Farmer veteran workshop set for Beck Ag Center

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Military veterans, active duty members and their families can learn more about how to start or operate a farm during a daylong program sponsored by Purdue University's Indiana Beginning Farmer program.

The Beginning Farmer Veteran Workshop is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30 at the Beck Agricultural Center, 4540 U.S. 52 W, West Lafayette.

Sessions will cover both the business and production sides of agriculture. Topics will include small fruit and vegetable production, livestock management, business planning, equipment for small farms, beekeeping, forestry, marketing and regulatory requirements for meat and food sales.

There will also be information on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, as well as an opportunity for participants to network with Purdue Extension educators from throughout the state.

"We have had a tremendous response to our farmer veteran tours and we are pleased to be able to offer this workshop to explore these topics in greater depth," said Cindy Chastain, farmer veteran coordinator for the National AgrAbility Project based at Purdue and one of the workshop organizers. "It is a terrific opportunity to meet other veterans who have an interest in farming."

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Lunch and refreshments will be served. To register, go to https://edustore.purdue.edu/wk_rules.asp?itemID=22553. Space is limited.

For more information about the workshop or other farmer veteran programs, contact Chastain, 765-496-2377, chastai1@purdue.edu.

For more information about the Indiana Beginning Farmer program, contact Kevin Gibson, 765-496-2161, kgibson@purdue.edu.           

Writer: Darrin Pack, 765-494-8415, dpack@purdue.edu

Source: Cindy Chastain, 765-496-2377, chastai1@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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