VetFarm Network Podcast

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network podcast, we’re joined by Cheree Tham, LCSW , co-founder and Chief of Programs and Initiatives at America’s Warrior Partnership, and Bronwyn Leitch , Outreach Specialist with Indy Warrior Partnership. America’s Warrior Partnership works with communities to support veterans, their families, and caregivers before crisis occurs. Indy Warrior Partnership...

Nick Dayton, Program Manager for Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, joins the American VetFarm Network podcast to talk about veteran farming, beginning farmer resources, marketing support, and small farm opportunities in West Virginia. Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture: https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/veterans-and-heroes-to-agriculture/ Wes...

This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast looks at veteran farming in Alabama through Operation Grow, an Alabama Cooperative Extension program developed in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Operation Grow supports military veterans and their families who are interested in agriculture for health, employment, and farm business opportunities. The program focuses...

This episode of the VetFarm Network podcast explores farm loans, agricultural financing, and resources available to veteran and beginning farmers through Farm Credit Mid-America . The conversation covers financing for land, equipment, livestock, fencing, buildings, operating expenses, and other farm infrastructure, along with when to contact a lender and what information farmers should prepare. Fe...

This week, we’re introducing VetFarm Network Live , a monthly Zoom gathering for military veterans and currently serving military members who are exploring farming. VetFarm Network Live is held on the second Thursday of each month and is designed more like office hours than a formal webinar. Participants are welcome to ask questions, join the conversation, or simply listen while doing chores, driv...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we sit down with Dave Carter of Flower Hill Institute to discuss the growing interest in meat processing, recent USDA investments supporting small meat and poultry processors, and the technical assistance available to producers across the country. Dave shares lessons from decades of experience in agriculture, including his work with the Nati...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we speal with Dana DiPrima, founder of the For Farmers Movement and host of the podcast "One Bite Is Everything". Dana shares how the For Farmers Movement supports farmers through community nominations, grants, and direct support for farm needs and projects. We discuss who can nominate a farmer, what kinds of farms may be a good fi...

Starting or growing a farm also means building a strong business. In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we speak with Laura Schafsnitz about how the U.S. Small Business Administration supports veterans who are starting or expanding agricultural businesses. Laura shares how veteran farmers and rural entrepreneurs can access SBA programs for business planning, training, financing, and lon...

On March 28, Veterans in Farming is hosting its State Meeting — and if you’re a veteran in agriculture in Indiana, this episode explains why you should be there. In this conversation, we sit down with Retired Colonel Joe Ricker, Executive Director of Veterans in Farming and founder of At Ease Orchard. Joe was recently featured on RFD-TV discussing the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Safety...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we’re joined by Emily Kring , an Agriculture and Natural Resources Regional Educator and Extension Veteran Farmers Coordinator with Purdue University . Emily shares how Extension supports veteran farmers and military families as they explore agriculture, farming, and land-based livelihoods. To find out more about Purdue Extension services: https://e...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we’re joined by Tom Shea , Resource Manager for the North Central Region with the National Grazing Lands Coalition . Tom brings hands-on experience working with cattle, sheep, and goats across diverse grazing systems, along with a deep understanding of how thoughtful pasture management supports both land health and farm viability. Our conversation f...

In this episode of the Veterans IN Farming podcast, we’re joined by John Klar , a Vermont farmer, author, and food freedom advocate, for a conversation about the challenges facing small farms and local food systems. John shares his perspective on food sovereignty, regulatory pressure, and the growing importance of protecting independent agriculture for farmers, rural communities, and local food ec...

🎙️ VetFarm Network Podcast | Guest: Lais McCartney In this episode, we’re joined by Lais McCartney , Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with Purdue Extension Hancock County and Indiana SARE State Coordinator . Lais shares insights on SARE grant opportunities available to farmers across the nation — supporting innovation, sustainability, and on-farm research. Whether you’re a beginning farm...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we sit down with Craig Stevenson —Air Force veteran, lifelong farmer, and Co-Owner of Geswein Farm & Land —to talk about his path from the military to agricultural real estate and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Craig shares his insights on: Growing up on a working farm in Indiana How military service shaped his leadership and business m...

Looking to grow your farm business while making a difference? In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , Kate talks with Brianna Goode, Farm to School Coordinator with the Indiana Department of Health. They break down how the Farm to School program works, what schools are looking for from local farms, and how beginning and veteran farmers can take advantage of this mission-aligned market opp...

Student innovations for safer farms and smarter emergency response tools, designed with disabled veteran farmers in mind. In this special episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we visit with a student team from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who spent their semester working with AgrAbility to design practical tools that improve farm safety and emergency preparedness for farmers. Together...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we sit down with Andrew Tuttle , co-founder of Edge Perma and Redtail Edge Design, to explore how virtual farm tours are transforming agricultural education. Andrew shares his journey from serving as a USMC Airframe Mechanic on Marine One to pioneering regenerative farming and immersive digital storytelling. 🔗 Learn more about Andrew's work: Edge P...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we sit down with Retired Colonel Joe Ricker , founder and Executive Director of At Ease Orchard . After a long career in the Army, Joe turned his focus to helping veterans find connection, healing, and new purpose through agriculture and rural community life. We talk about how At Ease Orchard got started, what makes their approach different, and why...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we sit down with Cory Mahan , Marine Corps veteran and current State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Indiana . Cory shares his journey from serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and at U.S. embassies, to coming home and working on his family’s farm in southern Indiana. We talk about how his military experience...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast , we talk with Eileen Legault , TN AgrAbility Area Specialist with UT Extension, about how veterans and farmers facing physical limitations can continue working the land with the right tools and support. From spinal injuries to arthritis and amputations, AgrAbility helps farmers overcome challenges through on-farm assessments , adaptive equipment , an...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network , we sit down with Charley , who served in the Army for 28 years . He shares how leadership experience from military service carries over into agriculture—and why veterans shouldn’t be afraid to do things differently. Whether it's starting small, pivoting your plans, or stepping into a mentorship role, Charley brings a grounded perspective on what it take...

In this episode of VetFarm Network , we’re joined by Shane Johnson , State Outreach Coordinator for USDA NRCS Indiana , to talk about how NRCS helps farmers — especially veterans — plan, fund, and implement conservation practices. Shane breaks down the basics of programs like EQIP and CSP, explains what a conservation plan really is, and shares how to connect with your local NRCS office for suppor...

Welcome to the VetFarm Network Podcast, brought to you by Veterans IN Farming and At Ease Orchard! In this fast-paced 15–20 minute episode, we sit down with Olivia (Wildlife Biologist at Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever ) and Aubree (Precision Ag Specialist at Pheasants Forever) to discuss their programs that support veteran farmers through conservation initiatives and modern technological so...

In this episode, we talk with Christina Magers , Farm Manager at At Ease Orchard and coordinator for Veterans IN Farming workshops. Christina shares how these Indiana-based nonprofits help military veterans gain hands-on farming skills, build community, and access resources for success in agriculture. Whether you're a veteran, a farmer, or just curious about the journey, this episode is packed...