Polk Small Farms: Week-long Farming Workshop for Veterans

Monday, May 6, 2013

Week-long Farming Workshop for Veterans

Farm Foundations: Planning for Success

'Armed to Farm' Applications are due May 10

The purpose of Armed to Farm (ATF) is to provide veterans and their spouses an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises. Veterans attending the dynamic blend of farm tours, hands-on experience, and classroom instruction will examine farming as a viable career.

They will learn about the capital, labor, and risks involved in farming, as well as the return on investment that is realistically possible.

Armed to Farm is scheduled for June 17-22, 2013 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hands-on instruction will take place at several area farms.

The number of participants will be limited. Applications are due May 10. Selected participants will be notified no later than May 17.

The event will be free for participants and lodging and meals will be provided. Veterans selected to attend will be responsible for travel costs to and from the event.

To register, go online at http://www.ncat.org/workshops2013/atf/ .

Participants will learn about business planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, livestock production, fruit and vegetable production, and more. Participants will leave the training with a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) sustainable agriculture specialists will teach the training sessions. Additional contributors will include staff from the University of Arkansas, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and USDA Agricultural Research Service, plus experienced crop and livestock producers.

Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF & OIF) veterans and their spouses will receive first priority. National Guardsmen/women and Reservists are also encouraged to apply. Secondary focus will be on all other veterans. Spouses are encouraged to attend, not only if they are interested, but because running a farm will impact their lives even if they are not directly involved.

Armed to Farm is organized and hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology. Financial support comes from NCAT's ATTRA project; USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program; and USDA Risk Management Agency.

Please note:
• Attendees are responsible for their travel to and from the event. Please let us know if travel cost is an issue.
• Registration is limited and NCAT reserves the right to select those people it deems would benefit most by this event.

For more information, please contact Margo Hale at margoh@ncat.org or (479) 442-9824.

Since 1976, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been helping people by championing small-scale, local and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities and protect natural resources. In partnership with businesses, organizations, individuals and agricultural producers, NCAT is working to advance solutions that will ensure the next generation inherits a world that has clean air and water, energy production that is efficient and renewable, and healthy foods grown with sustainable practices. More information about its programs and services is available at www.ncat.org or by calling 1-800-ASK-NCAT.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.