Farm Ops

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SFQ military hort potting

Exchanging the Challenges of Military Service for the Challenges of Learning about Horticulture

By Nina Saeli / April 3, 2024

Tyler Evans explored what it meant to be part of the U.S. Marine Corps, and he lived with a mindset to defeat the challenges that hinder progress. After completing his service, he explored and now works with nature to challenge himself and progress to build an agricultural business.   When Marine Corps veteran, Tyler Evans, left…

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Farm Ops: High Tunnel Construction Workshop for Veterans

By Nina Saeli / April 1, 2024

This event is perfect for veterans who want to learn about high tunnels and their benefits, such as season extension, plant protection from extreme weather, and disease and insect prevention. Farmer veteran James Turrell is inviting fellow veterans to his farm to teach them about high tunnel basics. Participants will work together to put plastic…

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Farm Ops: Building a Flower Farm Strategy Event for Veterans

By Nina Saeli / February 20, 2024

Susan Orellana-Clark founded Bristol Hills Lavender and Flower Farm in 2016. While grieving the loss of her veteran husband, Susan found comfort and hope in working with soil and growing flowers. As someone who takes pride in her work and always strives for excellence, Susan worked tirelessly to meet her customers’ expectations and her own…

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SFQ armed to farm cover

Agricultural Basic Training for Farmers

By Bailey Colvin / January 8, 2024

Armed to Farm returns to New York State to again assist veterans explore careers in agriculture. “I’m a veteran, and I want to be a farmer!” This statement comes in emails and voicemails to the Cornell Small Farms Program staff on a frequent basis. In different stages of transition out of military service, each veteran…

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Farm Ops Offering Scholarships for NYS Mid-Winter Maple Classic Conference

By Bailey Colvin / October 13, 2023

Farm Ops, the Cornell Small Farms Program’s veteran project, is offering 5 scholarships to attend the Maple Classic Conference. Participants will learn ways to optimize their current operation, understand the impacts of climate change on maple production, expand their value-added offerings, view the latest and greatest technologies in the trade show, and much more. The…

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Farm Ops Offering NYS Veteran Cohort for Tree Fruit Production Online Course

By Nina Saeli / August 18, 2023

Do you want to establish an orchard as part of your farm business? Or maybe you have an orchard that needs rehabilitation? Farm Ops, the Cornell Small Farms Program’s veteran project, assists veterans in building and sustaining their farm and agricultural businesses. Farm Ops is building the 2024 Tree Fruit Production Veteran Cohort. This cohort…

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Farm Ops Offering NYS Veteran Cohort for Starting at Square One Online Course

By Nina Saeli / August 18, 2023

Have you transitioned out of the military or are you getting ready to transition and still deciding what you want to do as a second career? Ever thought about working in an agricultural related job or starting a farm business? Farm Ops, the Cornell Small Farms Program’s veteran project, assists veterans in exploring agricultural and…

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veterans in armed to farm training stand outside high tunnel filled with plants

Armed to Farm Returns to NYS, Veterans Can Now Apply

By Kacey Deamer / August 18, 2023

We are excited to announce that Armed to Farm, the week-long training for military veterans interested in agriculture, is returning to New York State this fall. Veterans can apply now to join the intensive learning experience. Hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program’s Farm Ops project and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), the…

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NYS Farmer Veteran Training and Support Needs Assessment Survey

By Nina Saeli / June 27, 2023

Dear NYS Farmer Veterans, In an attempt to determine the training and support needs of farmer veterans in New York State regarding the Food Safety Moderation Act, Good Agricultural Practices Certification, and the writing/updating of Food Safety Plans, we have developed a short survey. If you are a farmer veteran producing fruits or vegetables, we ask…

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A bottle of essential oil for aromatherapy and a small tub of lotion next to a sprig of eucalyptus.

Veteran Well Being Workshop: Using Essential Oils to Make DIY Self-Care Products

By Sarah Bassman / June 26, 2023

When: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. What: This workshop is a hands-on wellness experience designed to teach veterans how to create their own customized collection of self-care products. Participants will learn how to make an essential oil roll-on for relaxation, an after-sun spray for soothing the skin, hand soap, bath salts,…

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