Farm Ops Offering Veteran Learning Cohort Workshops

February 15, 2021/Kacey Deamer

The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop farmers from farming, nor did it halt the work of the Farm Ops project in supporting veterans interested in agriculture. In response to the challenges of the time, Farm Ops began offering virtual workshops in 2020 and continued these offerings through 2021.

The Farm Ops project’s “Veteran Learning Cohorts” brought together groups of veterans interested in agriculture to progress through educational workshops together. Military veterans who were enrolled or eligible for enrollment in a New York or New Jersey VA facility were invited to register, with proof of residency and veteran status required.

These workshops combined self-paced learning with cohort discussion sessions, which took place approximately every two weeks. Veterans who participated in the Berry Production workshop engaged in discussions on March 26, April 9, and April 23, 2021, while those learning about Season Extension with High Tunnels met on March 29, April 12, and April 26. Meanwhile, veterans interested in Maple Syrup Production explored the fundamentals of the craft through discussions held on March 31, April 14, and April 28. These structured sessions allowed participants to collaborate with their peers, gain insight from different perspectives, and build relationships with others who shared similar interests, goals, or experiences.

By adapting to virtual learning, Farm Ops ensured that veterans continued to have opportunities to develop their agricultural knowledge and connect with a supportive community, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

Kacey Deamer

Kacey is the Communications Manager for the Cornell Small Farms Program. In this role, she manages all storytelling and outreach across the program’s website, social media, e-newsletter, magazine and more. Kacey has worked in communications and journalism for more than a decade, with a primary focus on science and sustainability.
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