Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is transitioning service members and veterans with less than 10 years of farming experience. Due to the national presence that Farmer Veteran Coalition has gained, this project supported beginning farmer veterans across the United States. By the end of this grant period, FVC membership has grown to just under 29,000 veteran members, representing all branches of the military and every state. Efforts to reach the target audience include attending events for transitioning service members, informing them of the services that FVC provide. Once this initial connection with the veteran is made, FVC provides educational opportunities through workshops, conferences, and webinars; connects these beginning farmer veterans with successful farmer mentors; and provides individualized technical assistance through our call center. Changes/Problems:There were two primary challenges that were experienced during this grant: a significant growth of membership and the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, program staff had to re-evaluate their outreach plans which had primarily consisted of in-person events prior to the pandemic and shift all outreach activities to a virtual format. This was challenging at first, however the FVC outreach team was able to pivot well and work with partners to perform virtual outreach events. The bigger challenge that FVC experienced during this grant was the tremendous increase in membership, growing from 11,500 to over 28,000 veteran members. Many of these veterans were experience significant challenges that arose from the pandemic. Providing the appropriate resources to these farmer veterans was an important task that often made a significant difference in their ability to continue farming. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?FVC has Led or collaborated on 45 education and training webinars & workshops serving over 3,000 farmer veterans. These webinars and workshops focused on topics ranging from vegetable production to business planning. In addition, FVC hosted 3 annual conferences that provided technical assistance, career planning, network & mentoring opportunities, and access to education and training programs outside of the conference setting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Training materials and learning opportunites are disseminated electronically to the over 28,000 members through monthly newsletters and regular social media posts. Printed copies of materials are distributed at in-person workshops, FVC's annual conference, and Transition Assistance Program events that FVC staff members attend. In addition, webinars and workshops are recorded and shared on FVC YouTube channel. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Throughout the course of the grant, Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has experienced a significant increase in membership, adding an additional 16,527 veterans to our membership list. This significant increase demonstrated the increasing interested amongst transitioning veterans in embarking on careers in agriculture. FVC provides support to these veterans by providing individualized technical assistance to veterans who contact our call center, promoting their business through the Homegrown by Heroes (HBH) branding label, providing direct financial support through our small grant program the Fellowship Fund, and connecting farmer veterans with each other through our state chapters and annual stakeholders conferences. 1.0 GOAL Increase the knowledge and skills of beginning farmer veterans in farming, ranching or fisheries (e.g., agricultural production and business development skills). 1.1 OBJECTIVEDelivereducation, training and technical assistancethrough veteran-to-veteran learning that provides a foundation of skills, knowledge, and tools in sustainable production and farm business development. Disseminated 2,100 Government Resource Guides, and education guide designed to help veterans understand the resourced offered by the USDA. Led or collaborated on 45 education and training webinars & workshops serving over 3,000 farmer veterans. Hosted 3 national stakeholder conferences serving 1,186 farmer veterans. Provided individualized technical assistance to 8,943 farmer veterans 2.0 GOAL Improve the economic viability and market conditions of veteran-owned small- and medium-sized farm, ranch or fishery operations. 2.2 OBJECTIVE Administer and promote the "Homegrown by Heroes" (HBH) marketing campaign nationally. (HBH is a branding label designed for promote the products grown by veteran farmers, ranchers and fishermen of all military eras.) Provide grants to over 400 farmer veterans though the Fellowship Fund grant program. This program provides direct assistance to farmer veterans who own their own farm business Increased Homegrown by Heroes certification from 1,175 to 2,344 Created an online directory for HBH certified farmer veterans to promote their products, displaying veterans grown products in 41 states. Provided point of sale and digital marketing materials to 665 farmer veterans through the HBH brand, which enables producers to differentiate their product in the marketplace and encourages consumers to seek out veteran produced items. 3.0 GOAL Create sustainable regional and statewide peer networks that provide ongoing support to beginning farmer veterans in pursuit of successful farming, ranching, and fishery enterprises. 3.1 OBJECTIVE Create, promote, and maintain opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and mentoring with the support of a national network of beginning farmer veterans, seasoned farmers, and the organizations who serve them. FVC currently has 16 fully formed state chapters and 12 currently in formation. These state chapters promote a peer-to-peer learning model. Facilitated networking, mentorship, and comradery among close to 1,200 farmer veterans though annual conferences Increased FVC membership from 11,500 to over 28,000
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
2019 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference
Austin, Texas
November 17-20th, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/user/farmvetcoalition
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Homegrown by Heroes Search Map
https://farmvetco.org/hbh-search/
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is veterans and those still serving with less than 10 years of farmingexperience orplan to enter the agricultural sector. These veterans andactive-dutymilitary span the 5 branches,ranging in agefrom 18-72, and spanacross the United States and territories.FVC(free)membershipis keyineffortstoreach and recruit this target audience.Ourmembership/audiencehas grown to over22,000 members.Additionally,in this reporting period,we aimed to reach a more racially diverseaudienceandfarmer veteran population through ourCaliforniaConferenceinFebruary 2020 and Californiachapter development. FVC continues to target the veteran population, consideredanunderserved/disadvantaged group,via education and training, technicalassistance, expanding veteran-centricmarketing, creating peer networking, andmuchmore. Changes/Problems:While FVC met and exceededour goals of numbers of veterans and groups involved with our programs, like HBHand our National Stakeholder's conference, this reporting period was uniquely affected by theworldwide COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 must be addressed in that,as our virtualmember participation grew substantially, our traditional methods of outreach werehindered significantly.Obviously,we could not have workshops or our conferenceface to face, but the pandemic also slowed the development of our chapters and agreements withState Departmentsof Agriculture due to shutdowns and safety concerns. In this next reportingperiod, FVC looks forward to adapting and finding methods to foster relationshipsand increase involvement virtually with members, partners, and organizations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Hosted 10 educational and training webinars with subject matter ranging from organic vegetable production to business planning with 178 online attendees. Led or collaborated on 15 workshops or trainings in 10 different states, including 2 job fairswith the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP)on the Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA. Reviewed and revised more than 280 business plans with assistance of partners atFarmCreditand SBA. As mentioned above,FarmerVeteranCoalitionhosted our National Stakeholders Conference in Austin, Texasto serve 465 attendees.The agenda included manytechnicalassistance trainings, career planning, and opportunities to network withmembers and stakeholders.Presentations and sessions are available online. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Our training materialsandopportunitiesare disseminated electronically to our growing databaseof 22,000 members.Additionally,much of this information is disseminated via social mediaplatformsto over37,800combinedfollowers.Our slideshow presentations and videos from events, workshops, webinars, and conference are available for free on our website and YouTube channeland will remain there as a part of a digital resource library. Beyond our members and followers,program results, such as the Fellowship Fund, Homegrown by Heroes, andStakeholders Conference, are shared widely by our partners and supporters. During this reporting period,this includes, but is not limited to, relevant groups, organizations, and agencies: ??Kubota,FarmCredit, USDA, Tractor Supply, Newman's Own, National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau, Center for Land Based Learning,Veterans Healing Farm, Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association, American Farmland Trust, FarmTek, and Gempler's. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Farmer Veteran Coalition just produced our 6thannual Stakeholder's Conference virtually on November 18 and 19, 2020 to be included in next year's reporting period. Due to COVID-19, our conference offered the unique opportunity to more efficiently captureinvaluable insight, advice, technical assistance, andoffervirtual networking.Such workshops are archived and will bedisseminatedandmade available to contribute to FVC's extensive digital library. Additionally, in the next reporting period, FVC is committed to: Publish30+ business plan templates andmarketingresourcesonourwebsitethathave alreadybeencompiledand organizedinan internal online database. Continuing toreferfarmer veterans to SCORE mentors through individualized and localized assistancewhile shifting focus andeffortstocreatea SCORE partnership at a more national level. In the meantime, FVC service providers will continue to refer members to their local SCORE offices. Update and disseminate 3,000 electronic copies of our Veteran Careers in Agriculture Guidein our new member emails, alongside our Government Resources Guide which has already been distributed to 1,500 members in this past reporting period. Administer the 10thyear of the Fellowship Fund with an additional $200,000 of equipment and supplies to farmer veterans. Increase the number of Homegrown by Heroes producersvia promotion by partners, the HBH map, andMarketMakerand establishingpartnerships with State Departments of Agriculture labels.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As we report on another year,FarmerVeteranCoalition's missionof mobilizing veterans to feed Americacontinues to supportthe long-term major goals of this project and is evident through our efforts.Farmerveterans are looking for and need such technical knowledge and skills, assistance in securingeconomic viability, andcultivatingpeer connections and networks, which have all been madepossible throughthis"GrowingFarmer Veterans All Over the USA" grant. Offered individualized technical assistance to2,400+(approx. 50 a week)farmer veterans via telephone and emailthroughfarmerveteranexpert staff. Hosted our National Stakeholders conference in Austin,Texas toserve 465 attendees. Awarded over $217,000 in direct assistanceto 107farmerveterans through theFarmerVeteran Fellowship Fundforequipment and supplies needed for the successful launch of their new farm businesses. Promoted veteran-owned businessesthroughthe use of the Homegrownby Heroes(HBH)labelby certifying 127newfarmerveteranbusinessesto total2,043HBH membersto span all 50 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico. Collaborated withMarketMaker, an online platformhttps://foodmarketmaker.com/that helpsproducers reach new markets and network with local buyersand organizations, whileencouragingconsumers to connect local withproducers.MarketMakerhas established HBH as an affiliate on theplatformand is actively promoting the label and piloting partnership specificallywith Illinois, Arkansas, Michigan, South Carolina, and Virginia. Partneredwith Country music star Brantly Gilbertby sourcing Homegrown by Heroes productsfor backstage meals for14shows/citiesacross the country,which Gilbert supported and promoted via social media to reachhisover 1.5 million followers. Developedand published an interactive HBH map on our website for consumers to searchfarmerveteranproducers and thus increasing public awareness and support.Search functions includegeographic location and provide userswith farmcontact and product information. Maintained agreements with9State Departments of Agriculture in a merged HBH label andare in progress to establishMemorandumsof Understanding with9 additional State Departments of Agriculture. Managed an electronicdatabase with over 22,000 members to facilitate nationwide communication, comradery, mentorship and networking withfarmerveterans. Maintained and/orReestablished10state FVC chapters andcurrentlyfacilitatingtheestablishment of 8 new chapters,aided by the creationa comprehensive chapter handbookto aid in bridgingthe gap betweennationally-reaching FVCand the state and county-level resources. Established 2 new contracts for member discounts with BCS America and Gempler'sto increaseaccessibilityto farm products to members and promote FVC.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
2019 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholder Meeting. Austin, TX.
November 2019. Conference.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgRsnXC21P4OxVTO4iEIDmEtAXE9gcDWu
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Homegrown By Heroes Search Map. Davis, CA.
2020
https://farmvetco.org/hbh-search/
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience: Military veterans and those still serving that are currently operating a farm business or aspire to begin careers in agriculture. - Veterans and active duty military of all 5 branches and different service eras - Men and women - Nationwide, participants in all 50 states and Puerto Rico - Ages 18 - 72 Changes/Problems:FVC staff found that we are able to meet and exceed the number of veterans that participate in our programs. For example, total membership numbers continue to sky rocket, conference attendance double during this reporting period, and HBH membership greatly increased. However, we want to increase the number of webinars, webinar attendance, and bring in more subject matter experts to create them. These webinars are time and labor intensive, but highly beneficial once produced. The webinars can be hosted on our website, shared with partner organizations, and easily referenced by members for years to come. Secondly, we will continue to improve our tracking methods to ensure that we are capturing the more subtle but highly valuable metrics that FVC is uniquelt poised to collect. For example, measuring the volume and impact of peer to peer networking among farmer veterans, through surveys and phone interviews. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?FVC has partnered on more than 30 trainings in this reporting period, from on-farm workshops, regional conferences, webinars, and TAP career fairs on base. Additionally, FVC has connected veterans with mentors, internships, and employment on farms around the country. On November 14-17,2018, FVC hosted three days of educational workshops and networking in Kansas City, MO. 250 farmer veterans, partner oranizations, industry leaders, and government represenatives attended. 110 veterans were scholarshipped to attend, including some acttive duty service men and women that are seeking new careers in agriulture and other veterans that are returning to a 5th generation family farm. The agenda included many technical assistance trainings, career planning, and opportunities to collaborate among the many stakeholders in the room. Featured speakers included: Chris Chinn, Director of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Agriculture Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation US Department of Agriculture: Bill Ashton, Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison, Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement US Department of Defense: Mike Miller, Chief of Private and Public Engagement US Department of Labor: Theo Coney, Kansas State Director, Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) US Department of Veterans Affairs: Karen Besterman-Dahan, PhD, RD, Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research US Small Business Administration: Thomas Salisbury, SBA Region VII Administrator For Navy veteran Christopher Adolph who owns and operates Red Shirt Farms in Lampasas, Texas, the breakout sessions were extremely beneficial. "I learned so much valuable information in the breakouts," said Adolph, who is in his second year of farming. "When I go home I'm going to immediately start implementing the things I learned here." https://farmvetco.org/stories/2018-fvsc/ How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?With about 400 new farmer veterans joining FVC each month, our programs are becoming increasingly impactful. Training materials and opportunities are disseminated electronically to the 18,000 veteran members that receive FVC correspondance, and an additional 6,000 non-veteran partners. Print copies of the material are distributed at the annual Stakeholder's meeting as well as 30 more events around the nation. The slideshow presentations and handouts from the 3 days Stakeholder's meeting are available for free on our website, andwill remain there as part of a digital resource library. The webinars are also available online. In addition to disseminating material to FVC's member base, our program results are shared widely with partner organizations. FVC is commited to information sharing and allyship among all stakeholders in the veteran toagriculture movement. During this reporting period, FVC staff served in an advisory or partner role to the following organizations: Agrability Syracuse University Cornell University Center for Land Based Learning National Farm to School Network Tuskegee University Veterans Healin Farm SAVE Farm Archi's Acres University of Washington National Farmers Union FarmCredit National Resource Conservation Districts American Farm Bureau USDA NAS What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?FVC just hosted our 5th annual Stakeholder's Meeting in Austin, TX, more than doubling the attendance from last year's meeting. We are harnessing this momentum to expand on the goals listed on this project and reach an increasing number of farmer veterans, especially in rural communities. Durin the next reporting period, FVC is committed to: Host a statewide farmer veteran meeting at California State University, Fresno in February 2020, providing training, resources, and networking opportunities to California's farmer veterans. Administer the 9th year of the Fellowship Fund, administering an additional $200,000 of equipment and supplies to farmer veterans. Increase the number of certified Homegrown by Heroes producers, variety of product certified under the label, and sales generated by the brand. Partner on additional webinars and materials to add to our digitalresource library. Disseminate the materials generated from the 2019 Stakeholder's meeting in Austin, TX and prepare for the 2020 meeting. Continue connecting veterans with opportunities to mentor, intern, and work on veteran owned farms.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: It continues to be true, just as it was at the outset of this project, that less than one percent of America's population serves in the military and less than one percent of our population grows the food that feeds us. The servicemen and women transitioning into civilian life are perfectly poised to fill the boots of America's aging farmer population. The Farmer Veteran Coalition supports these important new farmers through collaboration with our agricultural and military communities and strong partnerships with the USDA. Farmer veterans need technical assistance to support their new endeavors, but there is also a need for services designed around the unique experiences of veterans returning from war, including the physical and psychological wounds they may carry. FVC's team is a group of veterans and farmers, providing the necessary insight into the unique cross section of hard-working and truly inspiring people that we serve. With more than 18,000 farmer veteran members, a number that increases by 400 each month, the programs offered by FVC are reaching rural communities and under served populations, providing vital education, training, mentorship, and comradery. We provide training through webinars, workshops, guidebooks, and phone consultations covering topics from financial literacy, business planning, marketing, food safety, and more. Goals and Objectives: 1.0 GOAL Increase the knowledge and skills of beginning farmer veterans in farming, ranching or fisheries (e.g., agricultural production and business development skills). 1.1 OBJECTIVE Delivereducation, training and technical assistancethrough veteran-to-veteran learning that provides a foundation of skills, knowledge, and tools in sustainable production and farm business development Disseminated 2,100 Government Resource Guides, an educational guide designed to help veterans understand how to leverage the resources offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Consulted with 6,000 farmer veterans through calls and e-mails at our headquarters in Davis, CA. Referred 2,000 farmerveterans to partner organizations and government agencies. Led or collaborated on 30 workshops and trainings in15states, hosted 4 webinars that are accessible online. Scholarshipped110veterans to attend the Stakeholders meeting in Kansas City, with 3 days of educational workshops featuring speakers from our government partner organizations, leaders from the agricultural and military community. 2.0 GOAL Improve theeconomic viabilityandmarket conditionsof veteran-owned small- and medium-sized farm, ranch or fishery operations. 2.1 OBJECTIVE Provide technical assistance to farmer veterans in the development of business plans as the foundation of a viable farm, ranch, or fishery. 2.2 OBJECTIVE Administer and promote the "Homegrown by Heroes" (HBH) marketing campaign nationally. (HBH is a branding label designed for promote the products grown by veteran farmers, ranchers and fishermen of all military eras.) Administered $210,000 in direct assistancethrough the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, providin 168 farmer veterans with equipment and supplies needed for the successful launch of their new farm businesses. Reviewed and advised more than 280 business plans, with assistance from partners at FarmCredit and SBA. Certified a total of 1,853 veteran owned farm businesses under the Homegrown by Heroes brand, reaching our goal of having HBH producers in all 50 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico. 284 new producers were HBH certified during this reporting period alone. Provided point of sale and digital marketing material to more than 300 farmer veterans through the HBH brand, which enables producers to differentiate their product in the marketplace and encourages consumers to seek out veteran produced items. 3.0 GOALCreate sustainable regional and statewide peer networks that provide ongoing support to beginning farmer veterans in pursuit of successful farming, ranching, and fishery enterprises. 3.1 OBJECTIVE Create, promote, and maintainopportunities for peer-to-peer learning and mentoringwith the support of a national network of beginning farmer veterans, seasoned farmers, and the organizations who serve them. Launched 10 FVC state chapters in Washington, Vermont, Virginia, Kansas, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Texas, which support FVC's programs on a regional level. Facilitated networking, mentorship, and comradery among more than1000veterans. Manage an electronic database of more than 18,000 veterans, using advanced SRM software. Reach 24,000 readers through a monthly electronic newsletter, and an additional 40,000 social media followers. These platforms are used to promote educational and training resources, advertise mentorship opportunities, and promote networking among FVC members.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
2018 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Meeting
Kansas City, MO
November 14-17,2018
Conference presentations:
https://farmvetco.org/stories/2018-fvsc/
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