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Newsletter October 2024

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Oklahoma Local Ag Collaborative (OLAC) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, OSU Extension, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an education program dedicated to supporting veteran farmers and ranchers. This initiative is aimed at providing veterans with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to succeed in agriculture and contribute to Oklahoma’s vibrant farming community.

The Veteran Farmer/Rancher Education Program will offer comprehensive training on various aspects of agriculture, including sustainable farming practices, livestock management, crop production, and business planning. The program will also emphasize the importance of mental health and wellness, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of farming and ranching for veterans.

Key Components of the Program:1. Educational Workshops and Seminars: In collaboration with OLAC and OSU Extension, the program will host regional workshops and seminars led by experienced agricultural professionals. These sessions will cover essential topics such as soil health, irrigation techniques, pest management, and marketing strategies.2. Hands-On Training: Veterans will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training at demonstration farms. These practical experiences will allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining confidence and skills necessary for successful farming and ranching.3. Mentorship and Support: The program will connect veteran participants with experienced farmers and ranchers who will serve as mentors. This mentorship will provide valuable guidance, advice, and support, helping veterans navigate the challenges of starting and maintaining agricultural businesses.4. Access to Resources: Through partnerships with the USDA, participants will have access to essential resources, including grants, loans, and technical assistance. This support will help veterans overcome financial barriers and invest in their agricultural enterprises.5. Integration with Farmers Markets: To enhance market access, the program will facilitate connections between veteran farmers and local farmers markets across Oklahoma. This collaboration will provide veterans with opportunities to sell their produce directly to consumers, fostering economic growth and community engagement. 

Quotes:

"The ODVA is committed to empowering our veterans and helping them transition successfully into civilian life. Agriculture offers a unique path for veterans to find purpose and fulfillment while contributing to Oklahoma’s agricultural heritage," said Jay Bynum, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

"We are excited to collaborate with OLAC, OSU Extension, and the USDA to provide veterans with the education and resources they need to thrive in farming and ranching. This program is a testament to our dedication to supporting those who have served our country," added Daron Hoggatt, Business Management Program Administrator. 

About the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs:

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is dedicated to serving Oklahoma’s veterans and their families. Our mission is to provide the highest quality services and support, ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and recognition they deserve. Through various programs and initiatives, ODVA aims to enhance the quality of life for veterans across the state.

About OLAC:

The Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Hudson College of Public Health is focused on strengthening and growing the capacity of Oklahoma’s local agriculture. OLAC serves to unite partner agencies with agriculture entrepreneurs to recognize and represent the needs of local agribusiness. OLAC promotes the good stewardship of land, connecting veteran producers with resources to support their land management.
About OSU Extension:OSU Extension is a division of Oklahoma State University dedicated to improving the quality of life for Oklahomans through education, research, and outreach. OSU Extension provides valuable resources and support to the state’s agricultural community.

About USDA:The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting American agriculture through policy, research, and funding. The USDA provides resources and assistance to farmers and ranchers across the country, promoting sustainable and prosperous agricultural practices.

Oklahoma is a land rich in agricultural tradition, and for many veterans, farming and ranching offer a meaningful path after military service. Recognizing the potential for veterans to thrive in the agricultural sector, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) and its OKVetWorks program are rolling out targeted initiatives aimed at providing vital support to veteran-owned farms and ranches. These initiatives are designed to help veterans succeed in agriculture by offering access to resources, financial support, training, and networking opportunities—all tailored to the unique needs of veterans in the agricultural community.

Farming and ranching are not only economically important but also deeply rooted in the fabric of Oklahoma's identity. Veterans who pursue this path often find that the skills they developed during their military service—discipline, problem-solving, teamwork, and a strong work ethic—are invaluable assets in managing the day-to-day challenges of operating a farm or ranch. However, even with these strengths, many veteran farmers face significant barriers when it comes to establishing or expanding their agricultural operations. That’s where ODVA and OKVetWorks step in, offering comprehensive support programs designed to address these challenges and help veterans flourish in Oklahoma’s agricultural industry.

Financial Assistance and Grants: Opening Doors to Growth

One of the most significant challenges faced by veteran farmers and ranchers is securing the necessary capital to launch or expand their operations. The cost of land, equipment, livestock, and infrastructure can be overwhelming. Through OKVetWorks, veterans are connected to a variety of financial assistance programs that include both state and federal grants, low-interest loans, and specialized agricultural funding tailored to veterans. Programs such as the USDA's Veterans and Beginning Farmers Loan Program and the Veteran Farmer Rancher Program provide opportunities for veterans to access critical funding for everything from purchasing new equipment to transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Additionally, veterans in Oklahoma may qualify for state-level grants and financial incentives aimed at boosting local agriculture. By working with ODVA and OKVetWorks, veterans can receive guidance on applying for these programs, ensuring they meet eligibility criteria and understand the steps required to secure funding. This financial assistance can make all the difference in turning a passion for agriculture into a viable and thriving business.

Comprehensive Business Planning and Development Support

Starting or expanding a farm or ranch can be a complex endeavor that requires not just hands-on agricultural knowledge but also strong business acumen. OKVetWorks is stepping in to provide expert business consulting tailored specifically to veteran-owned farms and ranches. These services include helping veterans develop detailed business plans, identify market opportunities, and navigate the often complex regulations and compliance requirements that come with operating an agricultural enterprise.

Through partnerships with agricultural experts and business development professionals, OKVetWorks offers customized support to help veterans structure their operations for long-term success. This includes strategic planning, financial forecasting, and market analysis, ensuring that veteran-owned farms and ranches are not just surviving but thriving in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape.

Training and Education: Preparing Veterans for Agricultural Success

Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of agriculture, OKVetWorks offers a range of training programs and workshops specifically designed for veterans entering or already engaged in farming and ranching. These educational resources cover everything from the latest in sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies to livestock management and crop diversification. For example, workshops might focus on water conservation techniques, regenerative agriculture, soil health, or rotational grazing practices to maximize efficiency and sustainability on veteran-owned farms.

In addition to in-person workshops, OKVetWorks provides virtual training sessions, allowing veterans from across the state to access critical information without needing to leave their farms or ranches. This flexibility ensures that all veteran farmers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the most up-to-date knowledge and practices in the agricultural industry.

ODVA and OKVetWorks: Fueling the Growth of Veteran-Owned Farms and Ranches

Networking and Mentorship: Building a Strong Community of Veteran Farmers

One of the greatest strengths of the OKVetWorks program is its focus on building a supportive community for veteran farmers and ranchers. Transitioning from military service to agriculture can be a daunting task, but having a network of fellow veterans to turn to for advice, support, and camaraderie can make all the difference. Through OKVetWorks, veterans have the opportunity to participate in networking events, farm tours, and veteran-to-veteran mentorship programs.

These events are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among veteran farmers, creating a community where veterans can learn from each other's experiences and build lasting relationships. The mentorship program pairs new or aspiring veteran farmers with more experienced agricultural professionals, providing valuable one-on-one guidance and insight into the day-to-day realities of running a successful farm or ranch. This peer-to-peer support system helps to reduce the isolation that many farmers face and strengthens the overall network of veteran-owned agricultural businesses across Oklahoma.

Certification and Market Access: Promoting Veteran-Owned Agricultural Products

One of the key benefits of being a veteran-owned farm or ranch is the opportunity to market products under the veteran-owned business designation. This certification can open doors to new markets and increase consumer trust and loyalty. OKVetWorks and ODVA assist veteran farmers in navigating the certification process, ensuring that their farms are officially recognized as veteran-owned enterprises.

Once certified, veteran farmers can tap into programs designed to promote veteran-produced agricultural goods. OKVetWorks is working with local farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and agricultural associations to create opportunities for veteran-owned farms and ranches to showcase their products. This not only boosts sales but also raises public awareness of the valuable contributions that veterans are making to Oklahoma’s agricultural landscape.

Mental Health and Wellness: Supporting Veterans in Agriculture

Farming and ranching are not just physically demanding but can also take a toll on mental health. The isolation, financial stress, and unpredictability of the agricultural industry can be overwhelming, and many veteran farmers face unique mental health challenges as they transition to civilian life. ODVA and OKVetWorks are committed to ensuring that mental health and wellness remain a priority for veteran farmers and ranchers.

Through partnerships with mental health professionals and wellness programs, OKVetWorks provides access to resources that help veterans manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. These services are designed to be integrated into the daily lives of farmers and ranchers, offering support in a way that fits within their busy schedules. Whether through counseling, support groups, or wellness workshops, veterans will have access to the tools they need to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while running successful agricultural operations.

A Bright Future for Veteran-Owned Agriculture in Oklahoma

By focusing on the specific needs of veteran farmers and ranchers, ODVA and OKVetWorks are creating a brighter future for agriculture in Oklahoma. These programs recognize the immense potential that veterans bring to the agricultural industry and are committed to providing the resources, support, and community needed to help them succeed. Whether it’s through financial assistance, business development, training, or mental health support, the partnership between ODVA and OKVetWorks ensures that veterans have every opportunity to turn their farms and ranches into thriving, sustainable businesses.

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