CCE Helps Farmer Veterans Grow Their Dream

Peter and John Lehning grew up farming as young boys, but it wasn’t until after retiring from the military that they decided to return to their agricultural roots. With guidance from Nancy Glazier, a Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Specialist and member of the NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team, the brothers embarked on a new farming venture.

Starting small with just two beef cows, Peter and John gradually expanded their herd, developing Lehning Farms in Honeoye Falls, NY. Today, their farm is home to a thriving Red Angus operation.

In a video tour of their farm, the Lehnings credit Cornell Cooperative Extension for providing the knowledge and support they needed to succeed. Through CCE’s educational programs and resources, they’ve gained the skills to properly manage their herd and grow their farm. They emphasize that while they may not be young farmers, they are new farmers—and CCE has played a vital role in their journey, offering expertise and connections they wouldn’t have found on their own.