Across the country, many Veterans are turning to agriculture as their next mission. The discipline, resilience and purpose they gained in service often translate naturally to the realities of farming and ranching. With so many farmers nearing retirement, Veterans are stepping in as the next generation of agricultural leaders who can feed their communities and build family businesses.
In the latest episode of “At the Table,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., talks with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about how Veterans can find career opportunities in agriculture. Their conversation highlights the need for new farmers, explains why so many Veterans are well suited for this work, and shares the resources available to help them get started.
USDA resources help Veterans get started
Deputy Secretary Vaden encourages Veterans who are curious about farming to start at farmers.gov. The site’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page explains USDA programs and connects Veterans with staff who can guide them through their options. USDA has a national Veterans coordinator and coordinators in every state who work directly with Veterans interested in agriculture. Veterans do not have to navigate the process alone; USDA has people whose job is to help them get started. You can find your state’s Veterans coordinator by contacting your local USDA Service Center.
For Veterans who want to begin or expand a farming operation, USDA has loan programs designed specifically for them. These loans can offer up to $600,000 to help start a farm. USDA also provides low‑interest loans, support for buying land, crop insurance and income stabilizing programs such as Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. These tools help protect farmers from unexpected losses and keep operations moving from season to season.
Deputy Secretary Vaden shares a story about a disabled Veteran who inherited five beehives and wanted to keep her family’s small apiary going. She reached out to USDA for help. With training and a $50,000 microloan, she expanded her operation to 25 beehives and began bottling and selling honey in her community. Her experience shows that agriculture comes in many forms. Even small ideas can grow into successful ventures with the right support.
Another helpful resource for Veterans is the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA offices exist in nearly every county and offer guidance at no cost. If additional expertise is needed, USDA’s extension partners at land‑grant universities provide research‑based advice to help producers solve everyday challenges on their farms. You can find your nearest FSA office at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator.
USDA also partners with organizations outside the federal government to support Veterans in agriculture. AgrAbility assists disabled Veterans by helping them overcome physical barriers to farm work. The Farmer Veteran Coalition supports Veterans nationwide in building agricultural careers and connecting with fellow Veterans in the field.
Veterans do not need a perfect plan to explore agriculture. If you are interested, visit farmers.gov, reach out to your state’s Veterans coordinator and connect with your local FSA office. Ask questions and explore what is possible, and USDA will be there to guide you from your first idea all the way to your first harvest.
Topics in this story
Link Disclaimer
This page includes links to other websites outside our control and jurisdiction. VA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of non-VA Web sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy or terms and conditions of those sites to fully understand what information is collected and how it is used.
More Stories
More than 2,600 Columbus, GA-area Veterans and families found benefits, trusted answers and support at the free, barrier-free We CARE Vet Fair.
Beginning August 13 through September 11, VA will mail “Choose VA” postcards to approximately 3.8 million Veterans who aren't enrolled in VA healthcare.
This jobs of the week post includes listings for the week of Aug. 10, 2026. We will continue to post relevant listings as we receive them.
This agriculture program is an excellent idea. Many of us veterans are interested but just don’t have the resources.
One of the hardest things concerning getting started in farming for us as Veterans and anyone else, is getting the land to farm. When I spoke with a loan officer at the Greenville, MS location and I was told that I should get the land first then come back for a loan.
I am an aging 78year old Vietnam Veteran currently living in Arizona and recently my 98 year old mother passed away in South Dakota. I am visiting relatives here and thinking about moving possibilities here. This is an overpriced tourist region and am interested in possible ideas on harvesting forest waste timber and beetle kill wood for lumber and firewood use. Would agriculture programs or grants provide capital and training for people interested for these kinds of operations.
Across the country, many Veterans are turning to agriculture as their next mission. The discipline, resilience and purpose they gained in service often translate naturally to the realities of farming and ranching. With so many farmers nearing retirement, Veterans are stepping in as the next generation of agricultural leaders who can feed their communities and build family businesses.
Turning my ranch to a farm
Wonderful opportunity for our veterans; another approach in keeping their bodies, mind and soul strong.
We greatly appreciate those who are making this a reality for us.
Many of the VA Hospitals have agriculture or gardening programs that are available to Veterans. There was the VAFARMS program through the office of rural health and some of the programs are still in operation. Contact your local VA hospital and see if they offer vocational services, work training, recreation therapy or agritherapy classes.
https://news.va.gov/69663/va-farms-program-trains-hands-heals-minds/
Nice information if you already are established with property or equipment. If you have been attempting to start farming you don’t have a prayer getting through this program as no one and I mean no one has the will or desire to assist. Fill out the forms they state but no questions answered and forms are in Greek. I live in a small house but have always wanted to do some type of farming. Help and guidance is needed.
What is the interest rate on a farm purchase for a disabled veteran?
The USDA-VA program has been around for more then 10 years, although they are expanding on it. Like other government services, the USDA-VA is hard to navigate. You just need to do alot of research. Every state should have one, even if they do not know about it. Not sure if its avaliable for those overseas. You can do bees, grow flowers, beef, wool, goats, gardens, etc. They even buy your products from you to give to other needy vets and programs. Im looking into doing the bee thing, which is only a few hours a week, supported by growing flowers for local flower shops.
The commments are disabled on the YouTube video; that tells me there are things you don’t want to read from us. WHY?
As for this program, about time.
FSA or the USDA have absolutely no knowledge of any programs dealing with Veterans in Saginaw Michigan.
Without land or access to Capitol the barrier to entry is nearly impossible. The farming club seems to help already rich people. I would like a fair shot.
Check out Archi’s Institute for accredited farming training, online or in-person
I am interested in knowing more. Are their funds available if interested in buying some farmland
Extremely helpful! Going to reach out next week and get the ball rolling… thank you!
We need all the help we can get and some MORE !!!
This is great news to a Veteran like myself…. Farming questions and an Aid. I will consider and make a long term plan. I will keep this information for future reference.
Please say how to one can determine if their farm is in an area qualified for this program. I looked and looked with no luck. a link in the text would help.
Great article informative and helpful thanks enjoyed reading and example given too
Please send me more information
Are these resources available to retirees living in overseas locations?
Do you have a link that I can use to get help with my beginning apiary?
My daughter is beekeeping. The best sources we have found for help are a local Bee club. Experienced and passionate friends are super helpful! Plan on spending about $250-300 per beehive plus another hundred for the suit and smoker! Borrow a centrifuge for harvesting. Super fun … just be patient. Biggest enemies are wax moths and mites. Read on them and defenses before your first hive. Finally, ask for God’s help. He made the bees and flowers. He can help you the most to have a sweet harvest!
Yeah I tried this and it is as difficult as filing a disability claim with the VA. The brochures are colorful and filled with hype.