McPHERSON— While some veterans returning home have jobs waiting for them, many do not and are returning to rural areas where jobs can be scarce. The USDA Risk Management Agency has awarded Kansas Farmers Union, the Center for Rural Affairs and eight additional partner organizations with funding intended to introduce new veteran farmers and ranchers to various areas of agriculture, and thereby find solutions to the employment and economic challenges facing so many rural veterans.
“The long-term goal for this project is to help new veteran farmers and ranchers successfully establish farms and ranches in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri,” said Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs.
Rural America’s small cities and towns are, however, less prepared to absorb returning veterans than many urban centers. The Iraq and Afghan Veterans of America have noted that veterans returning to rural communities were having the hardest time reintegrating into civilian life as these communities lacked both viable employment opportunities and access to needed veteran services.
The project will allow veterans to learn strategies and implement plans for farm/ranch start-up, including financing, land access, and business development. Veterans will also learn to access the resources available to them for technical assistance, production and marketing information, and mentoring.
In 2012 Kansas Farmers Union will hold two educational workshops, two farm tours and assist Kansas Veterans with financial planning.
“Our veterans have done a noble service defending our freedom around the world. Our goal through this project is to help them acquire some of the necessary education they will need in farm operation, management, financial planning, and to recognize agricultural opportunities,” Donn Teske, Kansas Farmers Union President said.
According to the grant application, veterans can build on their discipline and sense of service and use farming or ranching to reintegrate into society gracefully and fruitfully. They can also repopulate and re-energize rural communities. Some assistance to launch a new generation of veteran farmers and ranchers can help ensure their successful entry into farming and ranching and a successful return to their country.
For more information and updates, visit http://www.cfra.org/veteran_farmers_project or contact Nick Levendofsky at kfu.nick@gmail.com.
