Few pairings more closely align than Veterans and farming. The skill sets developed in military service match many of the characteristics of a successful agricultural professional. Whether it’s a sense of duty, responsibility and accountability for completing the mission, or being organized and disciplined, Veterans typically transition naturally into farming, ranching, and other agricultural opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture knows what Veterans bring to the table: a strict adherence to rules and schedules, the ability to problem solve quickly and creatively, and strong work ethic. In return, USDA is committed to assisting Veterans across the country to keep America’s food supply safe and secure.
Metro Atlanta Urban Farm CEO Bobby Wilson talks with NRCS’s Shemekia Mosley, Chris Groskreutz and FSA Beginning Farmer Regional Coordinator Rodney Brooks about future opportunities his farm. USDA photo by Preston Keres.
In 2018, USDA’s Farm Service Agency provided $64.5 million in direct and guaranteed farm operating loans to Veterans—and Veterans have preference.
Veteran farmers and ranchers receive certain preferences under most USDA farm credit and farmland conservation programs. They are eligible for increased cost share assistance, additional financial incentives, and funding preferences for engaging in conservation efforts.
For Veterans living in rural America, USDA has additional resources to strengthen and empower skilled Veteran leaders to support the communities they know and love.
“Nearly one quarter of Veterans, approximately 5 million, live in rural areas,” said Bill Ashton, USDA Military Veteran Agricultural Liaison. “They [Veterans] can be a positive force for our communities. USDA is committed to making our programs accessible to help Veterans start or grow a career and maximize the potential talent of this population.”
U.S. Army Veteran Jody Schnurrenberger, Hock-Newberry Farm operations owner and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Erica Govednik, and U.S. Army Veterans Christine and David Hale, Jr. at Hock-Dewberry Farm, an organically-managed farm in Marshall, Virginia.
USDA’s Rural Development has more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs including support to:
- Purchase and develop land and facilities
- Purchase equipment and supplies
- Refinance for job expansion
- Finance for energy efficiency improvements
Veterans in urban areas also have resources available. Whether its backyard or rooftop farming or cutting-edge technologies in intensive indoor hydroponic or aquaculture farms, USDA can help urban Veterans explore opportunities in agriculture. USDA’s Urban Agriculture Toolkit is a great place to start.
USDA ensures that Veterans looking to return home or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities needed for success. Resources are available in every aspect of the agricultural industry, including Entrepreneurship, Education and Employment.
USDA’s Veteran website serves as a one-stop navigator for Veterans looking to learn more and support the critical mission of preparedness and defense of America’s food and agriculture sectors.
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VA invites you to explore some meaningful ways you can give back and say “thank you” to Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors from November 24 – 30 during "Veteran Thanks-Giving."
AbilityLinks.org is a free online job board dedicated to connecting Veterans with inclusive employers who value their unique skills and experience.
This post contains links to jobs for the week of Nov. 18, 2024. Each week, we post relevant and timely listings as we receive them, and for the locations listed.
https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans
And another thing. On this main page they say “In 2018, USDA’s Farm Service Agency provided $64.5 million in direct and guaranteed farm operating loans to Veterans—and Veterans have preference.”
When you look further and click through all the links and find out that MOST of this money is set aside for researchers, city government and businesses NOT veterans! When you click to see what is available for Individuals here is what EVERYONE gets, NOT JUST VETERANS. More lies and political smoke….
Programs & Services for Individuals
Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans & Grants
Individual Water & Wastewater Grants
Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans
Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
Value Added Producer Grants
So if you do just a little looking you find out how full of crap they are. Good Job USDA and VA
I see mostly negative comments here and it is true. I went to my local USDA office and asked about getting help as a veteran. They had no idea what I was talking about! They told me there isn’t any grant money to help veterans. They told me about the producers grant and gave me an application. They came out for a site survey and made some suggestions but told me there wasn’t anything they could help me with. I talked to the FSA and they encouraged to apply for low interest loans and explained those to me. I also read how the USDA will connect you with food buyers that are waiting with baited breath just to buy my products. When I asked about that, I got a blank stare and I don’t know anything about that. Why would I risk my home and land for a promise that they give, but don’t deliver on??? Everyone is right, its all political smoke and lies. I have absolutely NO FAITH in the US Government. They are a bunch of liars and do not take the time to learn their own programs. Shame on you USDA!
William Eric Keppner
Sulphur KY
USDA needs to do a WEBINAR on this program. There are a lot of unanswered questions. USDA is not equipped to pawn information over to the Vet Administration for them to broadcast out to the Vet community. USDA needs to stand up to the microphone and work with Veterans directly! Start by doing a WEBINAR to talk about the program. I myself would like to talk to the Program Manager and hear answers directly from the horses mouth!
Looks like every government program. Work your “you know what off” and you will most likely end up with nothing even if you dot all your ( i’s) and cross all your ( t’s ). Just remember if there is money authorized for any government program, most of the money is spent on the administering of the program. And if you ever did get close to getting any monetary help, the government can and will change the program by just a vote and you will be left out in the cold. This is no different than eligible veterans trying to get help from the VA. Thirteen years ago, I needed help with a healthcare problem and they refused to do any thing except throw opiates at it. And today they want to get rid of all those who have become dependent on the opiates and send them out to non VA care. All because your politicians can gain votes for their next election.
I would like to purchase land in P.a. . What help is there for that?
I would like to offer support & encouragement to any and all who may be interested in farming. I obtained a degree in agriculture after d/c and returning from Vietnam. I learned the hard way that farming is capital intensive. To break into it now would require one or two million, unless you do something very specialized, like raising queen bees (Gus Rouse does this on Kona, but started with capital from his very wealthy grandfather and many years of experience). Another option, one I considered before I became totally disabled, would be to purchase forested land (its cheaper than good ag land), subdivide part of it to help pay for it, and start with something small, like a few acres of wine grapes, and expand as you are able. For most, this would require working F/T and gradually building an income from the farming venture. I grew up on a farm w/ horses, cows, pigs and chickens. Farming is hard, hard work. (Try putting up 2000 bales of hay each summer.) Banks know that the rosy bottom line many of us can come up w/ in a business plan is unlikely to come to fruition. The only people I know who are successful F/T farmers are ones who inherited their land. I’ve known a few hobby farmers, but that’s just it: they work F/T and farming is a hobby (a very expensive one). To be successful it requires a lot of knowledge, capital, creativity, patience and one hell of a work ethic.
I am going to start hydroponics farming here in Deport Texas in a town of less than 5000 people? What is the possibility that under this veteran farming program that I can receive this finchel help. What is the next step for me to do. Thank you
We have 43 ACs in WV, need assistance in the following areas Maple syrup making, Alpacas (fleece), Bees (honey), and green plant sales. OH and the answer below (Solve problem) is a 3 number answer and the box only take 2 numbers. HMM
It takes three numbers, but only displays that last two typed.
I hate to say this but its false hope for a DAV to get help these programs are for discharging vets that have contacts in service and in gov offices. If you don’t already have contacts then don’t expect any help or guidance. I’ve been trying for 4 years now with USDA, the farm bureau and other veteran organizations to start a totally pesticide-free farm for honeybees to help with bee shortages around the country and to make it totally self-sustaining to bring the cost back down to prices 25 years ago. All I’ve gotten is closed doors and everyone passing the buck to someone else saying they cant help. Could write a book or novel with all the politics and red tape tactics that these organizations do to not spend money so they can line their own pockets with taxpayer money.
I am a disabled Veteran. I have land to work with. I would like to do something with it. Most of it is in CRP. It will come out soon. My wife and I would like some input on how to get things started here for a working ranch.
This seems to be a lot like the pain management of the VA. I am being ignored maybe I will just go away. Why do sites like these feel they have to get the hopes of disabled veterans up just to let them down. We have had enough of that don’t you think.
We are very interested. please send information.
I just finished my Bachelors in Small Business Management this month through the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program and am very interested in starting my own Honey Bee Farm in the NW Florida area. Is that type of farm eligible for this program?
I own 4 1/2 acres near cave creek az. Would like to start a winery, can I get funding for this?
I’ve land in Puerto Rico and live on it. I need help with machinery and other things I like to do.
I have 200 acres in upstate New York that I would like to get into a specialized type of farming sorry to be so vague but don’t want any copy cats. Can someone whom knows where I should start maybe send me a link that explains the procedures that would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
RAM
Hi,
I would like more information on starting a ranch/farm with backing from VA.
Thanks for your time.
Joe
Can someone in upper management rethink how information is made available on this site, because it takes a “Soothsayer” to find or get an answer on even the simplest questions! Furthermore, while you’re at it call the designated numbers that are posted to provide information, they are more like “Military Censors”.
My request is simple, make the site comprehensive, informative, and user friendly without the ambiguity!
This program was not helpful to me. I got left holding the bag and needing to put my house up because the USDA told me a bunch of lies and just set me up for complete failure. I found this to be just a bunch of political propaganda. I didn’t get anything except being placed at risk of becoming homeless. Hope others can get the promises that are made here because I am an African American female veteran who was truely let down and left to die. When I contacted my Congress person, the USDA agency just flipped it to make it looked like I just didn’t want to turn in all the additional paperwork they came up with after I filed the complaint about how I was treated so that my concerns would be disregarded as not wanting to be cooperative. I still wound up planting and farming my crop but I had to sign my house over to do it. I didn’t get any support at all from the USDA and I fit the category. I am sure they will somehow figure out a way to justify it like they always do. This is not for every veteran. It is only for those who really can do it on thier own anyway. And they didnt really have anything specifically for Veterans. They are just trying to get Veteran into the farming game but they make the veterans compete with farmers who have been doing it for years and know the system. I was just blessed to lease from a wealthy farmer and his family reached out when they learned I had been let down when I was willing to put a lien on my home to continue my farming project. They need to be more clear on the criteria for Veterans and the expectations of the Veterans. It is not a save all for anyone except the government. It is so much work and so little return. The USDA is still discriminatory in is practices and is not trying to improve issues that have been going on for years. All they do is create loop holes to continue the social injustice in the farming industry that has been evident for years.
I am afraid that is what the government wants. Has been since 1958. It is a way to control the food like they do commerce and energy. No, the government has never been out to help the little guy The bigger a person gets in farming and the more subsidized they are the more government can control them, no matter what any department or politician of any kind says. Now, what makes me the expert. I work for them for 28 years.
Veterans may register to attend Farmer Veteran Coalition’s (FVC) national Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference in Austin, TX November 17-20. The registration site will open within the month; more information is available at http://www.farmvetco.org. Some offerings from the 2018 conference can be viewed at https://farmvetco.org/stories/2018-fvsc/. FVC membership is available to veterans at no cost and qualifies them for a discounted conference registration fee. The 2019 conference includes multiple panels, such as USDA AgVets grant program, “Growing Cash Flow” (finance), “Rangers on the Range” (beef cattle), “Holding Down the (Farm) Fort” (spouses of veterans), and others on ag careers, beekeeping, government partners, industrial hemp, pastured poultry, regenerative ag, row crops, seeds, and vegetables. Most of the scheduled speakers are military veterans.
Hello,
I live in Eastern North Carolina. My area is very rural and has lots farms as well as undeveloped land. How can I get into farming with no experience except for gardening ?
This month, July 1969 started my military service as a Viet Nam Veteran. For years I have been ashamed for my passed military service.. After being scared for life, in my youth, as a “..Baby-Killer..” and being spat upon while being in uniform at airports, it has taken years to come out of this pit of dark depression. Now I can say after 50 years I can see outside the top of this hole. My real confusion was: Do I serve the Country (US Government) or the People of the Country?
really need assistance on USDA s urban agricultirural tool kit for project love coalition pittsburgh pa were just starting as the Veterans Group we are presently cleaning lots and clearing debris to begin planting vegetables and flowers for polonation on different sites
Please direct me to the services available to me as I am starting Hemp farming and need help.
I own a chicken farm in SC and need help to expand. Can you please help?
I’m wanting information on how to apply for grants to get my honeybee business going. I currently have 7 hives and would like to get up t o 100 hives in a few years. Bees and equipment is very expensive and currently workijng part time and struggling to keep family feed and have anything.
If you really want to help veterans and their families, how about keeping it simple. It’s called PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. Just cut their property taxes in half. Better yet, eliminate their property taxes altogether. I am a widow of a Vietnam vet. In our 40 years together, we worked our butts off to rebuild a run down farmstead. We repaired the house and barns. We cut timber, planted trees, built fences and outbuildings. We made maple syrup, raised our own meat, sold hay and eggs. Last year my husband finally succumbed to the effects of being exposed to Agent Orange. Not only have I lost my precious lifetime partner, but me and the kids are being forced to give up our cherished farmstead and our rural way of life simply because we can no longer afford to pay the outrageous, constantly rising property taxes (which were affordable when we first bought the farm). I’ve heard that many older vets (or their widows) are in the same boat, losing their hard-fought-for farms and rural homes because they have fixed incomes and rising property taxes. And then there are the young vets who would like to purchase land and get started in some sort of ag production, but they’re worried that they can’t afford the relentless burden of out-of-control property taxes.
Now thats the good stuff. Semper Fi
Would like to get a loan for farm equipment i have a small 42 acre like to have a tractor and etc
I am the disabled only child of my MasterSgt Army veteran of WW2, Dad died of old age before receiving his complete disability pension. I was left with nothing after supporting my parents financially. I love growing all kinds of plants and flowers and always wanted to have my own small professional greenhouse or small farm, only hiring disabled vets first. I now live in North Carolina and saw your article in my VA newsletter. My common law husband was a disabled vet who passed away in 2013, again leaving me with nothing. When I saw that caregivers and descendants might qualify for these farming programs, I wondered if my dream could finally come true? You give just enough info to tell me there is this available, but no matter what I click on, it doesn’t connect me to anything to apply to?
Where do I go? How do I apply for consideration?
Thanks so much,
RobbinSuzanne O’Connor-Killian
Common Law Wife of Major M.J. Killian
Daughter of MasterSgt. John Docken O’Connor 1940-Dec.1944
John Mellencamp – Rain On The Scarecrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joNzRzZhR2Y
I am interested in starting a cat fish farm in rural Alabama. Are financial loans available for such an endeavor? Also, does an agricultural loan have to be strictly targeted for food or other agricultural loans available?
Rex L Allen
As a disabled veteran I have realized I have nothing coming. The sooner one figures this out the better. The VA has a budget, therefore they talk a good game, but in actuality NOTHING EVER HAPPENS.
Don’t waste your time getting your hopes up chasing press releases like these, there is no free lunch. If a bank didn’t find your idea loan worthy, why would the USDA? Remember this, the federal government is in debt beyond repair, survives on your taxes, and needs to paint a pretty picture of achievement, so they don’t smell so bad. If they think what they do is work, obviously they have never worked for a living, try farming, it will wear you out.
These press releases sell hope, where there is little, try to generate meaning, thru bureaucratic complexity and illusion, the end result, veteran suicide. When one veteran takes his own life, the system failed, or does it take 1000, 10,000, 50,000?
I stand at attention, maintain my watch with the greatest of integrity, salute and respect my flag and those who perished for my freedoms, I will leave no brother behind. God bless veterans, Semper Fi.
Mr. Trump could use a larger broom.
I talked to my local FSA in central Minnesota, and they said that you already have to be a farmer for at least a year, have a full-time job, and be within a year of discharge in order to get help with starting or buying a farm. What kind of crap is that? And like anything else with the VA and the Military, if you don’t already know about it, or ask the exact direct question to someone who is authorized to tell you, you won’t ever know, until maybe 10 years after the fact.
I was raised on a farm, won 2 state championships and over 50 county level championships in my 10 years of being in 4-H as a kid and teenager, already earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in Environmental Tech after I got back from the military. But because I didn’t move back into my parents’ house when I came back, and because I’m not an expert “red tape contortionist”, I will never get anything from this. Ever. These kinds of programs aren’t for people that actually need them. And the video testimonies on the USDA website of real veterans who got this assistance are probably just a bunch of paid actors, or one of the very few people that didn’t need the help that it was designed for. I think this is basically sensational marketing to try and help the banks get people applying for more loans.
I think this site is just a waste of time for both the end users and the administrators who developed it and fills people with false hope.
If I am wrong, then I warmly welcome you to please prove me wrong, and let me know how this actually helps anyone.
I sent a message to the wrong person. I would like to start a ranching/ farming business down here in Texas can y’all point me in the right direction to get help please? Thank you very much. Also can you farm non gmo? And can you also ranch free range beef with this program?
You may be interested in Farmer Veteran Coalition’s (FVC) national Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference in Austin, TX November 17-20. The registration site will open within the month; more information is available at http://www.farmvetco.org. Some offerings from the 2018 conference can be viewed at https://farmvetco.org/stories/2018-fvsc/. FVC membership is available to veterans at no cost and qualifies them for a discounted conference registration fee. The 2019 conference includes multiple panels, such as USDA AgVets grant program, “Growing Cash Flow” (finance), “Rangers on the Range” (beef cattle), “Holding Down the (Farm) Fort” (spouses of veterans), and others on ag careers, beekeeping, government partners, industrial hemp, pastured poultry, regenerative ag, row crops, seeds, and vegetables. Most of the scheduled speakers are military veterans.
*post* Is Cannibus considered a “Farm’?
I would like to start farming as well. How do we get started?
I have access, and will own 18 cuerdas (3909 square meters), in Lares, Puerto Rico. I’m interested in preparing the land for agriculture and/or cattle to sell to the local supermarkets and industries. Do these programs exist in Puerto Rico?
v/r
herman
Great program. Love to see my fellow citizen soldiers being treated with dignity and respect for their and their family’s sacrifices.
I am a small maple syrup producer in western NY. I am considering expanding. However maple syrup equipment can get quite pricey. Can the USDA program help with the costs ?
sound good I would also like to set up a program teaching and working with other vets about using hydroponics/aquaponics for the production of food. This can be done for feeding yourself or making it a business. I have units designed that work for people living in apartment. Not commercial but to feed your self. Easy and lots of fun. I do have working designs for larger production. You don’t need a lot of land to produce food.using hydroponics. Just need sun for twelve hrs and you can grow vertical too. Just need VA to get interested in a program. I live in the Monterrey Bay area of Calif. By the way i grow in my greenhouse lots of different plant like bananas – papaya and a lots more
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? The reality of it is that the USDA doesn’t offer anymore help to Vets than any other group. Commercial banks won’t touch agricultural loans because it’s so risky and capital intensive. Farm banks are the only real option and they’re disappearing fast. Most farmers I know lease equipment instead of buying it. Land taxes are so high they have to apply for ag exemptions. When I had to sell my family farm I was lucky enough to sell it to my cousin who farms and he was able to capitalize on it enough to start another generation. I wish you luck and keep trying. Start as a hobby until it takes all of your time.
I have gotten no help from USDA. Furthermore after I contacted office in Batesville MS they had no idea about helping me complete any forms. VA Service Officer in Desoto County MS had no idea. I am and have been totally let down. Jeremiah McCroskey. I also know that this comment is falling on deaf ears and no one will read. I am a real American Vet who loves Farming.
I have a small farm and would like to expand. I see the bullet point to “Purchase and develop land and facilities” but on the link I cant find the heading that the bullet point applies to. I have been looking at these programs for awhile but I get lost in the details. I am disabled and have a TBI is there anyone that can help navigate the process for some of these program.
Thank you America and the VA. All of the programs and assistance are truly appreciated. I am a veteran (Army) and unfortunately a Gold Star family member. So any kindness/help extended to veterans is truly appreciated by me. Thanks again.(I will apologize for the veterans that get rude on occasion. I don’t think they understand how they are acting toward the people that are trying to help us.) Thanks again! -Rod
Hello I’m Theodore I would like to start farming/ranching here in Texas. Can y’all please show me the way in order to to do so?
Where do I begin? Who do I contact?
C an you help me purchase a Tractor?
I would love more info for Mississippi. I think this could be an amazing program.
I got in the goat business about 4 years and the NRCS has helped me tremendously. They are GREAT. It is simple and they helped me thru the whole deal. Contact your local office on line or in person.
I used to grow papayas and roma tomatoes on maui hawaii and would like to do that again now that i am close to retirement can you help me with purchasing some agricultural land on maui or any other island in hawaii
How about helping veterans get out of their APARTMENTS so we can have land to farm and grow NONgmo food ????? This 95% of the population living on 5% of the land is complete bs! This is OUR land not yours.
Who is stopping you from buying this land you want?
You sound like a commie.
I’m a widower and now have to sell over 250 acres of prime farm/woodland in central NY state (Jordanville,NY,northwest of Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame). The land has not been farmed for 10 years, idle by contract with Nat’l Audubon Society and NYS Farm Bureau, and is set for organic certification. Beautiful 360 degree views from top (1600’above sea level), also amenable to nature/horseback trails.
To little too late.
I live in Michigan and would like to buy a large piece of land and grow but lost with funs make my life easier.
help the needed
Roy Trevisan
thankyou
They only loan to people that have 3 years managerial experience running a farm… So it’s not as great as they make it sound. Good luck finding a farm that will take on a veteran as a manager. You’ll have to work your way up from farm hand to manager just like anyone else. Which will take quite a while. This is exactly what I was told by the USDA rep that I talked to… Sorry folks. I don’t like the fairytales they tell my brothers and sisters. Wish you the best!
Where can I post farmland for sale that would reach out to Veterans interested in row crop farming and/or raising cattle?
Please advise on forestry and land management programs.
“Thanks for reading and your interest. Please visit the USDA at http://www.usda.gov or their Veterans Page at http://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans. You can also call the USDA’s information line at (202)720-2791 or send them a letter:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250″
I’m a widower now and have to sell over 250 acres of prime farm/wood land in central NY state( Jordanville, northwest of Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame). The land has not been farmed for 10 years (under contract with Nat’l Audubon Society and NYS Farm Bureau) and is ready for organic certification. The land is also amenable for nature trails/horseback and has great 360 degree views from the top (about 1600′ above sea level). Negotiable for non-developer, and would like to close by Nov.’19
First of all, is this property still available? If yes, how much does something like this cost. I’m a retired and disabled Marine veteran with 20 years of service. I live on MC pension, VA disability pension and SS disability pension. Not rich, nor do my wife and I go hungry. We currently own a house in May. Not the dream house. We would love to sell and settle down on land that would be conserved from development. 250 acre’s is more than we would need or could ever afford. We’re in our 60’s and both have disabilities that would keep us from farming. We want some acreage for hunting and hiking and getting away from it all. So all that said. does this land go as a whole, or could a portion of it be purchased? Sorry if this is a waste of your time. But as they say, nothing ventured… Thanks Paul
I would like to learn more about this land for sale.
I will be retiring in a couple of years from the Army and would like to buy a farm in Puerto Rico can you help
Thanks for your service Brian. This is the USDA web page specific to Puerto Rico: https://www.rd.usda.gov/pr
It has a lot of good info and contact numbers. Thanks for reading.
I would like to know more info on this land for sale.
Steven, this is a great article, but you left out an important piece. The Farmer Veteran Coalition. See FarmVetCo.org. The FVC is a national organization that helps veterans become farmers and was instrumental in getting the USDA grants to focus on veterans. The Homegrown By Heroes logo that is featured in your article was created by the FVC.
I was looking to buy property for managing an woodland. Do these forestry programs fall into this lane?
Great question Tony. The USDA has a cool feature on their website called “Ask the Expert” https://www.usda.gov/ask-expert
That might be a good place to get accurate answers to all of your questions. Thanks.
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Hi Tony,
I noticed your request for land to grow Papaya and Tomatoes. I just might have something that could interest you. I’m a long time retired air force sergeant (Korean Conflict in the fifties). I have 41 acres .of Macadamia nuts in Kapulena, which is just west of Honokaa.on the Big Island. It’s an old orchard but still productive. I’m old and want to retire. I recently managed to roll a tractor over and trap my leg. I’m able to walk again but I’m not much help now.
So here’s the plan, if you’re interested. I live in a small house on the property. I want to continue to live here. But I would need someone to run the place. Because the orchard is still productive and I could live on 30% of the gross I’m offering 70% to a long term leaseholder to run the orchard. There would be no other monthly lease payment, just a share of the monthly gross income of the property. My tractor is available to the leaseholder if he agrees to maintain and fuel it. There is plenty of room for another small house or abode of some type but temporarily we could find something for a bachelor to keep the rain off his head. The property is completely fenced. We have a small overgrown garden, papaya volunteers, and wild coffee growing here. We have a great ocean view just south of a Maui view. We have two wonderful ladies picking nuts for us now. We can also offer an opportunity to buy the property by working out some kind of down payment arrangement to be paid perhaps monthly as it becomes affordable.
Call me Russ
It sound great but for us veterans in Puerto Rico its so frustrating, seems that the benefits are conterolled or just not given at all, , Hope I’am wrong , so who should I contac here in San Juan Puerto Rico , I have a10.5 acre piece of excellent farming land and already started with a few products. but my biggest concern is to be able to secure my water supply , to be able to continue with my project please advice on who can offer me technical advice on the matter .
Carlos Pesquera
Thanks!
wkere wer you when i was young
This is very good information, I will definately utilize it for future endeavors.
There is a lot of red tape around many of these; specifically trying to purchase a farm. Value of farm has to be 150% of the loan amount. You must have 3 years of experience in the past 10 years, of which only 1 year of military service counts towards those 3. Your farm income must reflect 400% of the monthly loan amount within the first year of farm ownership. The interest rates are not reduced as they are for females/minority/underprivileged (current rates versus 1.9%). The loan process takes 4-7 months, which further limits how many farms are willing to wait that long when USDA offers no guarantee until roughly a few weeks before closing that everything matches up. There are a lot of options, but the ease at obtaining the loan is not something to just think is the same as a VA home loan.
I always wanted to have a farmland to start off small IA Carpenter by trade and have a degree in applied trades. I live at Hawaii, northern side of Oahu I grew up watching the plantations grow pineapples. I always loved growing vegetables, flowers, applied myself growing grass on my yard and my neighbors yard cause he been ill and he asked me to watch and take care my property. I have been complemented from people in my neighborhood a lot that including my vegetables in my yard. The only thing is I di want to fail I pretty much no the soils composition and act on on it. This is just some experience I’m willing to learn and I really love growing plants, but I have bad knees and can’t ouch to hard I am a veteran my disability is my right risk. Thank you for listening
I would like to know if there is anything available for tree farming. I live in North Fl. & have had past experience in Farming. I am a retired Vet., and wish to supplement my retirement with a tree farm. I currently have 25 acres of land and wish to double it with different types of trees and maybe small solar operation as well. Thanks, Jim
Hello, my new friend,
I am in the process of buying 20 acres in Northern Florida for a 2-3 acre homestead and the rest I will turn into a tree farm. I have also considered buying an additional lot of 25 acres for strictly a tree farm. So I am VERY INTERESTED in your question. And more importantly the answer from the VA and from the USDA & Dept of Forestry. Please keep me informed. Thanks.
GOD Bless
David F.
I’m wondering if this (assistance) may include livestock and even bee-keeping.
I like to stat a Sheep Ranch her in Oregon But the banks will not do that unless U have about
$100.000.000 in the bank then they will lone your own money back don’t make Cents.
there are a lot of Old ranch for sale they been out of use for a long time many for hunting ranch
don’t do any thing for the commerce of the area. I would run Sheep but need the money to by the
land and the Sheep. The Sheep will pay back the fist yr for the Sheep.You see the sheep has 3 crops
1 the Wool 2. one lame 3. 2 lame most of the time give you 2 lames . You see Cattle will eat one or 2
kines grass but the sheep will eat the weeds and goats also if I can get funding yous Elk,Deer, wild life
live to gather loin, Bare, Deer and Elk, wolf , you have be on top of it.Now the USFS they do not want you on there ground it is for wild life it use to be large Bands room the forest it keep the Noxious Weed Profiles down wild life will not eat Noxious Weed Profiles but SHEEP AND GOATS WILL
REDUCING FIRE on the Forest you have to fight the USFS for range allotment for Sheep there is
million acre to be Clean up and help stop WILD FIRES but no help from the Feds it sad.
I have been contacting my local USDA offices and I’m not getting really good results at all on this. Don’t know how to apply. Don’t have any idea how the grant works. Can you please explain more about all the details of the program instead of just so vague stuff? Thanks.
This information is what I have been waiting for. I left the farm when I enlisted in the Army and have always managed to do gardening at all stateside assignments.
I am now into composting gardening. I would certain follow up with this program.
I’ve tried in the past to talk to usda office when living in Wyoming (Utah currently) and I have always gotten an answer of “there really aren’t programs for new ranches”. Is there a number for an office or contact that knows what these programs are and how to utilize them?
I just recieved this email today. I would love to get information on loans or grants for a CNG shop.
More info on who’s elagable
I asked the local offices here and no one knew anything about them. Been that way every time I have asked them in every local office.
After I bought my farm and went to VA to borrow to build my house, I was told VA wouldn’t loan me the money to build my home. I was told because I already owned the land I was ineligible to borrow from VA. Served 39 years, Iraq War vet and couldn’t get financing from VA. Thanks for your service, VA is not for you.
Good Evening,
I am transitioning/retiring from the Army after 20 years of service in the next few months and interested in the farming. I would like to be mentored in owning and operating a farm. I am currently stationed in Washington State and have considered relocating to Texas.
If I can be placed in with a mentorship program that will guide me and on how veterans can one and operate agricultural farming I will certainly appreciate.
Sincerely,
Chris Jackson
This is great! I want to definitely look into this.
I want to by a small plot of land and raise Wagu cows. Who do I need to contact for this
Hi…Thank for all the information here ….Im starting to learn about hydroponic and acuaponics and I start a small hydroponics at home to grown lettuce and It was very successfully..I would like more information about bussines in hydroponic running with solar power …growing using acuaponics sistem in a big and new hydroponic growning sistem in a green house..Im very interesting to start a hydroponics growing bussines…Thanks
I’m a widow of a veteran. I want to live in my 7 acres farm with an existing barn.
I need a loan to build a starter home and to start raising goats. Can somebody
from the veterans office or USDA advice me on this.
Your kind attention is greatly appreciated.
I want to purchase the farm next door to me and start farming it along with upgrading my property and start raising beef cattle. I already have 11.89 acres and chickens, Turkey. Working in a factory has been a miserable experience so far. Please help.
Hello USDA im always growing just about everything in my yard now. Im very interested in the farming program. I like the idea that you help with training. When possible I would appreciate you sending me some more information.
Thank you.
I’m 100% disabled and recently had to apply for social security disability. Although it is unlikely that I will ever be able to work full time again, I lived on a dairy farm as a kid and am interested in a small spread with beef cattle. Can I get a loan to buy a small farm?
I am interested on apiculture. Does this program cover this field?
I own 3 acres in rural Idaho are there grants available to help me bring irrigation water to the acreage? I am a Vietnam veteran
Bill Ashton,
You claim that the USDA is here to help Veterans obtain loans needed to start a ranch or a farm but from my personal experience with two different USDA offices; USDA isn’t helping. I have been denied twice now. Its clear to me that the USDA is all talk. I have not received any true support from the USDA. Both times, I dropped off all the paperwork needed as requested and then two months later when someone finally looks at the paperwork they decide to denied me. I have lost out of two great opportunities because the USDA doesn’t truly support Veterans.
Aloha Bill Ashton,
I’m residing in Hawaii at present a Vietnam Veteran it’s my dream to develop my nearly 70 acres of land in Marshall Texas. I believe that this may be the miracle I’ve been praying and asking God for. I’m truly hoping that someone would be able to contact me a 101st Airborne division soldier for assistance in this urgent matter. Veterans are the answer to making and keeping America Great again! Thank you
Can I please have more information sent via usps please.
I am a disabled navy vet with PTSD . Is there any special Grant’s for veterans who cut , tedder , rake and bale hay. I am in need of new or newer hay equipment ? Haying is a huge relief and therapy for me. I am by myself mostly when I am out in the field and am not bothered by people. It allows me to get outdoors and not be suffocated or engaged by other people. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Brent Richey
Working in the same direction in NE KS. Would like to share info w you. Phil Connor VeteransofKS 913-704-9963.
I’ve gone through hell to try to get a loan for my small farm from the USDA. The local office just gave me the run around. 1st. I completed the application then it was wrong so I did it over. 2nd. I was told to get a IRS employee ID number. The number came in a few minutes on line. But I had to wait for a hard copy. So I waited for that. It took six weeks. Turned in paperwork again. Now the business name and the name on my property didn’t match. Therefore my application was rejected. Now the USDA personnel didn’t state this two months earlier. So I just wanted to stop waisting my time and pulled my application completely.
This is complete bull they don’t offer any of this I’ve been trying to get this to build an Equine Therapy Ranch for Veterans and Autistic Children. I know you guys just want to look good in the public eye. Because I know from personal experience and from seeing other veterans suffer that you guys are just like the news and people only see what you want them to. If you guys would actually do half of what you say I know there wouldn’t be as many veterans killing themselves as there are each day. Yes all the 1% say we support are veterans and yet disrespect fallen soldiers on a daily basis.
Yes, I had the same experience and feel the very same way. They put me in a bind and made me have to put a lien on my house because they pull out at the last minute after making me put in an AD1026 and told me they werent going to help me and they acted like they didn’t know anything about the VET program which really isn’t even a Vet program. They just want us to do a lot of work for little return. But if you are not already rich, they will not help. Its just propaganda and political hype. They will get some poor Veteran and make it look like they are doing something for many.
I would like to build my blacksmithing business and to instruct the art from my shop. I would also like to raise a fee head of cattle, chickens, hogs, and a large garden. I want to raise my children in a farming lifestyle so that they support there selves and there family’s as well as knowing the old art of self reliance.
I’m still looking for some type of Job from the VA or the USDA
I’m a new bee farmer looking for help expanding my business. I need help in purchasing larger equipment for my bees. I’m a navy veteran who is new at this.
I have been considering bee farming for a few years. My wife’s father farmed bees and sold the honey for extra income. Can you point me to any reliable bee farming guides? Thanks!
I was looking into moving back home and grow/ raise chickens with Perdue or another company. When I was looking for property that had houses already built and ready to grow. How much money can I apply for with the VA. Most places that have a home and chickens houses are 500,000 and up.
this is a heavenly program, Im 100% service connected with years of helping farmers all over the world, to set agriculture programs since my peace corps years 40 years ago, since them all my work has been in setting programs with private companies in sustainable agriculture. I was looking for an opportunity to get my own farm but found difficult to get loans, But with this program, I could made it possible and also help other veterans to do the same and teach them as well… tomorrow I will go to the nearest USDA-rural development office in Caguas, Puerto Rico to see if they can help me. thanks for the initiative…
I would love to own no less than 50 acres, for recreational activities such as hunting, ranching, etc. I know it’s a lot to talk about, but I’m up for the challenge. We already have chickens and a rabbit, a few ducks and now 3 dogs, 1 being a SD in training. I’m a city boy born and raised, but I love the simple life. I hunt and fish for mental therapy, get out to do what I can for physical therapy.
I am Cranberry grower in WA state with a 100% service connected disability. I have 22 acres of bog and will be taking over my Grandfather’s acerage (another 30+) from my uncle post harvest this year. I have a few projects that should be done. Is there a VA representative in WA familiar with agricultural programs?
I grew up on a farm and its the one thing I wish I could get back into
I have the largest residential grid in the USA and I need additional funding to grow up nursery through the primary use of solar. I can get better rates and rebates through our electric company if myfarm is zoned ag instead of .r5. I need capital to approach the rezoning through a zoning and planning company. I am a disabled veteran 1968/74. Please guide thro the process for veteran funding. Thank you, William Fowler
Is this also available to Disabled veterans? I am looking at purchasing another piece of property to bring in appaloosa horses to Florida and breed them.
What good do these programs do when you have to show income for a minimum of two years before you can apply for these programs such as loans or grants. So your statement of a US service member coming home and wanting to do these things will be sadly disappointed when they find out what the real regulations are. I called my local offices and I were shut down before I could even tell them my business plan. Now as of November 2018 I no longer qualify for veteran farmer.
I am asking because I am highly interested in growing Sugarcane and Microgreens for business
Thank You!
This is an awesome opportunity! I would love to get into agriculture and livestock, work for myself, and with fellow Vets. I will definitely look more into this program. Thanks for the heads-up!!!
Yut!!!
How does a man go about qualifying for an agricultural loan? How much land do you have to own to start? I’m an U S Army veteran and interested in this type of opportunity? Who do I contact to see what this in tails? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely Mike
1. Is there an age requirement/restriction
2. Is the financial assistance only the GI Bill to purchase land / house or are there additional funding available?
3. Is it available in all 50 states?
4. If we desire to purchase land in Hawaii would you assist in shipping household items including vehicles?
5. Is there a minimum program requirement on how much we would be required to grow or
6. What crops we would be required to grow??
I have started an organic farm
I’m a vet retired on social security
Got a good start so far but need a little more financial assistance!
Would love more info
Need help with soil and good healthy crop seeds
MJBenoit
This is new to me about farming
if there was any truth to this more veterans wwould be farming but theres a disconect within the government and a anti “veteran” core at leadership positions within the usda/ conservation district. working in agriculture around the country for 15 years, and tried in 2016 to get a loan to start farming a few hundred acres of fertile, irigated ground in central washington state, i already had 10 year contracts and ready to plant. i had buyers lined up with contracts for the crop. just needed the new farmer loan for veterans. was denied a loan even though it should be garunteed, i had good credit, little debt, suceesfull business. the reason at the county office and at the pac west headquarters for denial? i am a veteran. and to quote a diabled veteran at that. i was denied a apeal oportunity. other veterans have struggled as well. i give credit to this president but not enough has been done to clean house of these college educated libs with a evirmentalists tree/ plant hugging mentality who control these offices and push liberal policies on veterans and the small farmer and rancher across the country. the only ones in suport of these programs are the very few who get fat off of them while others have no time to fight as there trying to survive till they go under and a corporation buys them out. which then gets supsidies and can bend the rules on land use.
time either the government either gets out of agriculture and let the free market take over and that goes for grain prices, rasins, dairy, among other crops or get serious on reforms and go after the abusers of the system who have been giving kick backs to those who oversee the programs for decades. the government should have never been allowed to pick winners and loosers/
Can a Veteran receive a loan for a farm to raise cows, chickens, goats and pigs? I live in Iowa and would love to own a farm
As a Vet, Can de get help (loan) yo make a Restaurant?
The Homegrown by Heroes logo is owned by the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Yet, your article says nothing about Farmer Veteran Coalition. If you are a veteran farmer, I highly recommend you look into FVC at farmvetco.org.
if there was any truth to this more veterans wwould be farming but theres a disconect within the government and a anti “veteran” core at leadership positions within the usda/ conservation district. working in agriculture around the country for 15 years, and tried in 2016 to get a loan to start farming a few hundred acres of fertile, irigated ground in central washington state, i already had 10 year contracts and ready to plant. i had buyers lined up with contracts for the crop. just needed the new farmer loan for veterans. was denied a loan even though it should be garunteed, i had good credit, little debt, suceesfull business. the reason at the county office and at the pac west headquarters for denial? i am a veteran. and to quote a diabled veteran at that. i was denied a apeal oportunity. other veterans have struggled as well. i give credit to this president but not enough has been done to clean house of these college educated libs with a evirmentalists tree/ plant hugging mentality who control these offices and push liberal policies on veterans and the small farmer and rancher across the country. the only ones in suport of these programs are the very few who get fat off of them while others have no time to fight as there trying to survive till they go under and a corporation buys them out. which then gets supsidies and can bend the rules on land use.
time either the government either gets out of agriculture and let the free market take over and that goes for grain prices, rasins, dairy, among other crops or get serious on reforms and go after the abusers of the system who have been giving kick backs to those who oversee the programs for decades. the government should have never been allowed to pick winners and loosers/
I was raised in rural Wyoming (Powell) on an 80 acre farm. Mom started a coffee shop (Coffee Cup Cafe) when I was almost school age. I grew up in Powell, as an avid outdoor’s man working on farm and oil field jobs.
I am a combat veteran of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division. I served in Co. B, 4/47th Infantry in 1966 through 1967.
In 1992 I came home, to live in Powell, with my best ever friend. We owned a road construction company for a few years, and she started a beauty shop downtown, Little Luxuries. (The Phu Phu Palace!).
The construction company closed during the financial collapse of the early 2000’s. Her business keep us afloat as I was looking for my next venture.
I decided to plow up some pasture and try out a garden. I plowed up one acre, and within a few years I was planting over 100 different varieties of plants in that acre. WOW! More fun than a Barrel of Monkies, and I was making enough to pay the property bills! The Straw Igloo is a Powell Institution, not as much as Mom’s Coffee Cup Cafe or Marcia’s Little Luxuries, but I loved it! (I added a fisherman sideline that was not always paying it’s way. minnow sales were never profitable, and I’m good with calculating sales stuff. I hate to say it, but fisherman aren’t as honorable as they could be.)
I’m proud of what we have accomplished, and welcome any ways I could help fellow Veterans.
Health issues have scaled back my
I am also a combat vet from Iraq in 2007 who has also enjoyed outdoor oilfield jobs. I am looking to get into farming and ranching and have been researching soil composition for a number of years. I would gladly be an apprentice and would love to keep your land prosperous.
Do you already have to be farming or can you be a new start. Just inherited land that I would like to use for farming.
I am interested in growing industrial hemp how can I get help to get started with this
Thank You
Jay mills SDVBE
Tell me how a disabled vet 100% can get a small farm?
I really enjoy chainsaws and just dealing with down trees in general. I would like to get into logging. Can the VA help with that at all?
How can anyone condone the financial risks of being a farmer right now?
Looking to start a cattle/sheep/vegetable farm in Missouri. Glad I found this story, but wish I could get more engaged with training opportunities while working 60-80 hour weeks on duty. Biggest help would be in developing a business plan and figuring out the market in the region of interest… I wish there were such a thing as a “farm advisor” I could pair up with over a period of time to develop a logical and well articulated business plan, find financing, etc.
Samuel, go to http://www.farmers.gov and click connect. You will find your local USDA office, contact them. You may want to talk to the Farm Service Agency or Rural Development personnel who can help you. Thank you for your service.
Bill Ashton
USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
I am a Combat Veteran own a 1,500 acre Hemp farm in Colorado. Do you know if loan program for equipment apply’s to dryers for Hemp now that the Farm Bill Legalized it nationwide? In the past trying to secure VA funding for anything was only easy below $150k. Above $150k it goes to private lenders who want 100% collateralize is a pain and takes month’s. Usually easier and better rates to just go to a bank or private capital raises which is what I did. Have they streamlined the process for Veterans recently?
Mr. Tonner; I too am a retired Vet in Colorado on the Arkansas River, interested in hemp farming. Thanks, Chip
Hello,
I am a veteran Hemp farmer in Indiana. They are supposed to offer support for 2020 Hemp farmers but they denied me this year because Mr. Cobb sent a memo refusing us to get the funding through the USDA. But if you have a license it is possible to find a bank if you State has approved Hemp farming activities. Look to your State Chemists for help. I also know a company who you can contract with and will get you your fist set of seeds with no charge upfront if you want to do fiber crop. Send me an email if you are interested because they also have a way that you can grow under their credentials. They grow all over the world but are out of Kentucky. I will be happy to share my experience to help any Veteran. Can also send pictures of our progress. I love the Hemp farming even though the USDA did not help me. I was blessed with a lot of interested community farmers who joined with me in exploring this amazing industry. My advice farm for fiber and not CBD unless you have at least $150,000 to pump into operations and labor alone. Fiber is much less and not as a labor intensive.
Michelle,
I’ve been trying to contact you for days. Please send information to how you can be reached.
Thanks for the lead. We have a 15-acre tree farm just outside Fredericksburg, Tx and need a more balanced financial situation. Right now, most of our assets are long term and most of liabilities (financing) are short term. The resulting cash squeeze impacts our ability to adequately market our products & services. I will follow up with the Farm Service Agency. I served 5 1/2 years as a Navy Officer from 1966 to 1972.
I have been trying to contact my local USDA offices and haven’t got much help besides just really vauge information. Can you please explain more on how to apply? More on how the program works? Thanks.
Hey, I’m a veteran Hemp Farmer in Indiana. I would love to help. Let me know if you are interested by sending me an email. I have pictures of my crops progress and license. Would love to share.
i want to build a solar farm to produce power for grid and self. who do i need to talk to to do this? i am a vet and have an oregon state electrician lisence and degrees in electronics and can do it if i have the backing.
Thank you for shedding light on these valuable programs. There are so many programs out there to support Veterans and their families and they often go underutilized simply due to a lack of awareness. I will share this information with my circle.
I would like to buy an existing hydroponic farm or start a new hydroponic farm. How do I find out about loans or grants? I am a DAV.
Brother, you can do it without government backing/interference. You have the skills. Locate the resources. Check with your State DOT for solar panels that have been taken out of service. Some locations will give them away or have auctions for such items.
Hey brother,
Have you heard back yet on your question here? I’m interested in doing a microhydro unit and wanted to use it as an educational device for veterans visiting my mountain home in Pennsylvania.
Take care,
Gerald
I really don’t know if all this is true or not. I serve for 31 years in the U.S.ARMY my daugther 3 never get the chance to use the G.I.Bill they all studied from mi own pocket and sacrifice now the system provide help? I have 500 acres of coffee in Puerto Rico now how can the system help? Or is some fantasy we are just talking here?