Military service members, veterans invited
to apply for free agriculture training program
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (March 8, 2021) – Organizers of the Farm Ops project are pleased to announce their participation again with the popular Armed to Farm program for military veterans, run by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). NCAT is moving their multi-day intensive training online to make it accessible during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Virtual Armed to Farm will cover topics essential to farm success, including business planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, and USDA programs, as well as specific enterprise discussions. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and network with other beginning farmers from across the country. The training also will include breakout sessions for region-specific networking and resource-sharing.
The program will include an engaging blend of interactive online instruction and video farm tours via Zoom. Participants will be expected to be involved in virtual activities, complete assignments, and interact with other attendees. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture specialists will teach the training sessions. Staff from partner organizations, USDA agencies, and experienced crop and livestock producers will provide additional instruction.
Topics will be applicable to all beginning farmers regardless of location in the U.S. Military veterans interested in farming are encouraged to apply. Spouses are welcome to participate as well but must submit a separate application. The number of participants will be limited to facilitate effective online interaction. NCAT will notify selected participants by March 19.
Virtual Armed to Farm will consist of two-hour sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, and May 6.
To apply, go to https://www.ncat.org/armed-to-farm-events/#ATF-virtu and look for the “apply now” box.
The application deadline is March 12.
The Virtual Armed to Farm training is free. While participants may join the live sessions via phone only, access to a computer, tablet, or mobile device and Internet is required in order to watch recorded sessions and complete online assignments.
(Cornell Cooperative Extension)