Through the Kentucky AgVets program, we are working with key organizations throughout Kentucky to provide educational opportunities, hands-on training and access to funding resources. Hands-on training experiences can take two different forms; check out this post to learn which program is right for you!
This month, we spoke with Juan Alejo about his internship with Fox Creek Cattle Company through the Boots to Agriculture Internship. KCARD assists with this internship as part of the Kentucky AgVets Program, which helps veterans and transitioning service members who are interested in agriculture access resources, internships, and educational opportunities.
In this blog post, Vanessa Glasson, a Kentucky AgVets intern took some time to answer questions about herself.
In this blog post, Sonia Farfan, a Kentucky AgVets intern took some time to answer questions about herself.
Through the Kentucky AgVets program, we are working with key organizations throughout Kentucky to provide educational opportunities, hands-on training and access to funding resources. Hands-on training experiences can take two different forms; check out this post to learn which program is right for you!
This month, we spoke with Juan Alejo about his internship with Fox Creek Cattle Company through the Boots to Agriculture Internship. KCARD assists with this internship as part of the Kentucky AgVets Program, which helps veterans and transitioning service members who are interested in agriculture access resources, internships, and educational opportunities.
On July 25th, we were honored to host the Inaugural Kentucky AgVets Event at Cedar Creek Beef Company in Shepherdsville, KY. Thank you to our meal sponsors Kentucky Proud, Central Kentucky Ag Credit, CoBank, Kentucky Farm Bureau, and Farm Credit Mid-America. Jeremy Harrell with Veteran's Club Inc. and Warren Beeler presented to the group. Kentucky AgVet partners Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office and Kentucky Horticulture Council helped to ensure the event was a success! We appreciate JW Borden and his family for hosting the event and sharing their farm with us!
Check out the registration link for our upcoming event, videos from the marketing webinar hosted by KDA and resources for flower farms in this month’s newsletter!
Chris Chamberlain started Bluegrass Blessings after his retirement from the Air Force. He was kind enough to spend a few minutes with us and share a little bit about his farm and why he is passionate about agriculture.
Can you tell us what branch of the military you were in and how long you served?
I served in the United States Air Force for 22 years.
Why did you decide to get involved in agriculture?
That’s a very complex and multifaceted discussion, but I’ll try to compress it as much as possible. There are many reasons why I got involved in agriculture such as needing a second career, enjoying being able to provide a valuable product to my community at a fair price, the constant learning and improving, etc. But the most compelling for me personally was the grounded and peaceful emotional state I experience when I am connected to nature. Immersing myself in nature, both with plants and animals, makes me appreciate the intricate and delicate balance that thrives within an ecosystem. I feel like the world makes more sense when I try to blend my existence with theirs to work as a team and the noise of the outside world just kind of fizzles out. So essentially, I use agriculture as a form of mental health and an emotionally grounding tool.
What are you most excited about as this program rolls out?
I am most excited about sharing my experience with another person and hopefully help them find their own path. My transition from the military to agriculture was such an improved mental and emotional shift for me that I hope to help someone else experience their own version.
I know it's not fair, as you asked “most excited” referring to a singular answer. However, I also feel it has to be said, I am excited to help form a new generation of farmers that are ready to listen and use holistic approaches to agriculture as a viable option.
Are there programs or resources you found really helpful as you got started farming?
Yes! I’ve listed out several below.
Boots to Business Courses hosted by Small Business Administration
Intro to Entrepreneurship
Revenue Readiness
University of Kentucky Extension & Kentucky Horticultural Council (KHC)
Grants
Mentorship
Farmer Veteran Coalition
Grant
Build confidence within yourself and your plan by meeting other veteran farmers who have succeeded with their ventures
KCARD
Business Plan Development
Financial Portfolio Assistance
Marketing Guidance
How can we stay up-to-date with your farm?
Facebook is the easiest way to stay up to date, but Instagram and LinkedIn are there too. My handle for all social platforms is: @bbfarmky. I have also started a blog you can check out HERE.
Check out the registration link for our upcoming event as well as our upcoming marketing webinar hosted by KDA.
Dr. Cindy Finneseth with the Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) answered a few questions about her role and the best ways to stay up to date with the Council.
What is your role within KHC and how long have you been with the organization?
I have been the Executive Director of KHC since Spring 2018.
What are you most excited about as this program rolls out?
There is so much interest in specialty crops right now! We are seeing lots of opportunities for entrepreneurs who are interested in this segment of agriculture. More and more Kentuckians are getting serious about supporting local businesses and established producers simply cannot meet the demand. Horticulture is so diverse: crops like fruits, nuts, vegetables, cut flowers, bedding plants, and much, much more; marketing channels like farmers markets, CSAs, on farm markets, wholesale, and others; and production technologies using field, high tunnel, and greenhouse systems. And those are just a few examples from a production standpoint. There are many more opportunities within the service or green industry sector.
What role will KHC play within the grant program?
Initially, we thought potential growers would be most interested in small-scale vegetable production, primarily because of the high demand for locally grown fruit and veg as well as low barriers to entry for many marketing channels like farmers markets. As we’ve talked to more veterans with a range of interests, we want to be sure we are supporting their enterprise selection and establish a strong foundation for success. So, we focus on helping participants narrow down options, think about markets, and explore a good fit for their unique situation. We will connect them with other organizations and agencies so they are prepared to take advantage of all the resources available to them.
Are there other programs KHC has that veterans can participate in?
In addition to the many educational programs we host throughout the year, we have a few programs I think are of particular interest to veterans. One is our Ag Water Testing Program, which helps growers ensure compliance with food safety regulations. We provide on-site sampling of ground and surface water sources for production and post-harvest use along with transportation to the laboratory for testing and interpretation of results after analysis. Another is our Small Fruits Initiative, which helps beginning and established growers with production and marketing of small fruit crops like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. And, the last program I would like to highlight is our GAP audit support. For growers interested in wholesale markets, we provide assistance in preparing for third party audits, ensuring farms have a food safety plan and SOPs, for example, and also cost-sharing on the cost of the audit to reduce the financial burden especially for growers who are new to these markets.
How can we stay up-to-date with new initiatives and programs from KHC?
Information about our programs is posted to our website www.kyhortcouncil.org as well as links to the member organizations that comprise the Council. We also have an active presence on several social media platforms: Facebook (@KYHortCouncil); Instagram (@KYHorticulture); and Twitter (@KYHorticulture) and lots of resources on our YouTube channel.
Check out our May Newsletter for more information!
https://mailchi.mp/kcard/kentucky-agvets-newsletter-may-2021
Shane Fields operates Sweet Bee Gardens located in Greenup, Kentucky and has served on the Kentucky AgVets Steering Committee since 2020. This month, we are highlighting his operation and learning a little more about why Shane got involved in agriculture after serving in the Navy.
What branch of the military were you in?
My father Jim retired out of the Air Force Reserves after first serving Active Duty during the Vietnam War. I served 4 years in the Navy onboard the USS Carl Vinson participating in Operation Desert Fox and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Why did you decide to get involved in agriculture?
Our family history with agriculture goes back many generations. Growing up in Appalachia, farming was always part of everyday life. After serving in the military and coming back home I realized the potential to not only help my parents make our farm a working farm, but a chance to fill a niche of local grown produce and products. I also saw the need to grow community and help others make more informed decisions by allowing them to have more options of shopping local and learning ways they can become more self-reliant. It also allows me the option to be my own boss and set my own life standards as well as flexibility to work with and around my disabilities.
What are you most excited about as this program rolls out?
I am excited for the opportunity to help others find ways that they can do more for themselves and their own communities. I feel all aspects of agriculture are ways in which we can all become healthier through diet and exercise and mentally and emotionally work through, and heal from, PTSD, depression or just working through the process of transitioning from military life to civilian life. Developing Pride and Purpose.
Are there programs or resources you found really helpful as you got started farming?
First and foremost, local extension services and farmers markets were my first step toward growing the farm. Through those networking options and training resources, I was led to NCRS grant opportunities, Soil and Water Conservation grant opportunities, Kentucky Proud and all its programs, UK and KSU resources and activities, Grow Appalachia, CFA, KCARD, Breaking Beans Radio programs, Veterans Healing Farm, different conferences around the state(s) and now Ky AgVets! Networking with others that I meet during participation in these has been monumental, if nothing else then to have others to talk with and get encouragement from.
How can we stay up-to-date with your farm?
Check out the farm Facebook page Sweet Bee Gardens Greenup Ky, or the Greenup County Farmers Market Facebook page. You can also find me here on the farm at 606-836-2353. On Fridays at 7:30pm, I will be going live on Facebook for Farmer Shane Fridays.
Learn more about the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, USDA programs, and Upcoming Events!
Kelley Yates with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office (KSGDO) took some time to answer a few questions about upcoming programs and how to learn more about small ruminant production.
What is your role within KSGDO and how long have you been with the organization?
I serve as the Executive Director and have been in the position since 2012.
What are you most excited about as this program rolls out?
I am excited to get more people into the sheep and goat business! Small ruminants are the most versatile livestock we can raise in Kentucky. Sheep and goats take a much smaller amount of inputs and convert grass into meat, milk, and fiber more easily that any other specie. And with our strong and steady markets, there is no reason to not jump in!
What role will KSGDO play within the grant program?
KSGDO is offering connections with mentors from across the state who are vastly knowledgeable not only about small ruminant production, but also on how to develop a network of support and locate funds to help people get started.
Are there other programs KSGDO has that veterans can participate in?
Veterans can take part in all aspects of our office. We highly encourage all current and future producers to become a member of either/both the Kentucky Goat Producers Association and the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association. This will get you immediately started on creating your own network of support, as well as give you benefits like the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Management Calendar, HoofPrint Magazine, and get you on our email list where we share news about education and funding opportunities. We also have a vast amount of resources on our website- www.kysheepandgoat.org. You can check out the associations there too!
How can we stay up-to-date with new initiatives and programs from KSGDO?
The best way is to get a membership to either of our associations as our members are the first to hear about anything coming down the pike. You can also visit our website at www.kysheepandgoat.org and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KySheepAndGoatOffice.
Check out upcoming events, steering committee spotlight, and funding updates!
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
