Progress 09/15/20 to 09/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is Veterans and could include active service members. Veterans could include other racial and ethnic groups, socially and economically disadvanaged, but this subdata was not collected. When returning to civilian life, many Veterans are interested in developing careers in agricultural enterprises and food system industries. Supporting these transitioning members and Veterans is important for sustaining food and agriculture systems across rural America. Forty-six percent of active U.S. military personnel are from rural America. However upon discharge, many Veterans find the rules and methods used in agricultural and food system occupations have changed since they first enlisted. This dynamic project included workshops, curricula and registered apprenticeship opportunities for Veterans. It also included increasing awareness of local, state and federal programs for Veterans in the Iowa and the Midwest. While some of the events that were held during the reporting period were also open to the general public, efforts were made to market these events to Veterans and active service members. Efforts to reach out to this identified group took many different forms. All of the grant's project team members had access to Veterans In Agriculture's newsletter. Project team members provided articles and information for this newsletter as needed. Veterans In Agriculture sent out newsletters during the reporting period to announce programming. The newsletter listing numbers continued to increase during the grant period. Veterans In Agriculture also has a Facebook page and other social media platforms that were also used to provide direct informational links about programming to their followers. Facebook posts announced events and other applicable information during the life of this grant For a more direct approach, project team members met with local Veteran Centers and Iowa's county Veteran Affairs Officers. These Vetearns Affairs Officers have provided great feedback and have commented that programming provided through this grant as well as the networking with the organizations involved in this grant have given them another "tool in their toolbox" as they serve their respective county Veterans. These personal contacts are forming relationship-building opportunities that will continue long after this report is filed. These contacts have also increased visability and have provided new speaking engagments and invitations to Veteran events. Because of relationships with Joining Community Forces events, project team members were able to meet with and discuss programming at National Guard facilities and their family days throughout the state of Iowa. These events provide valuable contacts directly to individuals. Project team members also worked to expand their reach to other Veteran and military groups, many of which were met at National Guard events. Team members have also developed a relationship with the Central Iowa VA Healthcare and are now included in their events, which provides more access to our target audience. Project team members continue to build relationships with Veteran and military organizations to expand the reach, that will continue past the grant period. These outreach efforts were an effort to reach out the targeted audience for this grant as it provided formal and informal information and training. The activities included in this project were educational in nature and the information was delivered through classroom style of instruction or hands on training. Some Veterans and active service members were provided indiviudalized consultations for specific agricultural goals. And others were provided valuable information while attending National Guard events. Where needed, registration forms were changes so that individuals could self-identify as veterans if they chose to do so. If provided email addresses were collected to continue dialog on appliable subjects. Changes/Problems:A major problem was the timing of this grant. It began when some COVID restrictions were still in place and the fear of a virus. While programming was hugely successful, participation in the registered apprenticeship program was not. While there is a need for labor, some were reluctant to add a new hire to their operation. There are many opportunities in production agriculture that need to be explored and that may become a part of the ongoing registered apprenticeship program as we move farther from COVID. The registered apprenticeship program requires more education on how it can be used in agriculture and this effort will continue. While apprentices and mentor farm participation did not materialize as hoped, networks for this programming were established. These networks will be utilized in the years to come as this program is strengthened. We must also recognize that the workforce environment has changed due to COVID and since the beginning of this grant. Changes will be made within the parameters of the Department of Labor's requirements to strengthen this program and to make it more attractive in this new labor market environment. COVID also made everyone pivot and everyone learned new ways to interact and provide programming. One example was to change from in-person programming to webinars. A decision was made to record these sessions, which resulted in an unexpected outcome. Needing a place to post the recordings, a decision was made to create a YouTube channel. The sole reason was to have a link to the recorded programming. This has resulted in an unexpected 94 subscribers. Ten videos have been posted with views continuing to increase. At the end of this grant period there were a total of 3179 views. This is in addition to the individuals that attended the webinar sessions live. The success of this platform will be considered for use in the future. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The AgVets Grant members held monthly committee and quarterly whole team member meetings. The quarterly meetings were used to provide best practices and training information, such as the following. One team member worked with an individual with previous head injuries, this caused her to do research on this topic and to change her approach. This research was shared with the other grant team members. Since grant team members would be sharing information about Registered Apprenticeships during the grant period, training was provided to enhance their general understanding of registered apprenticeships, their management, various types of registered apprenticeships, and the benefits and opportunities involved. One grant team member, Veterans In Agriculture with their board participated in strategic planning that helped to both train the board members and facilitate the new Registered Apprenticeship programming. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Team members developed a fact sheet that was taken to all events and used as a part of outreach to provide information about the goals and objectives of this grant as well as to share information about the grant partners. In addition, two press releases and two webinars were conducted that informed stakeholders of the AgVets grant and activities that would be included. Four additional press releases were completed after the first year, which continued to highlight the activities the activities of this AgVets grant. Team members also were asked to participate in eight radio interviews. Outreach included: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Veterans Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Farmers Union, Easterseals Iowa, and others was completed and is ongoing. Outreach has also been conducted at National Guard Facilities around Iowa. Information was also provided for a Drive Through Resource Fair at the Des Moines VA Campus. This outreach continued through the life of the grant. Team members had two meetings with Iowa State University officials, one was the Vice President of Extension and Outreach and the other was the Associate Dean for Extension Programs and Outreach. Information about the AgVets programming was shared as well as possible collaborations. A minimum of 14 Veteran networks were formed as a the result of this project. Many of these are with local Veteran Affairs Officers who provide information to their Veterans in their area. Now established, these will continue to be used to announce programming and opportunities long after this grant has expired. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project worked to increase the number of Veterans pursuing careers in agriculture. Supporting transitioning military members and Veterans is important for sustaining food and agriculture systems across rural America. Upon discharge, many veterans find the rules and methods used in agricultural and food systems have changed since they enlisted. This project included workshops, curricula and registered apprenticeships and included increasing awareness of available programs in agriculture. Objective 1 Activities: Conducted outreach via press releases, interviews, social media, webinars, websites, newsletters, etc and to partner organizations. Outreach included National Guard Facilities around Iowa. Fact sheets have been developed and were provided as a part of the outreach. Summary and Discussion of Results for Objective 1: This objective emphasized outreach and promoting the project and the activities related to it. Participated in 27 outreach events for Veterans events and spoke at 10 events to convey the message about these programs. A minimum of 14 Veteran new networks were formed. Now established, they will be used to announce programming and opportunities after the grant has expired. These networks and contacts will ensure that Veterans are aware of future programming. A conservative estimate is that 1309 Veterans have been reached through this objective, with an overall estimate of 6355 individuals reached. This objective had a 436% increase over the goal. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Through this objective there was a change in knowledge. The number of Veterans reached exceeded expectations. The dissemination of information through new and expanding networks has been a key outcome as is a change in condition. This impact will continue far beyond the life of this grant. Objective 2 Activities: This objective's work was to deliver programming and information. Over the life of this grant, 28 workshops and one Veteran farm tour were held. Two Registered Apprenticeships (RA) were completed and received approval from the US Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs. Processes were developed for the implementation of the RA programs, as well as evaluations. A handbook has been written. Work has been done to identify mentor farms/agribusinesses for training locations for apprentices. Four in-person Local Food Certifications workshops were held with a virtual option, two were local food leader training sessions, and one was a community food systems workshop. Total participation was 640, with 170 identifying as Veterans. An in-person Specialty Foods workshop had participation of 220, 6 self-identified as Veterans. Three on-farm research trials were conducted as well as an entrepreneurial field day. A workshop on enterprise development and alternative credit was also conducted. Farm Succession/Transition programs were held, including two large statewide meeting and five area workshops. Total participation was 409 with 21 self-identifying as Veterans at the statewide meetings. A YouTube channel channel was created to post recorded webinars. Ten videos have been posted with a total 3179 views. Additional individuals attended the live webinar sessions. Grant team members met with the Iowa State University administration to discuss expanding educational opportunities after this grant has been completed. Summary and Discussion of Results for Objective 2: Twice the number of workshops were delivered with one farm tour. This project projected to have three intermediate level programming and held 16 events, which was 5 times that number planned. More Veterans participated then anticipated, a 321% increase over the estimate demonstrates the needed for information. Through all programming, a conservative number of 321 Veterans participated. The YouTube channel was an unexpected outcome, its views also shows the need for programming. Eighty-six percent of all views was for the beginning farmer/rancher loans. (These numbers were not included in the above paragraph.) Of those completing the post workshop surveys; 90% indicted their knowledge increased. Ninety-eight percent of attendees at farm succession or learning meeting expressed satisfaction with the information that was provided. While programming was hugely successful, the registered apprenticeship program was not. This project began when COVID restrictions were still in place. While there is a need for labor, some were reluctant to add a new hire. However, opportunities in production agriculture need to be explored and may become a part of the ongoing RA program. The RA program requires education on how it can be used in agriculture and this effort will continue. Networks for this programming were established and will be used as this program is strengthened. The workforce environment has changed since the beginning of this grant and changes will be made within the requirements to strengthen this program and to make it attractive to our new labor market environment. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: In this objective, there was a change in knowledge through the provided programming and through it, a change in condition also occurred. Objective 3 Activities: Team members have provided 136 Veterans coaching and resources to those wishing to enter agriculture or those interested in pursuing a new agricultural enterprise and included: Two were coached to find employment in Agribusiness and one in production agriculture. Eighteen Veterans were coached in gathering information and resources needed to apply for financing. One Veteran was interested in participating in a Registered Apprenticeship program, but in PA. Resources were provided to him. A team member participated in a Veterans Entrepreneurial Conference (which didn't include agriculture). There he worked with seven Veterans, answering questions related to their agricultural entrepreneurial projects. Summary and Discussion of Results for Objective 3: This objective was to provided information to Veterans to begin their agricultural farm/business journey. 163 Veterans were assisted. Military is trained to obtain information and then act on it, making follow up difficult. While 31% of those questioned took the next steps to towards their goals, most did not respond to follow up inquires or questions. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: This objective resulted in an increase in knowledge. And through this increase in knowledge, many make a change by taking action towards the next steps to implement their goals. Objective 4 Activities: Team members provided support services that resulted in: Two Veterans and retiring farmers assisted with farm succession/transition planning and a third provided information about transitions. Two other matches lead to new opportunities in agriculture. Assisted two Veterans in acquiring USDA loans, another was coached to prepare to purchase the family farm. Two Veterans acquired farm ownership loans. Eighteen others prepared financial documents to enter production agriculture. Seven obtained credit for rural businesses, four directly related to agriculture. Support services were provided to those entering new agricultural enterprises. One Veteran will begin a flower business. Another a Christmas Tree farm and two others began businesses in forages. One Veteran was assisted as he entered production agriculture with no previous experience. Nineteen Veterans were assisted with agri-food businesses. One received assistance with venture capital for his emerging agri-food tech company. Summary and Discussion of Results for Objective 4: Fifty-nine Veterans entered production agriculture or a food business. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Through an increase in knowledge, Veterans had a change in action and took the next steps to implement their goals, with some beginning their new agricultural businesses.
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Progress 09/15/21 to 09/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project is veterans. While some of the events that were held during the reporting period, were also open to the general public, efforts were made to market these events to veterans and active military. In some cases, registration forms were changes so that individuals could self-identify as veterans. Through Veterans In Agriculture, project team members have access to a veteran newsletter listing as well as Facebook page and other social media platforms to provide direct links to their followers. Veterans In Agriculture sent out four newsletters during the reporting period to announce programming. The newsletter listing continues to increase. At least one Facebook post announcing events was completed each month. Team members began contacting local Veteran Centers and county Veteran Affairs Officers.These officers have provided great feedback and have indicated that programming through this grant have provided another "tool in their toolbox" as they serve their respective county Veterans.These personal contacts are forming relationship-building opportunities. More military activities are beginning to be planned such as Joining Community Forces events and family days at National Guard facilities throughout the state, many of which are being attended.These events provide valuable contacts directly to individuals.Grant team members also worked to expand their reach to other veteran and military groups. Team members have also developed a relationship with the Central Iowa VA Healthcare and have been included in their events providing more access to our target audience.Grant team members continue to build relationships with veteran and military organizations to expand the reach. Changes/Problems:This reporting period began at covid protocols were changing and as people adjust to the new normal. Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) had great momentum going into the pandemic and suddenly our contacts or one-on-one consultations dropped by 56%, which was completely unexpected. But we were contacted by a new type of client. These clients had no knowledge or background in agriculture, but many were making it happen. Perhaps this was a result of the pandemic and a realignment of goals and lifestyle choices. These individuals did require more time due to their limited knowledge of production agriculture. But they were also more receptive to learning and acquiring any type of information they could get. Another grant project component was in-person workshops and programs, which we previously found to be very successful. When it became clear that we would not be able to hold in-person events, shifts were made to hold these events virtually.They did not seem to have the same attendance as before, however, recording these sessions did allow them to be posted to an online platform so that they could be viewed as needed. While these changes have allowed programming to continue and have provided a good alternative, we hope to be able to host more in-person events in the next year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Many members of this AgVets grant have participated in training, some of which relates to the changing agricultural landscape. Some members have attended AgrAbility Training to learn how adaptations can be made in agriculture to accommodate Veterans who may have a service connected or other types of disabilities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Concentration will be to identify and recruit participants in the registered apprenticeship programs. Continue ongoing ag programs and one-on-one client consultations. Continue to provide ongoing agriculture education offerings, including developing and offering other special ad hoc ag programming, based upon what veteran needs are identified. Plans will also include a farm tour that will include veteran's visits as well as an ag entrepreneurial event.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One major goal of this project was the approval of two registered apprenticeship programs, one apprenticeship was for a general farmworker and the other for a general farmer.While these have been written for production agriculture, they could also include positions in agribusiness.These two programs have been approved by the US Department of Labor as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs.The second approval will allow earned GI Bill benefits to be used in conjunction with the program. Related to these approvals, the Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) board has established policy for administering these programs and have a webpage that is close to going live.Knowing that the concept of registered apprenticeships for agriculture is new, VIA along with grant partners from Iowa State University have developed marketing tools.VIA staff has begun meeting with its partners to discuss this new program as they begin to identify mentor farms and apprentices. Work has also been completed with local food certifications. A series of Lunch and Learn sessions were held in May, along with other workshops throughout the year. Veterans have been invited and have attended entrepreneurial sessions conducted by a grant partner each quarter.Information about an Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurial Conference was also disseminated to the VIA newsletter listing. Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) had great momentum going into the pandemic and suddenly our contacts or one-on-one consultations dropped by 56%, which was completely unexpected. But we were contacted by a new type of client, these clients had no knowledge or background in agriculture, but many were making it happen. Perhaps this was a result of the pandemic and a realignment of goals and lifestyle choices. These individuals did require more time due to their limited knowledge of production agriculture. But they were also more receptive to learning and acquiring any type of information they could get. One team member advised, shared connections, and facilitated educational discussions on best practices in regarding business development planning and capital raise campaigns in Iowa for an emerging agri-food tech startup co-founded by an ag veteran starting in September 2021.Since advisory discussions with the company started and continued, the company has conducted a successful capital raise and planning process for converting food wastes and bio-based byproducts to address global fertilizer shortfall issues with domestical organic potassium fertilizer and addressing human gut health issues by providing postbiotic nutraceuticals and supplements.The bio-recycling approach provides a promising reduction in carbon intensity compared to current technologies. Other entrepreneurial resources have been located for those with the next innovative agricultural idea.One Ag Vet client to the Iowa Rural Equity Project Educational Videos to provide background information on what investor networks are available in Iowa.A series of 18 videos including the introduction are located on ISU Extension website:https://www.extension.iastate.edu/irep/
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Progress 09/15/20 to 09/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Many veterans, while returning to civilian life from the military, are interested in developing careers in agricultural enterprises and food system industries. Veterans in Agriculture (VIA) is a nonprofit with a national footprint based in Urbandale Iowa, who receives contacts from veterans across the nation who are interested in exploring agricultural and food system career opportunities. VIA averages 100 requests annually from veterans seeking connections, technical assistance, and information on training opportunities related to a wide range of agricultural production and agri-food business opportunities. Supporting these transitioning members and veterans is important for sustaining food and agriculture systems across rural America. Many current veterans farmed, were called to service, and returned to farming following active duty. Forty-six percent of active U.S. military personnel are from rural America. However, upon discharge, many veterans find the rules and methods used in agricultural and food system occupations have changed since they first enlisted. Veterans are the targeted audience for this project. Grant team partners wrote and distributed a press release about the grant award. This was also posted this information on their own social media outlets. Through VIA, grant team members have access to a veteran newsletter listing as well as Facebook page and other social media platforms to provide direct links to their followers. Radio interviews were also conducted to outline grant activities.Due to Covid, many of the events that VIA generally attends for additional outreach efforts have been cancelled, making outreach efforts more challenging. Marketing materials were developed for various audiences. These marketing materials provided information on grant objectives as well as individual partner projects within the grant. Other team partners made an effort to identify their existing clients who are veterans. Using key partners, such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, grant information was communicated about the grant. Other grant team members visited local county Veteran Affairs offices to showcase the projects that would be completed throughout this grant process. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?While this projects primary intent was not to provide training or personal development for team members, they have gained new insight and/or skills as a result. For many, this has been their first exposure to registered apprenticeships. To familiarize themselves some have conducted their own research and read through publications focused on this subject. This has not only enhanced their general understanding of what registered apprenticeships are, but it has also been influential in understanding the management, various types, the benefits, and opportunities for those involved in this type of learning. This research will be valuable as the implementation phases of the registered apprenticeship programming and the work begins to recruit people into all components of that project. Through work on this project, team members from Iowa Microloan and Ag Ventures Alliance learned that they needed to work to develop direct contacts with more veteran networks such as national guard installations and county veteran organizations who may have interest in their programs. They also realized a need to develop specialized marketing materials and networking initiatives to generate impacts as existing connections did not generate any referrals. Other team members are conducting personal one on one contacts and have learned the need for relationship building at the grassroots level. As well as how to ultimately offer farm management specialist expertise thru programming and one-on-one client consultations, while also emphasizing the veterans who are currently using ongoing, regular program offerings. Another team member, while working with a veteran who experienced head injuries sought out information on that topic. Through that personal development they learned how to change or modify the approach when working with other similarly situated veterans. All that has been learned so far will assist in the delivery of not only this project, but programming outside of this grant for years to come. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?As the grant began in September of 2020, team members worked to inform interested community members of the grant, its goals, and the projects it contained. A press release was written and disseminated through team members individual and their partner social media platforms and newsletter listings. Some of the partners included, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Home Base Iowa, and Easter Seals Rural Solutions. After learning about this grant, many were interested in learning more, which resulted in radio interviews and print articles with various team members. In November of 2020, a team member participated in a panel during the Emerging Research on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Co-Sponsored by Farm Foundation and USDA-ERS. And in December was a participant in the Training for Success: Resources and Tools for Working with Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Co-Sponsored by Farm Foundation and Farm Credit, both of which were national platforms. In March of 2021, two zoom sessions with all grant partners was held for employees of Iowa State University and other interested community leaders. During this presentation, the grant was discussed along with each team members individual roles, goals, and planned programs during the life of the grant. As the Registered Apprenticeship was nearing completing, marketing materials and fact sheets were developed to explain this new concept to Iowans. A webinar series was conducted to explain the role of the three main components of the program, which are: the apprentice, the required technical instruction provider, and the employer. These sessions attracted individuals from community colleges, agricultural organizations, farmers, and potential apprentices throughout Iowa. Grant team members also met with members of Iowa State University to discuss the registered apprenticeships educational requirements and how the University can fulfil that component. Discussion also centered around providing other certifications and programming for veterans as it relates to the Army's COOL program. One team member also met with county Veteran Affairs offices to discuss the grant and its objectives. Activities and programming was promoted using Veteran In Agriculture's newsletter and social media platforms. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?One main component under this grant are the Registered Agricultural Apprenticeships. In the next year, additional materials will be developed such as a handbooks for the apprentices, technical instruction providers, and employers. Additionally, the 2-page factsheet will also be published that will further inform audiences on the apprenticeship opportunities as well as share information on how to register/become involved in the program. Work on the Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) website will continue so that it will support a separate page for this and related information. VIA will finalize policies for the Apprenticeship Training Committee, what is currently being written. This grant demonstrates the importance of one-on-one consultations. Work will continue to connect providers of technical assistance with veterans. It has also been recognized that it is importance to collect veteran data from those who are attending or participating in the regular, ongoing ag education offerings. Team members will develop and offer other special ad hoc ag programming, based upon identified needs. Team member from Iowa State University (ISU) will conduct at least two local food leader courses and one community food systems certification course in the next reporting year. VIA in partnership with ISU and other team members are planning are to hold a farm tour and statewide event in the spring of 2022. Evaluations will be developed to measure knowledge before and after on the job training, or before and after curricular participation. An interview template to use with veterans who participate in on-the-job training or curricula will also be developed. Interviews with be conducted with veteran participants as well as project partners in the next year. Iowa Microloan and Ag Ventures programs will work to develop direct contacts with more veteran networks such as national guard installations and county veteran organizations who may have interest in their programs. They also realized a need to develop specialized marketing materials and networking initiatives to generate impacts as existing connections did not generate any referrals. Through these efforts, outreach materials outlining workshops offered and the registered apprenticeship programming will be developed and distributed. Goals and objectives that were not met in the first year of the grant included quarterly meetings by team members. The number outlined in the grant was not reached. Due to an early retirement, activities to connect beginning and retiring farmers was also not met. Team members will work to correct both in the coming years of the grant.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Prior to military service, many ag vets previously farmed. They were called to service and returned to farming following active duty to produce food and fiber for their country. Today, 46% of the U.S. active military personnel are from rural America. However, upon discharge, many veterans find that the rules and methods used in agricultural and food system occupations have changed since they first enlisted. While ag vets may have had farm experience prior to enlisting, in most cases this prior experience cannot be used for farm loan eligibility. In addition, many ag vets are interested in launching a new enterprise not currently present on their farm before or are interested in value-added or other businesses along the food supply chain. These components are among the educational offerings that will be fulfilled by this grant. The overall goal of this project is to educate veterans on best practices for farm and agri-food system enterprise management, niche marketing, and business planning and to increase agricultural production and agri-food business enterprise ownership by veterans. Two grant team members have written program standards for two Registered Apprenticeships, one is for a General Farmer, the other for a General Farm Worker. These standards have been written so that they can accommodate a wide variety of agriculture as well as agri-businesses to fit all along Iowa's food system. These standards have been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Labor and are ready to be approved. Approval is expected shortly after this progress report is filed. Registered apprenticeships are new to agriculture and to Iowa. Taking that into consideration a fact sheet outlining the program requirements was written and three zoom meetings where conducted. Each meeting was intended for a primary audience which were: Required Technical Instruction providers, Employers, and potential Apprentices. These sessions have been recorded and will be made available on-line. Veterans In Agriculture, who will be the intermediary for these apprenticeships has been developing and is nearing completion of policy for their Apprentice Training Committee or ATC. The U.S. Department of Labor has also reviewed this policy to date to ensure it is following their requirements. Curricula has also been provided to veterans on a series of subjects, which include Marketing Risks and Crop Insurance, Livestock Risk Management, Financials and Beginning Farmer Loans, Conservation Planning and Programs, and Legal Risk Management and Business Structures. These sessions were conducted via WebEx in the spring of 2021, recorded, and then posted on-line. To date, there has been a total of 363 views on these subjects. Individuals have requested that addition subjects be offered. Since these sessions continue to be viewed, we have gained insight on what subject matters are of greatest value to our audience. The most views are for beginning farmer loans and financial information, which is always requested. In a distance second is conservation, followed by subjects on legal risk and livestock risk management. These are not surprising given veterans' interest in sustainable agriculture and livestock, particularly large animal Providing technical assistance and support is also an important component to this project. There have been 64 individual veterans that have been provided technical assistance. And additional 11 veterans were identified as existing clients for two partner organizations. This data had not been collected by these groups prior to this grant. While Veterans In Agriculture has provided individualized technical assistance in the past, they have seen a decrease in requests for these services in the 18 months. Whether that due to raising land prices or covid concerns is unclear. These requests are beginning to rebound but are still below normal expectations. Even with these lower numbers, the impact of providing information cannot be underestimated. As an example, two individuals who recently contacted Veterans In Agriculture were relatively new to production agriculture. One wanted information on how to expand an existing aquaculture operation and the other wanted information on financing. Both were grateful for all information provided. They like others that are new to production agriculture or in the early stages of their operation welcome all information and generally are not familiar with resources or where to find information. It is valuable to offer this information at such as critical time. Grant team members recognize that while veterans may have been involved in agriculture prior to enlistment, resource providers and farming practices have changed during their time away. Through the examples provided, grant team members have had an impact on the individuals and their decisions on financing and other management and production decisions.
Publications
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