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INVESTIGATOR: Peterson, R.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843-0001

BATTLE GROUND TO BREAKING GROUND

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: American farmer/ranchers are disappearing at disturbing rates and there are not many to fill their shoes. With the average age of the producer in America at over 58 years, our nation's food security could be challenged over the next 20 years. The most challenging barriers for new/beginning farmer/ranchers, including Veteran farmer/ranchers, to enter agriculture businesses, are access to land and access to capital. Also our nations Veterans are struggling with un-employment in rural areas, as well as, struggling to transition into the civilian life and struggles with disability issues. Farming/ranching is a highly sought after career opportunity for many Veterans. The Battle Ground to Breaking Ground Entrepreneurial Training Project aims to increase the number of beginning farmers by providing education through face-to-face presentations, online courses, online webinars, and hands-on learning to meet the requirements placed by agriculture lenders. The project reduces the barrier of accessing land by providing access to land for lease for beginning farmer/ranchers to start their own agriculture businesses while still under the supervision of well qualified, successful agriculturists.Ongoing communication with program participants will help determine additional needs, as well as, pre/post satisfaction will be measured for both program participants and community of practice participants. By training beginning farmer/ranchers to manage their agriculture businesses the project will create successful farmer/ranchers. Successful farmer/ranchers strengthen the community around them, as well as, having a positive effect on the local and national food supply. In addition, working in agriculture can be healing for many Veterans as well as creating meaningful self-employment.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term goals of the Battle Ground to Breaking Ground Entrepreneurial Training Project are to: Increase the number of veteran and other new and beginning farmers and ranchers in Texas through face to face and online education, hands on experiential training, mentoring, and technical guidance. Enhance the sustainability of Texas' veteran and other new and beginning farmers and ranchers through an innovative, holistic model for education, training, technical assistance, and outreach thus reducing self-employment barriers for veterans (particularly those with disabilities) to enter into production agriculture by providing veterans the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions regarding entering, establishing, and managing successful agriculture enterprises.To accomplish these goals the project will: 1) Provide a holistic and relevant educational experience to support farm enterprise education and sustainability through access to: a) face to face and online educational training in farm management and production specific agriculture practices; b) individualized educational planning and guidance to support diverse agriculture business interests; c) hands-on learning opportunities connected to online course content; and d) follow-up mentor support. 2) Facilitate peer-to-peer learning through a knowledge-to-practice application process utilizing a structured Community of Practice experience. 3) Offer an array of veteran transitional and disability support services; (i.e. behavioral health, personal finances, wellness, assistive technology).