation like straw bales to further cut down costs while keeping things cozy for your herd.
Keeping your goats hydrated is critical in winter, but cold weather often leads to frozen water buckets. Heated water buckets or de-icers can prevent freezing, ensuring your goats always have access to fresh water. Goats tend to drink less in the winter if their water gets too cold, which can lead to dehydration and health problems. A heated water source can help encourage drinking and promote good digestion—especially important for goats raised for milk or meat.
Budget Tip: If purchasing heated buckets is out of your price range, consider insulating their water troughs using foam or straw bales around the sides to slow down freezing. This can buy you extra time between water changes, saving both effort and money.
Goats have specific nutritional needs during winter, especially if they are being raised for milk or meat. Cold weather increases their energy needs, and without access to pasture, they rely more on stored hay. A good-quality mineral block or loose minerals formulated for goats is essential to keep them healthy. One great option is Fertrell’s Goat Nutri-Balancer, which is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of goats at all life stages. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to promote optimal health and performance. Goat Nutri-Balancer should be used alongside high-quality grains and forages to keep your goats in top condition. It’s available in both 10 lb. and 50 lb. bags, making it convenient for farms of all sizes.
Budget Tip: Buying minerals in bulk or joining a co-op with other local farmers can reduce costs. Always ensure the minerals you choose are specifically for goats—using cattle or sheep minerals may not provide the right balance they need.
By focusing on these three essential tools—insulated shelters, heated water, and quality minerals—you can ensure that your goats thrive during Indiana’s coldest months. Prioritizing their welfare doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a bit of creativity and planning, you can keep your homestead running smoothly throughout the winter.
Lastly, don’t forget to provide enrichment to keep your goats mentally stimulated during the colder months. Hanging treats, adding safe climbing structures, or even providing large balls for them to nudge around can help them stay active and entertained when they’re stuck indoors. A happy, enriched goat is a healthier goat, even in winter’s chill.
Stay warm, and Farm ON!
Veterans IN Farming is excited to invite you to our upcoming Membership Meeting on October 17th at 6:30 PM Eastern Time! Whether you're already a member or thinking about joining, this is a great opportunity to get more involved with our community.
During the meeting, we will:
If you aren’t a member yet, don’t worry – membership is free and you can easily sign up on our website. Your voice matters, and we would love to hear from you as we plan for these exciting events and opportunities.
Meeting Details: Date: October 17, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join
Meeting ID: 879 5337 3327 Passcode: 099316
You can also dial in from your phone using the numbers below:
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts on how we can continue supporting veteran farmers through our programs and grants. Don’t miss out – this is a key opportunity to stay connected and informed.
See you soon, and as always, Farm ON!
Transitioning from military service opens up a new world of possibilities, and for many veterans, entrepreneurship is a natural fit. Whether you're just beginning to think about starting a business or already have an idea in mind, the SBA's Boots to Business Reboot program offers practical tools and guidance designed specifically for veterans like you.
This course taps into the strengths you’ve already developed during your military service—like leadership, adaptability, and the ability to stay mission-focused—and helps you apply those skills to business ownership. It’s more than just a business class; it’s an opportunity to plan your next mission with purpose.
The program offers:
This is your chance to bring the discipline, leadership, and resolve you honed in the military to the world of entrepreneurship. No one understands the value of determination and resilience quite like veterans do. Boots to Business Reboot gives you the tools to take that mindset and apply it to your business future.
We’re offering this course on October 11 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. It’s open to all veterans and their spouses, giving you a solid foundation to pursue the next phase of your journey.
Let your next mission be one of your own making—join us on October 11.
For more information or to sign up, contact mark@vetbizcentral.org
Indiana gardeners know that fall is more than just harvest time—it's also the perfect time of year to prepare gardens for a productive spring. Utilizing these sustainable methods now can lead to healthier plants and reduced pest problems later. Here are some essential fall garden chores to consider:
1. Clear Out Debris: Start by removing spent plants, weeds, and any fallen fruits or vegetables. This cleanup eliminates habitats where pests and diseases can overwinter. Be sure to compost healthy plant material, but discard any that show signs of disease to prevent future outbreaks. Depending on fire safety and local fire permitting, burning is often a good way to dispose of diseased branches and plants. Save the wood ash as an amendment, for your chicken's mite killing dirt bath, or for "sanding" icy walkways.
2. Implement Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover, rye, or vetch enriches the soil, suppresses weeds, and disrupts pest life cycles. These green manures add organic matter and nutrients when tilled under in the spring, promoting a fertile growing environment.
3. Mulch Generously: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch—such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips—to garden beds. Mulching regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and creates a barrier that deters pests from settling in.
4. Attract Beneficial Insects: Consider planting late-season flowering plants like asters or goldenrods to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. These natural predators help keep pest populations in check.
5. Utilize Natural Pest Barriers: Install physical barriers like row covers or netting to protect remaining crops from pests. These barriers can prevent insects like cabbage worms or aphids from accessing plants without the need for chemical interventions.
6. Soil Testing and Amendment: Fall is an excellent time to test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, incorporate organic amendments like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil health and structure, making plants more resilient to pests. Check with your local Purdue Extension, or NRCS office for support.
7. Introduce Poultry for Pest Control: If you raise chickens or ducks, allow them supervised access to garden areas slated for cleanup. They can help reduce pest populations by feeding on insects and larvae, all while providing natural fertilization.
8. Plan Crop Rotation: Decide on next year's planting arrangements now. Rotating crops helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases associated with specific plant families, promoting a balanced and healthy garden ecosystem.
By dedicating time to these organic fall garden chores, you're not only fostering a sustainable farming environment but also setting the stage for a bountiful and pest-resistant spring. Embracing these practices reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term vitality of your farm.
As autumn arrives, Indiana veterans who are farmers market vendors have a golden opportunity to increase their sales by offering unique, fall-themed products and events. Beyond selling seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and apples, you can enhance your offerings with creative ideas that resonate with the season.
Expand Your Fall Cooking Classes: Consider hosting a variety of cooking classes that highlight the versatility of fall produce. A "Soup and Stew Workshop" could teach customers how to prepare hearty dishes like butternut squash soup or a root vegetable stew using ingredients from your farm. A "Pie-Making Class" focusing on apple, pumpkin, or pecan pies could be a hit, especially as the holiday season approaches. Another idea is a "Savory Baking Class" where participants learn to bake items like pumpkin bread, rosemary focaccia, or savory scones that incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables.
Preserving the Harvest Workshops: Autumn is the perfect time to teach preservation techniques. Offer classes on "Canning Autumn Vegetables," where participants can learn to preserve the abundance of fall tomatoes, peppers, and beans. A "Fermentation Workshop" could introduce customers to making sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles using fall produce. You might also host a "Jam and Jelly Making Class" using late-season fruits like apples, pears, or cranberries.
Crafting and Herbal Teas: Appeal to those interested in crafts and natural wellness by offering a "Dried Flower Wreath-Making Workshop." Using dried flowers, herbs, and other natural materials from your farm, participants can create beautiful, lasting decorations for their homes. Additionally, consider offering a "Herbal Tea Blending Class," where attendees can create their own custom tea blends using dried herbs like chamomile, mint, and rosemary grown on your farm.
Other Income-Boosting Ideas: Besides these workshops, you can sell "DIY Craft Kits" that include all the materials needed for projects like wreath-making or herbal tea blending, which can be marketed both at the market and online. Additionally, consider creating “Autumn Gift Baskets” that include a selection of your farm’s products along with recipes or craft instructions, making them perfect for gift-giving during the season.
Before launching these new offerings, it’s essential to do some business planning. Consider the costs, potential income, and how these events fit into your overall farm strategy. It’s also crucial to check with your farm insurance provider to ensure you’re covered for any on-farm activities or workshops. Proper planning and insurance coverage will give you peace of mind and help ensure that your autumn events are both successful and secure.
These strategies not only diversify your offerings but also engage your customers in a way that builds loyalty and encourages repeat business. By offering hands-on experiences and unique products, you can make the most of the fall season, ensuring that your booth or farm store is a must-visit destination during the autumn months.
As a military veteran farmer in Indiana, you’re part of an agricultural community in a state renowned for its diverse farming landscape. With nearly 14.6 million acres of farmland and over 53,000 farming operations, Indiana stands proudly as the ninth largest farming state in the nation. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Indiana Grown initiative is here to support and celebrate local farmers like you, while also connecting consumers with the rich variety of products grown and made right here in our state.
What is Indiana Grown?
The Indiana Grown initiative was created to promote and elevate products that are grown or made by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers. This initiative is more than just a branding effort; it’s a comprehensive program designed to help consumers easily identify local products and support Indiana farmers.
The Indiana Grown logo serves as a clear designation that a product is locally sourced, helping consumers make informed choices about where their food and goods come from. By using this logo, you can proudly showcase your commitment to local agriculture and connect more effectively with your community.
Benefits of Joining Indiana Grown
1. Increased Visibility: The Indiana Grown logo helps your products stand out in a crowded market. It signals to consumers that they are buying local, high-quality products grown or crafted right here in Indiana.
2. Access to Resources: Indiana Grown provides valuable resources, including marketing support, networking opportunities, and promotional events designed to help you grow your business and reach a broader audience.
3. Event Calendar: Indiana Grown hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, fairs, and promotional gatherings. These events are excellent opportunities to showcase your products, connect with consumers, and network with other local farmers and producers.
4. Farm Directory: The Indiana Grown directory of farms helps connect consumers with local farmers. This tool is particularly useful for farmers looking to expand their market reach and for consumers eager to support local agriculture.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved with Indiana Grown is easy. Here’s how you can join:
1. Apply for Membership: Visit the Indiana Grown website and complete the application process to become a member. Membership allows you to use the Indiana Grown logo on your products and access the full range of benefits offered by the initiative.
2. Participate in Events: Check the Indiana Grown event calendar regularly to find opportunities that align with your farming schedule. Participating in these events can help you build relationships with consumers and other local businesses.
3. Utilize the Farm Directory: Ensure your farm is listed in the Indiana Grown directory. This free resource helps consumers find your products and supports local purchasing.
over Indiana Grown: Connecting Veterans and Consumers to Local Farms
As a military veteran turned farmer in Indiana, you’re familiar with the challenges that severe weather can bring. Indiana experiences a variety of weather events, including tornadoes, severe storms, blizzards, and lake effect snow. Recent notable events include the severe storms in March 2022, the damaging winds and large hail in May 2022, and the derecho in August 2022. Knowing how to report storm damage and having a comprehensive emergency plan are crucial for your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Storm Damage
1. Assess the Damage: After a storm, inspect your property thoroughly. Document damage to buildings, equipment, crops, and livestock with detailed photos and descriptions. Accurate documentation is key for filing insurance claims and obtaining assistance.
2. Contact Your Local USDA Office: Reach out to your local USDA Service Center in Indiana. These offices provide guidance on reporting procedures and available resources specific to your county.
3. File a Report: Submit a detailed report of the damage to your USDA office, including all documentation. The USDA will review your report to determine the level of assistance you are eligible for.
4. Utilize Indiana-Specific Resources: In addition to USDA support, explore resources from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA). These organizations offer targeted support for Indiana farmers.
How the USDA Might Be Able To Help
The USDA offers several programs to assist farmers affected by storm damage:
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides financial assistance for losses due to adverse weather.
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Compensates for livestock deaths caused by severe weather conditions.
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Assists in repairing damage to farmland and conservation structures.
- Federal Crop Insurance: Report crop losses to your insurance agent within 72 hours if you have crop insurance.
Farm and Homeowners Insurance
Ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage for your farm and home. Review your policy to understand what damages are covered and ensure adequate coverage for property and livestock. Contact your insurance provider to file claims promptly and follow their instructions for documentation and reporting.
Emergency Preparedness Tips
- Power Outages: During power outages, especially from severe weather, have a plan for managing frozen meat and other perishable items. Use a generator if available, and keep a stock of dry ice or ice packs to maintain freezer temperatures.
- Emergency Kit: Maintain an emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and flashlights. This kit will help you manage until power and services are restored.
- Backup Plans: Develop a backup plan for critical farm operations, including alternative methods for providing water and feed for livestock.
Mental Health and Support Resources
Coping with storm damage and recovery can be mentally taxing. Farm Aid 1-800-FARM-AID offers mental health resources and support for farmers facing stress and challenges. Their Farmer Resource Network provides access to mental health services, counseling, and peer support specifically for those in agriculture.
Connect with Support Networks
For additional support, connect with local veteran farmer groups and agricultural organizations. They offer valuable resources, advice, and community support to help you through recovery and preparedness efforts.
We're here to help!
On July 16, Veterans IN Farming had the privilege of hosting a webinar with Amanda Kautz, a renowned Indiana expert in soil health management systems. Amanda shared her extensive knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights and practical advice on soil webs, soil testing, and improving soil health on our farms. This webinar provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn about the importance of soil health and the support available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Understanding Soil Webs
Amanda began the session by explaining the concept of soil webs. Soil webs, or soil food webs, are the complex interactions between soil organisms, plants, and their environment. These interactions are crucial for maintaining soil health and fertility. Amanda emphasized that a healthy soil web can enhance nutrient cycling, improve water retention, and increase resilience against pests and diseases.
The Importance of Soil Testing
Amanda highlighted the significance of regular soil testing. Soil testing helps us farmers understand the nutrient composition of our soil, identify deficiencies, and determine the appropriate amendments needed to improve soil health. She provided detailed guidance on how to test soil to see how health it is. By understanding the specific needs of their soil, we can make informed decisions to enhance soil fertility and productivity.
Practical Tips for Improving Soil Health
Throughout the webinar, Amanda shared numerous practical tips for improving soil health:
- Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops helps prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. Amanda recommended selecting cover crops that suit the specific needs of your soil and farming practices.
- Reduced Tillage: Minimizing soil disturbance helps maintain soil structure and preserves beneficial soil organisms. Amanda suggested adopting no-till or reduced-till practices to enhance soil health.
- Diverse Crop Rotations: Rotating different crops helps break pest and disease cycles, improves soil fertility, and promotes a healthy soil web. Amanda encouraged incorporating a variety of crops into your rotation to reap these benefits.
- Organic Amendments: Adding organic matter such as compost or animal manure improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability, and supports beneficial soil organisms. Amanda provided tips on how to incorporate organic amendments effectively.
NRCS Support for Soil Health
Amanda also discussed the various programs and resources offered by the NRCS to support soil health initiatives. The NRCS provides technical assistance, financial incentives, and educational resources to help farmers implement effective soil health practices. Amanda encouraged attendees to reach out to their local NRCS office to learn more about the available support and how to take advantage of these resources.
Continuing the Webinar Series
We're excited to announce that our webinar series on regenerative agricultural practices will continue. Our upcoming webinars will focus on various aspects of sustainable farming and the USDA programs that complement these practices. Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn from experts in the field and enhance your farming practices. More details in under our "events" tab!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Amanda for sharing her expertise and to all the attendees for their participation. Improving soil health is essential for sustainable farming, and we are committed to providing the resources and support needed to help veterans succeed in agriculture.