VETERANS IN AGRICULTURE

Rural America makes up 15% of the U.S. population and yet 45% of those who serve come from our rural communities. Farmer Veteran Coalition of Iowa; dba: Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) works with returning veterans and active military who are interested in transitioning to new careers in agriculture. VIA empowers veterans to thrive in agriculture by either connecting them to the resources needed to be successful in production agriculture or by linking veterans to agricultural employers for successful careers. This is done through one on one consulting, workshops, mentoring, and other classes.

VIA provides specific and individualized assistance to individuals. Many of the individuals who contact the organization do so more than once throughout the year as their needs evolve. While most of those who contact VIA are located in Iowa, many are contacts are located throughout the U.S. Our organization also receives inquires and works with military personnel that are still deployed as they prepare to transition for a life outside of the armed forces.

Another way that important information is provided is through the organizations newsletter, it continues to gain subscribers and is an important communication key. This and our primary Facebook keep individuals informed.

VIA’s Equipment Donation Program, helps put equipment no longer needed into the hands of beginning farmer veterans. A second Facebook page: Buy, Sell, or Trade for Veterans In Agriculture, is also managed by the organization. This second page helps veterans and active military connect with each other to exchange equipment, supplies, livestock, and other agricultural items.

Veterans In Agriculture’s labeling program helps to increase visibility to veteran produced items in the marketplace.

Two registered agricultural apprenticeships have been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. These will be first of there kind in the state of Iowa, as well as the nation. Only two other very specific registered agricultural apprenticeships currently exist in the country. It is important to note, that earned GI bill benefits can be used for registered apprenticeships. This is an important point to those that the organization serves. Our organization is excited to help train and educate the next generation of farmers through this registered apprenticeship program.

The work continues and our organization looks forward to continuing programs and strengthening collaborations as we continue to empower veterans to thrive in agriculture.