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.