2017 NY Veterans in Agriculture Conference
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Farmer veterans from across New York gathered in Syracuse on Nov. 29 for the 2017 New York State Veterans in Agriculture Conference, an event focused on networking, technical training, and celebrating veterans in the agricultural sector.
Hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program and the New York Farmer Veteran Coalition, Inc., the conference took place at the Arts & Home Center at the New York State Fairgrounds, followed by a networking reception. The event brought together veterans, service providers, and agricultural organizations to foster connections and provide professional development opportunities.
Attendees participated in training sessions covering livestock health, business development, and high tunnel farming. Service providers engaged in discussions on best practices for supporting veteran farmers, including a round-table session for veteran service organizations.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball and State Senator Patty Ritchie delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a career path for veterans. The New York Farmer Veteran Coalition, Inc. also made a special announcement, highlighting new initiatives aimed at supporting farmer veterans in the state.
The event, co-sponsored by Farm Credit East, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, the New York Farm Bureau, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, provided a platform for veterans to connect with resources and explore opportunities in agriculture.
For many participants, the conference reinforced the role of farming as a means of healing, grounding, and building community, underscoring the growing impact of veteran farmers in New York.
