The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

Many Veterans are finding farming and beekeeping to be therapeutic and meaningful, and this work often comes with a community Veterans can rely on. A variety of free opportunities exclusively for Veterans interested in beekeeping or agricultural programs are listed below. If you know of any other, please list it in the comments so we can include.

Farming

U.S. Department of Agriculture Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides financial, educational, or business and training resources through a variety of programs aimed at Veterans. USDA wants to ensure that Veterans looking to return home or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL), managed by USDA, helps Veterans connect to agricultural employment, education, and entrepreneurship on the farm and beyond by:

  • Coordinating with the USDA Human Resources Office to help Veterans and their spouses find employment at USDA agencies.
  • Connecting Veterans with paid apprenticeships through USDA and the Department of Labor.
  • Connecting Veterans to nonprofit and other partners who can provide them with training and hands-on experience in agriculture.
  • Working with VA to help Veterans gain valuable civilian work experience through non-paid internships with USDA agencies.
  • Sharing information about more than 40 loan, grant and technical assistance programs.

Center For Rural Affairs – Veterans in Agriculture Workshop Series

Military Veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops. A new 3-year series from 2024-2026 highlights agritourism. In 2024, “Agritourism through Farm Stores” starts Feb. 19 and runs through August, rotating between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.  Programming is funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers Assisting Returning Military (F.A.R.M)

F.A.R.M. offers the Future Farmer Internship available to Veterans, serving to help them find peace, purpose and opportunity through therapeutic agriculture training. At the end of the internship, Veterans will be prepared to start or expand their own farm through regenerative farming practices, agribusiness, crop planning, marketing and other learned skills.

The internships supports three main areas: agriculture, living and alternative. 

  • “Agriculture” provides structure and purpose while challenging the Veteran mentally and physically with daily farming activities.
  • “Living” offers horseback riding, hiking, camping, paddling, biking, hunting, fishing, climbing, repelling, diving and off-roading. Dinners, barbecues and fire pits on the farm create a therapeutic environment during real life situations.
  • “Alternative” provides holistic health and alternative medicine coaches to help create a healthy body, peaceful spirit and sound mind through hard work, whole food-based diet and physical fitness.

Farmer Veteran Coalition

Cultivating a new generation of farmers and food leaders and developing viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Programs available to Veterans include:

  • Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, a small grant program to assist Veterans in the beginning years of farming and ranching.
  • The Homegrown by Heroes Label (HBH), which informs consumers that agriculture products were produced by U.S. military Veterans.
  • Membership discounts is free to all Veterans and provides exclusive access to discounts from agricultural suppliers and service providers.

Fields 4 Valor Farms

An apprentice program that provides hands-on farming experience and education to post-9/11 Veterans interested in starting their own small-scale farm that focuses on fruit and vegetable crops, along with beekeeping and raising small animals.

Veterans willing to commit to working two full days a week for 12 months will receive a monthly stipend.

Fields 4 Valor Farms grows and delivers vegetables, eggs and honey to local Veteran families in their goal to end Veteran hunger.

Armed to Farm

Armed to Farm has supported more than 1,000 Veterans from 47 states with hands-on and classroom learning opportunities. Farmer Veterans learn how to make a business plan and market their products, how to access USDA programs, set business goals and develop mentorships with seasoned farmers.  There are three training series currently available:

  • Flagship: Weeklong, hands-on and classroom training for new farmers.
  • Armed to Urban Farm, which focuses on Veterans who are new farmers in urban areas.
  • Armed to Farm 2.0, where Veteran must complete a weeklong session prior to attending this training series. This is an in-depth course on business planning, financial management, marketing and scaling-up production (includes hand-on activities).

Veterans Healing Farm

Founded in 2013 to enhance the mental, emotional and physical well-being of Veterans and their families. Some of the events and workshops offered throughout the year include equine therapy, canine therapy, medicinal herbs, art therapy, music therapy, canning and jam making, mushroom growing, organic gardening, suicide prevention, mental health first aid and much more.

Everything grown at the farm is donated back to the Veteran community.

Veterans to Farmers

Located in Colorado, this organization offers training programs in market farming, hydroponics, urban farming (backyard farming) and business planning. Veterans may also bring guests with them for urban farming courses (free of charge). These programs are a combination of on-the-job training and classroom time. At the completion of all these programs, each Veteran will receive a Certificate of Completion recognized by Colorado State University’s Extension Office.

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) – Veterans Urban Farm

Truman VA Hospital Veterans can participate in vocational rehabilitation or recreational therapy through Veterans Urban Farm (located in Missouri). Produce grown on site is donated to local Veterans and is used in health focused programming at the VA hospital.

Veterans Urban Farm apprenticeship is open to all Veterans. Paid apprentices work on the farm for one growing season learning a variety of skills.

Beekeeping

Heroes to Hives (H2H)

Offered through Michigan State University Extension, this free hybrid learning program offers online courses as well hands-on education experiences. All hands-on courses are offered in Michigan. The unique program seeks to address financial and personal wellness of Veterans through professional training and community development.

Bee Veterans

This beekeeping for Veterans program is offered through the University of Minnesota for free for all Minnesota Veterans. This program offers workshops, field trips to visit commercial beekeepers and an open house at the Bee Lab. Participants will be provided with protective equipment, but can choose to bring their own. Workshops include instruction on basic beekeeping techniques, tips on seasonal bee management, knowledge of honeybee biology and the connection between people and pollinators.

Hives for Heroes

This non-profit organization focuses on providing a healthy transition from service through sustainability and conservation. Active duty service members, Veterans and first responders with little to no beekeeping experience are welcome and will be paired with a local mentor. Local mentors will teach hands-on training at their respective apiary (location where beehives are kept).

Honeybee Initiative for Veterans Empowerment and Support (HIVES)

Within VA health care, a new program called Honeybee Initiative for Veterans Empowerment and Support (HIVES) is being piloted. HIVES mission is to empower Veterans to use beekeeping to manage their overall well-being, while supporting VA employees in facilitating a wellness-based beekeeping program.  This new program is currently being offered at the Manchester VAMC, the Kansas City VAMC, and the Palo Alto VAMC through their respective Recreation Therapy Clinics.

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128 Comments

  1. Robert Primeaux May 16, 2024 at 05:16 - Reply

    I’m a Vietnam combat Veteran and I want to raise horses, can I get help through this program??

  2. Yvonne (Dee) Clark May 14, 2024 at 13:10 - Reply

    Most of my life I have been involved with the military one way or another. I was born an Army brat, (my dad is a Vietnam vet and served 20yrs) and remained as one until the day I left home at 17 to serve my country in the US Navy. I followed in my father’s footsteps in regard to serving 20 years. Though I have been retired from the military for 24 years I still find it hard to adjust to some aspects of the civilian world. I came across this article and a light bulb went off over my head!!! I have always had an interest in beekeeping but life and its challenges has always kept me from pursing it. I live in NE Pennsylvania, and I would like to know if there are any like minds close to me and if this program is being offered in my area or any other part of PA. Would also like to know if this is available in Vermont. I will be retiring officially here in Oct 2025 so I will have plenty of time on my hands to learn a new skill and invest in the betterment of our country. Hope to hear from someone soon.

  3. Blair Davis May 11, 2024 at 17:14 - Reply

    I would like to know more about bee keeping. I live in North Georgia near Blairsville.

  4. Gary LaGrange May 11, 2024 at 15:43 - Reply

    I would like to add an additional Beekeeping program to the list.
    Valor Honey has an accredited Beekeeping and Honey Production Training Program for veterans. Three programs exist.
    We are accredited through Kansas State University and offer a 3 credit course with advanced (2 credits), Commercial (3 credits) and Master (3 credits) being added each semester. We also have a tailored intern course for veterans structured for each individual. Active duty members can train with us for the last 6 months of their army contract and continue on to progressive levels after departure from the service. Therapy is integrated into our program with licensed clinical psychologists providing care. We have trained many with PTS, Brain Injury, and Suicidal Ideation. We are also training Afghan refugees. We have graduates in nearly every state and we work with them as part of the Valor Honey network to insure their success. Over 3000 trained to date. valorhoney.org

  5. John Chisholm May 8, 2024 at 16:27 - Reply

    Would like materials mailed to me about the VA programs please, and thank you respectively Desert Strom combat action Vet 100 percent rating PTSD John William Chisholm jr

    [Editor: Do NOT publish your personal sensitive information on the internet. I have removed it from your comment.]

  6. David Lighten May 7, 2024 at 12:59 - Reply

    Hi,
    My name is David and I am interested in mushroom farming in Virginia or Texas. 100% permanent in total Disabled Veteran I would love to enter this program, but I don’t know how below is my contact information

  7. Angela May 7, 2024 at 12:41 - Reply

    Here in Hawaii we have some programs established with Hoola Farms

    https://hoolafarms.org/program/gofarm-hawaii-growing-veterans/

  8. Kirk Gebler May 5, 2024 at 18:15 - Reply

    Does Ohio have a similar program?

    • William May 9, 2024 at 10:01 - Reply

      I live in Columbus – did you ever get a reply?

      Thanks,

      William
      Micah 6:8

  9. Brad Bower May 5, 2024 at 14:00 - Reply

    Wish they had these opportunities for Vietnam vets……glad they have these oops for vets now…….Blessings.

    • William May 9, 2024 at 10:04 - Reply

      Didn’t know we are excluded! RVN 65-66

      If you find anything different give me a yell!

      Thanks,

      William
      Micah 6:8

  10. samuel May 5, 2024 at 11:48 - Reply

    Hello Please link me up with with farmers learning how to start one in my backyard. 20841 boyds md

  11. Mark nagle May 4, 2024 at 16:14 - Reply

    Hey
    I need
    Help.
    Got a 5 acre farmette
    Struggling

    • Angela Morrow May 6, 2024 at 11:33 - Reply

      where are you located?

    • John Chisholm May 8, 2024 at 16:28 - Reply

      Where you located at ?

  12. Richard Mirabile May 4, 2024 at 06:49 - Reply

    My wife and I have donkeys. Is there a grant or program that would benefit us. We recently purchased small form in
    Virginia.

  13. Craig Johnson May 4, 2024 at 05:06 - Reply

    Would definitely be interested in any program in or near Las Vegas. Would like to grow food to provide for military/veteran families in Nevada

  14. Demitrius Whitfield May 3, 2024 at 23:47 - Reply

    Is this program aimed towards raising beef on the farms also?

  15. William P Tart Jr May 3, 2024 at 23:34 - Reply

    I would like to know more about beekeeping. E-mail information. Thank you

  16. Tom May 3, 2024 at 17:21 - Reply

    Thanks for the information. I live in Central Texas and wondering if there are any Bee Keeping opportunities around here.

    • Mrs Pilipen May 7, 2024 at 03:12 - Reply

      Sharon Roth posted below that they have a place to keep bees and/or farm north of Houston. Kind of far from you, but maybe you could hook up with them.

  17. Mike Zielinski May 3, 2024 at 14:48 - Reply

    Hi, I am Veteran living in northwest Michigan, I have been bee keeping for over ten years now and would be wiling to mentor other Veterans in my area.

  18. Charles Pilcher May 3, 2024 at 14:12 - Reply

    I am a vet and would like to learn about bee keepers and fish farming. I live in Appling Ga.

  19. Gregorio G. Barboza May 3, 2024 at 12:23 - Reply

    Any programs for Veterans on fish farming?

  20. Alexander Trujillo May 3, 2024 at 11:25 - Reply

    Greetings,

    Thank you for sharing this information and to all people here for their insight.
    I am still in AD (AGR), 3 to 4 years to retirement. I am planning on requesting my last PCS to Kentucky (FT. Knox, Louisville, Lexington area). I am very interested on creating a small sustainable organic farm and a nature sanctuary from scratch. Any advice on land I can buy, what do I must know before choosing the site, resources available (education, financial, mentorship, etc.)
    Thank you and have a great rest of the day.

  21. Levi Allen May 3, 2024 at 09:24 - Reply

    I encourage those who have made it this far in the comments to look at https://www.arcadiafood.org/ They have many resources, programs, and specifically a Veterans Farmer Program that helped me learn a lot about farm businesses, specific plants and farm practices, interacting with extension programs or engaging others for better farming success, and even equipment operation and maintenance. The Arcadia crew is a real special team that made the bar for entry into farming a lot lower and more enticing for myself and many other active duty/veterans – whether at a business or hobby level. The continued support following the program is what really shows their level of care for each member of the program and that they are not just out for more participants to increase their chances to line their pockets. As a former student and as one has utilized their services after the end of my program, I am confident that this is one of the top veteran farming programs available. If you don’t believe me, call them for yourself and try it out.

    https://www.arcadiafood.org/
    https://www.arcadiafood.org/veteran-farmer-program

  22. Roger Cooper May 2, 2024 at 22:59 - Reply

    Is there any opportunity for veterans in Daviess County Kentucky?

    • Rich May 6, 2024 at 11:03 - Reply

      Is there anything like this in Wisconsin? Near Kewaskum or Wausaukee?

  23. Aubrey Rohaley May 2, 2024 at 20:01 - Reply

    I’m an Iraq Veteran and I live kinda off grid in a camper. Would love to have 1 or 2 acres to do something like this. But there is always something they are not telling you.

  24. Tamara May 2, 2024 at 19:54 - Reply

    Are there any opportunities in NC? I am a master gardener who has been growing food for 10 years. I want to start an urban farm in my area, Charlotte, NC. In need assistance.

    • Lisa R May 7, 2024 at 21:58 - Reply

      I’m an army veteran who lives in Charlotte also. I am ft employed in a very physical job. I am highly interested in finding a way to switch to an agricultural life vocation.
      Lisa

  25. Rafael Otero May 2, 2024 at 18:18 - Reply

    I living in south Texas and have 5 acres . I need help for start on small cows farm please give me more information from VA plans or have more opportunities to development and financial support thanks.

  26. J. shaw May 2, 2024 at 17:52 - Reply

    Good afternoon, is this program available to us here in North Las Vegas?

  27. Julian Turner May 2, 2024 at 17:40 - Reply

    I and my wife are very interested in the ‘Farming Program’ and its associated stipend. I believe it will be very therapeutic as well as possibly a financial assistance. Please send the necessary application and related documents. Thank You.

    Sincerely,
    Julian Turner, Senior Partner-CEO, Turner Legal Services Consulting
    Viet Nam Veteran

  28. Sharon K Schmidt May 2, 2024 at 16:52 - Reply

    Please include our program, Bee Heroes America in your listings. Bee Heroes America is administered through Cascade Girl, a 501(c)3 partnering with the VA Domiciliary Recreation Therapy department in White City, Oregon. From May to October, the Bee Heroes America program teaches veterans hands-on beekeeping and gardening skills and helps students connect with the beekeeping community. A certificate of completion is presented to students that achieve basic skills.

  29. Gerald D Frady jr May 2, 2024 at 16:36 - Reply

    Like everything thing else I’ve seen from the VA tooting its own about how much they do for vets this is BS , with the internet anyone can learn how to do anything free . Now how is the VET that can’t even afford food going to buy the damn bees and equipment ?

    • Dennis Malone May 3, 2024 at 09:03 - Reply

      Hives to Heroes out of the Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association literally bought me my first hive, bees, and gear. They taught me how to make my own hives so that I didn’t need to go out and buy expensive equipment. They had a whole bunch of people mentor me through how to take care of my bees, caring folks that really knew what they were doing and often shared resources with me. They’ve come and helped me take care of my hives when I couldn’t. I now have 3 hives that produce enough honey for me to give mason jars of it to friends and family and new friends. My queens are Constance, Isabelle, and Corazan (my granddaughters named them for me). I didn’t buy the bees for the second and third hives, one was a swarm that one of my mentors showed me how to catch and the other came from splitting my first hive.

      • Angela Morrow May 6, 2024 at 11:37 - Reply

        Thank you for sharing your experience! I’d love to have a hive of my own but don’t own my own land or anything yet. Your comment gives great insight to give us all hope though! :)

    • Kevin Toro May 3, 2024 at 14:17 - Reply

      You are correct, I started beekeeping a few years ago. I took a class through the local beekeepers association, but have found so many new ideas and ways on the internet. Btw, the association (at least my local) has equipment they lend out as well as a mentoring program.

    • Craig Johnson May 4, 2024 at 05:09 - Reply

      Brother Gerald Frady? Don’t be (no pun intended) discouraged, for we are all family. The Lord loves you and will get you into something I promise Brother. Contact a VSO the best you can, something, someone is there it’s just manifest yet. Ask Him for help, He’s listening. I’m praying for some program myself, to get my hands dirty, and where I can grow food for others, especially military and and veteran’s families. C’mon brother Gerald you hang in and on…you’re an AMERICAN VETERAN, the best of the best. I’ll be praying for you tonight!! God bless and Favor you!?

  30. Jay May 2, 2024 at 16:24 - Reply

    Anything available for east Tennessee ????

    • Mrs Pilipen May 7, 2024 at 03:07 - Reply

      Hi Jay. We are moving out to Knoxville in December of this year. My husband is planning on getting some bees for 2025. Maybe he could help you get started learning about beekeeping, if you are interested?

  31. jimmy figueroa May 2, 2024 at 15:53 - Reply

    good afternoon. Is this program in Puerto Rico?

  32. Sharon Roth May 2, 2024 at 15:34 - Reply

    I am in Texas north of Houston & have a few acres that someone could use for gardening & beekeeping.If interested please let me know.

    • Byron Miller May 2, 2024 at 17:16 - Reply

      Hello yes I’m interested

  33. Dwight Upton May 2, 2024 at 15:31 - Reply

    This is fantastic! Three Cheers to whoever came up with developing these programs, and hope they thrive and expand.

  34. Sharon Roth May 2, 2024 at 15:30 - Reply

    We have a few Acres that we would be willing to let veterans use for a vegetable garden or bees are both. If interested please let me know.

    • jose A. Valdez May 3, 2024 at 16:55 - Reply

      i’m very interested. where is this land of yours? i’m live in San Antonio, Tx.

  35. Adam May 2, 2024 at 15:29 - Reply

    I’m a beekeeper in Boise Idaho and would like to offer support and interaction opportunity. How?

    • Mrs Pilipen May 7, 2024 at 03:17 - Reply

      Hi Adam. You just did. Hopefully someone looking at these comments will take you up on your kind offer. Maybe Aubrey Rohaley (May 2nd off grid comment) would be interested.

  36. Frank R Wilson May 2, 2024 at 13:28 - Reply

    Going to try and share this with a Facebook Goup of Army 13B soldiers ( x & current)!

  37. Larry Dever May 2, 2024 at 13:10 - Reply

    I’m a Vietnam vet. A1/8 First Cav., 1968, MOS 11B. I’m still healthy and well adjsuted, no PTSD or anything like that. I have a small cow/calf operation on 342 acres in Esat Texas. Do you think you’d have anything that would benefit me?

  38. Darren Davis May 2, 2024 at 13:10 - Reply

    I am a Combat Army Vet and I believe these are great programs. As I am a living abroad in Germany near the Military Communities, I do not see such support for the Veterans living or working here. I hope it will change in the future.

  39. Dentral Holman Smith May 2, 2024 at 12:47 - Reply

    Are there farming or beekeeping programs in the coastal area of North Carolina?

    • Gerald D Frady jr May 2, 2024 at 16:39 - Reply

      They’re not going to help with the Costs , it’s just classes and learning. The supplies/ equipment is what extremely expensive. You can get free info for anything on the Internet.

      • Dennis Malone May 3, 2024 at 09:08 - Reply

        See above. NEKBA (North East Kansas Beekeeping Association) bought my first hive, my first queen and bees, and all of my gear to take care of them. They gave me hands-on training in building more gear, which is better than any internet video.

  40. Anthony Esquibel May 2, 2024 at 12:39 - Reply

    I’m a usmc Vietnam combat veteran. For years I have struggled with PTSD . I li ve in rual northeastern part of New Mexico . I had frequently ask my va doctors of such programs. Very interested as I recently purchased a small farm wanting to do just that therapy. No animals yet ???

    • Mrs Pilipen May 7, 2024 at 03:35 - Reply

      Don Peters wrote the below in a comment below. Not super close to you, but maybe close enough you could add your farm to their list of locations and they could send teachers and students out to you. If often helps to try to help others. Maybe you could connect with him and you can work together:

      Not Forgotten Outreach – 610 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571

      VetCorps offers veterans and their families a service opportunity to engage in a 2nd Mission: feeding the community. VetCorps members participate in agricultural projects at Not Forgotten Outreach and engage in therapeutic activities to strengthen the ability of veterans to transition successfully into civilian life. This position will be demanding both physically and mentally as you learn and engage in agricultural projects. Agricultural projects will include hydroponics, traditional row crops, and animal husbandry. All VetCorps members will receive both personal and professional development training in topics such as hydroponics, USDA food safety, beekeeping, seed saving, row crops, permaculture, acequias, land revitalization, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills, and “whole health” lifestyle skills.

      https://notforgottenoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/VetCorps-Class-10-Flyer-1187×1536.png

  41. Don Tobul May 2, 2024 at 11:36 - Reply

    I am a combat Veteran, mental health counselor and operator of a hydroponic farm near Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve been attempting to work with VBA and VHA for over 5 years to help Veterans in this space to no avail. I’ve reached out to congress for assistance and they too don’t understand why Cleveland will not get on board. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    • Hammy P May 2, 2024 at 17:54 - Reply

      Hey Don. I’m reaching out from all of the above named grant facilitators. Your statement is valid, and it is unfortunate that once our organization receives grant funds, we take 95% for personal salaries and try to spend the other 5% on advertising for the grant that is no longer available. Feel free to reach out to our customer service team that doesn’t exist. Namaste!!

  42. Larry Chime May 2, 2024 at 11:29 - Reply

    Anything in north Florida.

  43. Patrick Larry Angland May 2, 2024 at 11:26 - Reply

    I reside in the state of Oregon and have a few bee hives. Is there any bee keeping programs in this state I can look into?

  44. Thomas N Summers May 2, 2024 at 11:20 - Reply

    I would’ve loved this when I was discharged, however it’s a bit late for me now at 82 years of age. Kudo’s to the folks that thought of this.

  45. Kevin Edwards May 2, 2024 at 11:16 - Reply

    There are a lot of great programs offered to Veterans. I have looked into this before, but my wife said I am not a farmer but an insurance agent. hahaha

    • Wayne Olmsted May 2, 2024 at 12:40 - Reply

      I am a USAF VET (1963-1967) and most of the time since has been spent as an Electronic Design Engineer.

      Three years ago, I bought the farm (literally).

      I have 30 acres near Bushnell, Fl and have started off raising Brangus Cattle.

      My next endeavour will be aquaponics. (the combining of Hydroponics and raising fish)

      I am designing automatic water monitoring and control systems to allow me (79 years young) to allow me to run the equaponics with an involvment of only 1 hour per day (except on harvest days; all hands on board!)

      If I can do it, so can you! Keep an eye out for Harbour freight’s sales on their green houses… And jump in when you are ready… I’ve worked all my life and can’t imagine not working every day till, it’s time to “go home”.

      • Celeste May 2, 2024 at 20:31 - Reply

        I’m in Brandon, and if you’re ever interested in teaching, I’d love to learn from you!

      • Denitia M McGuire May 7, 2024 at 07:49 - Reply

        Wayne Olmsted, I’m in Athens, GA. I too would love to learn from you. You remind me of my 101 year young grandmother-in-law, who still does what gardening she can from her walker.

  46. Natasha Taylor May 2, 2024 at 10:39 - Reply

    This article is overwhelming with information. It doesn’t feel like someone cared to package this information. Sometimes the packaging means more than the product. If I can’t read this and digest this, why waste your time?

    Retype with bullet points with hyperlinks to the websites or more information.

    This article is a perfect article of something getting “done”. Remember quality over quantity and there are people trying to digest this information.

    • Briana May 3, 2024 at 12:47 - Reply

      Same thing I said!

  47. al williams May 2, 2024 at 10:25 - Reply

    why dont i see anything for ohio

  48. Chantel F. May 2, 2024 at 10:20 - Reply

    OHIO — Central Ohio Beekeeping Association (COBA) offers a 2 year veteran course through the Ohio State University’s Agricultural Extension. I’m in my second year of my program and just received my first package of bees a few weeks ago! A very calming and rewarding experience.

  49. Charlie Brown May 2, 2024 at 10:20 - Reply

    Be great if Florida offered this program.

  50. Phillip Cantelmi May 2, 2024 at 10:18 - Reply

    Would like more information on Alaska programs

    • KA May 9, 2024 at 01:15 - Reply

      I second this, I would appreciate any info about related opportunities in Alaska.

  51. JERRY D TILLOTSON May 2, 2024 at 08:18 - Reply

    SOUNDS INTERSTING GOING TO CHECK INTO IT A LITTLE MORE

  52. Jerry Howard May 2, 2024 at 08:05 - Reply

    Would like information on bee keeping in Alabama if there is any available .. Thank’s

  53. don peters II May 2, 2024 at 07:45 - Reply

    Not Forgotten Outreach – 610 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571

    VetCorps offers veterans and their families a service opportunity to engage in a 2nd Mission: feeding the community. VetCorps members participate in agricultural projects at Not Forgotten Outreach and engage in therapeutic activities to strengthen the ability of veterans to transition successfully into civilian life. This position will be demanding both physically and mentally as you learn and engage in agricultural projects. Agricultural projects will include hydroponics, traditional row crops, and animal husbandry. All VetCorps members will receive both personal and professional development training in topics such as hydroponics, USDA food safety, beekeeping, seed saving, row crops, permaculture, acequias, land revitalization, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills, and “whole health” lifestyle skills.

    https://notforgottenoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/VetCorps-Class-10-Flyer-1187×1536.png

  54. Brian Joseph May 2, 2024 at 07:00 - Reply

    What about national guard veterans?

  55. Angele Manoogian May 2, 2024 at 06:56 - Reply

    This is a wonderful program for all Vetrens . Thank you very much for posting .

  56. Stephen Mitchell May 2, 2024 at 05:07 - Reply

    I live in Rosiclare Illinois right on the Ohio River. I am a Honorable discharge veteran. I am disabled from a car wreck in 07 I’ve had to have 17 surgeries to put me back together again. I want to start a farmers market here we’re I am at. We don’t have anything like that here and we have to deal with horrible vegetables and fruits. My idea is to get about ten acres of ground put three polymer tunnels on the ground then build a small building we’re I could sell my vegetables through. I truly believe that I could do this. I would need help getting grants and loans as I don’t have the money to buy anything outright. I get ten percent disability from VA for my hearing. I would think I should be able to up my percentage by now but I don’t know how to go about it. If you think that you can help me to achieve this please please please call me.

    • Dina Kogan May 2, 2024 at 10:43 - Reply

      you need to go to the va benefits site, and select the redetermination, and go through the entire process. make sure you fill out everything, and check up on it regularly just to make sure they don’t ask you for something and you miss out on it. Heads up, it takes a very long time for the entire process to go through for them to determine if you should get more than 10% disability. they will schedule a doctor/doctors appointments at the va hospitals for you to see, it is all part of the process. The doctor will have the final say in the determination of your disability rate, so make sure you don’t miss your appointments and tell them everything and how it has impacted your life!
      when I was discharged, I also had a 10% disability rate back in 2005. Then one day in the mail I received a huge envelope from the military, telling me that they were going through all medical disability cases and that if I believed that my disabilities have gotten worse since then I should fill out the packet and send it to them. My entire process took over 2 years to go through since they had to go through a lot of other people, but yours might go a lot faster!
      Good luck

    • Plundstedt May 2, 2024 at 12:05 - Reply

      How do I join farming group. You make it difficult without an instant link.

  57. Antonio Quinlan May 2, 2024 at 02:43 - Reply

    I operate Hudson River Apiary Society non profit. Our mission is to educate youth and veterans on the critical need to preserve beekeeping. This effort offers immense benefits to participants to include environmental preservation, physical and mental health.

  58. Ron Harper May 2, 2024 at 00:54 - Reply

    Why isn’t anything offered to veterans down south?

  59. Briana May 2, 2024 at 00:47 - Reply

    Great information!
    I’m interested in learning about a urban farming and bee keeping. I live in Texas, do you have anything available here?

  60. JD Small May 2, 2024 at 00:16 - Reply

    We have bee hives and would like to plant flowers that will help the bees. I understand there is a source for information and for seed but don’t know where to go. Can you help me please?

  61. Alesandra May 2, 2024 at 00:08 - Reply

    Thank you for these wonderful programs

  62. Dianna Kuykendall May 1, 2024 at 23:50 - Reply

    It would be nice if Master Gardener Program opened up at no cost to vets and or spouses through the University of Idaho. I believe this program can be completed online.

  63. Greg Lynch May 1, 2024 at 23:18 - Reply

    What if you can’t flipping drive and epileptic, and not returning from active duty? Been out since 2012

    • Mrs P May 7, 2024 at 04:24 - Reply

      @Greg Lynch Well, apparently you have a brain and can type (you’re already ahead of some folks). If you have the time, maybe you can help some of your fellow veterans who have posted comments. You can look up organizations online or read through these comments and ‘Reply’ to people here and try to connect some of these veterans with each other. The article has good info, but some of these folks in the comments need help connecting the dots. It sounds to me like you are smart and you could be that person. Why not give it a try. You never know, you could change someone’s life for the better. Even one or two replies would be helpful, like for JD Small. Or Charlie Brown who asked above about Florida programs. I seem to remember someone up above mentioned programs in Florida. Anyway, see what you can do. These guys (and gals) need you.

  64. Taylor Schmidt May 1, 2024 at 22:50 - Reply

    As a veteran who is interested in becoming a self-sufficient farmer/homesteading, the amount of resources here are an amazing opportunity for us veterans and military affiliates. Thank you for all that you do to promote these programs.

  65. Wilfredo Abas May 1, 2024 at 22:45 - Reply

    Can I apply here in the Philippines

  66. DAVID Wynn WAGNER May 1, 2024 at 22:21 - Reply

    also tell the farmers to stop spraying my honey bees!

  67. DAVID Wynn WAGNER May 1, 2024 at 22:20 - Reply

    One problem is in Iowa when you buy a first right of refusal and then serve 30 you find out that a new law ends that right after 20.

  68. Don Rounsavill May 1, 2024 at 22:07 - Reply

    I have made some custom made walking canes for veterans and for non veterans and would like to share the information with a group of veterans.

  69. Danielv S. MOSLEY May 1, 2024 at 21:53 - Reply

    hi, I’m a veteran with a ranch in south western Colorado who would like to help. You have so many programs, it is mind goggling.
    Can we talk about the benefits of hands on training?

    Sincerely,
    Daniel S. Mosley

  70. Matthew May 1, 2024 at 21:50 - Reply

    Any Bee programs for N.E. Florida

    • James May 2, 2024 at 10:00 - Reply

      Any bee keeping opportunities in Virginia?

    • Eric Bush May 2, 2024 at 21:41 - Reply

      Have you looked into any beekeeping clubs in your area? I’m in the Clay County Beekeepers Association, and there are beekeeping clubs in nearly every NE Florida county. Most have monthly meetings, offer mentorship, and put on classes/training.

  71. Terry Jelcick May 1, 2024 at 21:42 - Reply

    I thought that the Beekeeping Opportunities for Veterans looks like a worthwhile opportunity, but finding online or physical programs in my area (Soquel, CA 95073) seems non-existent.

    Terry Jelcick 9430

    USN, CAANG, USCG
    Viet Nam, Desert Storm
    USS Morton DD-948 & NSAD Chu Lai (’66-72), 1/149th Armor (’89-90), Group Monterey, ISC Alameda, CEU Oakland, PSU-303 & 312, MSST 91105, NCWG-1 (1990-2006)

    • Cian May 2, 2024 at 12:47 - Reply

      I grew up on Amigo Rd and my family kept bees there. Hope you can make it happen. Honey there changes color and flavor by season. Hope you can get it going!

  72. Jesse May 1, 2024 at 21:41 - Reply

    These are very interesting programs, but I live in North Dakota. Whats available in ND?

  73. Charles Lee Heffner May 1, 2024 at 21:31 - Reply

    Love this article now if we knew you to talk to

  74. Charles Lee Heffner May 1, 2024 at 21:29 - Reply

    I am very interested in farming I have land that connects right to my home right behind my home 6 acres I would love to buy and farm all fruit trees or bees somthing are there any grants I get get to get this land and get started ? My home is fully paid for clear deed . May I please get help in fing out what to do I’m a 100% disabled vet

  75. LizaMae May 1, 2024 at 21:07 - Reply

    This is absolutely wonderful! It would be great to have a VA Caregiver initiative like this with these types of resources. Many VA caregivers provided for the demands of military families during the military members active duty service and stepped up, again, for veteran care and assistance later. These types of resources would help caregivers refresh and rebuild their lives affected by the military. I’m happy to see this diversity of opportunities for veterans.

  76. Ken Lassiter May 1, 2024 at 20:53 - Reply

    My wife and I are both Veterans ( Desert Storm) and are beekeepers in Arkansas. We are into our 6 th year and plan to have many more hives over the next few years. Please let us know if we can be of service in our area to help other Veterans.

  77. Don Damron May 1, 2024 at 20:52 - Reply

    This is great do you offer any types of horse training or fishing for veterans to get in involved or learn how to do and maybe turn in a business?

  78. Rob Gould May 1, 2024 at 20:51 - Reply

    Great idea and information!

  79. Charles Hanson May 1, 2024 at 20:15 - Reply

    It would be nice if we could be notified of these events before the actual event, I always receive notice after the event has actually occurred

  80. John May 1, 2024 at 20:07 - Reply

    Excellent!

  81. Reinhardt James lilley May 1, 2024 at 19:54 - Reply

    How can I farm or keep bees when my home was stolen from me because of wells Fargo. All I wanted was to live in the country and raise a few chickens but wound up homeless instead through no fault of my own. Happy farming

  82. Craig Northacker May 1, 2024 at 19:31 - Reply

    I am 100% disabled neurologically but I want to learn how to grow veggies/fruit in my home using hydroponic or other method. I cam unable to turn it into a business because of my condition but I would love to learn how to grow something without my Agent Orange thumb destroying them. Thank you.

  83. Kenwood A. Peet May 1, 2024 at 19:25 - Reply

    I am a 75 year old Vietnam veteran. I live near Dawson, MN. Am I permitted to sign in/participate for this agricultural classes. I have 4 acres which I let someone else farm it for free but for me to buy equipment, seed and other add up to big money.

  84. Scott nagle May 1, 2024 at 19:17 - Reply

    Can i receive grants for my daughter to expand a organic/ holistic farm.

  85. Peter D Carlson May 1, 2024 at 19:03 - Reply

    Very interesting but I’m 100 percent disabled. I’m I was born on a farm a loved growing and my wife does also

  86. Tyson Watts May 1, 2024 at 19:00 - Reply

    I live in Austin, Texas and am very interested in learning how to be a bee keeper.

  87. Emmett Robichaux May 1, 2024 at 18:57 - Reply

    I don’t live in any of the states listed and I don’t intend to move. I was interested in learning more about bee keeping. Don’t you offer anything for me? I am a 100% disabled Navy veteran and I think I paid my price

    • Mrs Pilipen May 7, 2024 at 03:49 - Reply

      You certainly did. Thank you for giving your life for us, your fellow Americans. You are very much appreciated!

      You didn’t say where you live. If you read through the comments, it sounds like there are organizations that will help that are not listed in the main article. Maybe one can help you in your area?

  88. Robert May 1, 2024 at 18:08 - Reply

    The Veteran’s Farm of NC too!

    http://www.vfnc.org

  89. Daniel Sena May 1, 2024 at 17:58 - Reply

    Any thing offered in Southern California?

    • Christina Veloz May 2, 2024 at 21:08 - Reply

      Was asking the same question.

  90. James R Redmond May 1, 2024 at 17:56 - Reply

    Nothing in my state.

  91. Harold Hughes May 1, 2024 at 16:08 - Reply

    I am interested in beekeeping.

  92. Harry Alphonso BLANDING May 1, 2024 at 13:16 - Reply

    I would love to learn how to become a farmer.
    Please link me up with a local farm to visit near area code 30238.

  93. Dale Griffin May 1, 2024 at 11:24 - Reply

    I am a veteran who wants to farm!

  94. Eryck Stamper May 1, 2024 at 09:37 - Reply

    Mission Beelieve – Educational and Therapeutic Beekeeping training for First Responders and Veterans

    • Melissa May 6, 2024 at 11:32 - Reply

      Wow! Thank you for creating this training!

  95. Angela May 1, 2024 at 09:18 - Reply

    It’s wonderful to have these resources, hopefully other states will follow. Our VA system in Alabama is so broken and does not offer anything like this.

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