VetFarm Network Podcast

U.S. Navy veteran and retired NYPD detective Mike Miezianka joins the American VetFarm Network Podcast to talk about his path into aquaculture and building Toasted Oysters on Long Island’s Great South Bay. We talk about raising Blue Point oysters, learning the business, finding customers, and turning an interest in aquaculture into a commercial farm. Mike also shares his work helping strengthen th...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast , we’re joined by JJ Garcia , a U.S. Army veteran, farmer, and host of Regiment of the Cross . JJ and his family raise Navajo-Churro sheep and rabbits in New Mexico . We talk about how their farm developed, why they chose the livestock they raise, and what farming looks like as a family operation. The conversation also covers JJ’s Catholic fa...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast , we’re joined by Tim Hubbard , an Army veteran and PGA HOPE Ambassador in Indiana. Tim shares how he got involved with PGA HOPE, why the program matters to him, and how it gives veterans a chance to learn golf, spend time with other veterans, and build new connections. One thing Tim makes clear is that you do not need golf experience to part...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, Kate Mudge, Co-Director of the Care Farming Network, explains what care farming is, how it works, and the different ways farms are being used to support health, recovery, vocational training, and meaningful activity. We also talk about how veterans may connect with care farming, both as participants and, for some veteran farmers, through pro...

What does it actually take to get started in ranching if you didn’t grow up doing it? In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we talk about the New Agrarian Program, a paid eight-month apprenticeship that gives people hands-on experience on working ranches in the West. We cover who the program is for, how much experience someone needs before applying, what apprentices are learning on the r...

Retired Army Colonel Dennis C. Stitt Jr. joins the VetFarm Network Podcast to talk about Soldiers of the Soil , a new hands-on opportunity for veterans interested in ranching and working lands. Dennis now operates Soldier Mountain Highlands in Idaho, where he raises Scottish Highland cattle and is building programming around horsemanship, stockmanship, livestock, stewardship, and real-world learni...

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re sharing a recording from August's VetFarm Network Live Office Hours conversation with Mike McElroy. Mike brings years of experience with livestock, grazing, electric fencing, and farm infrastructure. During this informal conversation, we talk about permanent and temporary fencing, high-tensile electric, energizers and grounding, pasture lay...

Farm marketing is not something farmers figure out once and leave alone. Each year, farms need to look at how customers are finding them, whether their information is current, and what needs to be updated. Learn how FarmScout helps customers find local farms, farm products, and farm events before they visit. For farmers, the app offers a free way to create or claim a public listing, update availab...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast , with Thane Benson of Benlauck Farm in New York . Thane is a retired Chief Petty Officer who served 24 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees, including four overseas deployments. He is also the owner-operator of a small, highly diversified farm where he grows fruit, produce, malting barley, dry beans, corn, and grains. This conversation cov...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast , we’re joined by Leanne Babcock, Executive Director of Dauntless Veteran Foundation , for a conversation about veteran agriculture, service, and what it means to help veterans translate their talents from the field to the farm. Leanne shares more about the mission behind Dauntless, why agriculture can create purpose and connection after mili...

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network podcast, we’re joined by Steve and Ethel Baker of IrishMudd Farm , a veteran-owned family farm. IrishMudd Farm raises a mix of livestock and heritage breeds, including KuneKune pigs, yak, Valais sheep, poultry, and other farm animals. In this conversation, Steve and Ethel share how their farm got started, the challenges of building a farm from the gr...

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...