Veteran farmers: Services for those who served (copy)
Preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans across the country to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
The USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison supports outreach to active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve service members; all-era veterans, military spouses, and family members, to advance entrepreneurship, employment, and education in agriculture. The MVAL emphasizes veteran advocacy and coordination of specialized agricultural training, technical guidance, and resources across USDA and other federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profit-organizations, educational institutions, private sector entities, and faith-based organizations. The MVAL works collaboratively with other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Small Business Administration to prepare veterans for agricultural careers. Through MVAL outreach, veterans are connected to internship programs through USDA, the Department of Labor, DoD, non-profit, and local farmers and ranchers for comprehensive training and hands-on agricultural experiences.
The USDA Veterans Employment Program Office is dedicated to advancing the career goals of military veterans within the USDA. This office provides tailored support to help veterans navigate the federal hiring process, access professional development resources, and connect with job opportunities across various USDA divisions. By offering specialized career counseling and employment assistance, the office ensures that veterans are well-prepared to transition successfully into roles that contribute to the USDA’s mission and the broader agricultural community.
The Military Spouse Program is designed to support the career aspirations of military spouses who are integral to the USDA workforce. This program offers resources and guidance to help military spouses find meaningful employment within USDA agencies, access career development opportunities, and balance their professional and personal lives. Through targeted initiatives and partnerships, the program aims to enhance job stability and career growth for spouses of service members, thereby strengthening the overall resilience and well-being of military families.
Ag experts are in high demand.
According to a recent Purdue University study, there are thousands of jobs in agriculture and agribusiness that remain unfilled because there aren’t enough graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment. Job opportunities in these areas are expected to grow. Veterans can fill this need by considering a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following areas: Plant Science; Food Science; Sustainable Biomaterials; Water Resources Science and Engineering: Precision Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine
You can also consider getting a certificate or gaining education through working on a student farm. Many U.S. institutions and organizations offer certificates in sustainable agriculture. These can be earned faster than a college degree and can provide you with the deeper understanding needed to go out and start or grow an operation.
Student farms are another way to receive hands-on training and learn a variety of agriculture practices first-hand. Through these opportunities you can learn a variety of farming techniques and learn from others in business. USDA’s National Agricultural Library lists a variety of available college programs, certificate programs, and student farms.
In addition to educational and training programs available in sustainable agriculture, USDA also has a number of scholarship programs as well as programs with Hispanic-serving institutions, 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, and 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities.
Upcoming Events
May 25--Marion Memorial Day Parade.
June 1-5--Smyth County 4-H Camp.
June 11-13--OGATA Summer Show, Abingdon.
June 16-19--State 4-H Congress.
July 7--VQA Sale.
July 13--VQA Take Up YBD.
July 25--RV Fair Livestock Day
Aug. 4 --Tri State Beef Conference.
Aug. 6--Tractor Trip to Benham, Ky.
Aug. 18--VQA Sale.
Aug. 24--VQA Steer Take Up.
Aug 26--VQA Heifer Take Up.
Aug. 27--Hay and Forage Field Day.
Dr. Andy Overbay is the agriculture and natural resources extension agent for Smyth County.
