Military Veteran Farmers

This web page is part of an Initiative to “connect the dots” between existing programs and services for veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. These programs are important in developing necessary skills in farming, while also addressing the difficulties some veterans face in their transition back to civilian life after military service.

This Initiative grew out of Maine Bill L.D. 409, the establishment of a Veteran-to-farmer Training Pilot Program.

Resources for Military Veterans who want to be farmers

Armed to Farm: Sustainable Agriculture Training For Military Veterans

Boots-2-Bushels: Boot Camp for Market Gardeners: A 9-month hands-on Market Garden education and training program for all beginning farmers with priority to veterans, their family members, and farmers with a disability.

Bread of Life Ministries: Bread of Life Ministries feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and provides services that help people change their lives and take personal responsibility.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook

Center for a New American Security Needs Assessment

Combat Boots to Cowboy Boots: Combat Boots to Cowboy Boots is a University of Nebraska – Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) program designed to assist eligible military personnel, their families and armed forces veterans to become Farmers, Ranchers, and Business Entrepreneurs in their next careers.

Crop Insurance 101 for Beginning Farmers Who Are Military Veterans Webinar

Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) National Viewbook (PDF)

Guide to Veteran-to-Farmer Training Pilot Program: University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published a bulletin that highlights training and education resources for military veterans to develop farming skills as they transition back into civilian life.

Maine Dept of Labor Program and Service Guide (PDF)

Maine Apprenticeship FAQs for Employers (PDF)

Maine Apprenticeship FAQs for Apprentices (PDF)

Maine Military & Community Network: This Network is a community effort to understand, prevent, and help deal with the lingering aftereffects of war on service members, their families, and their communities.

Small Business Administration — Veteran-Owned Businesses: If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business. From creating a business plan to finding your first customer.

Tasman Industries: Tasman Leather Group specializes in producing Premium Quality Side Leather for the United States Military.

Team Red, White and Blue: Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

US Dept of Labor List of Apprenticeable Occupations

US Dept of Labor Transition Assistance Program