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NYS Farmer Veteran Training and Support Needs Assessment Survey
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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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Farm Ops hosts Stress & Pain Reduction with Aromatherapy and Self Massage Workshops
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Farm Ops recently hosted two workshops designed to support farmer veterans in managing stress and improving well-being through holistic self-care techniques. Led by licensed massage therapist Bec Groves-Haley, these sessions introduced participants to the benefits of aromatherapy and self-massage as accessible tools for maintaining physical and mental health. The first event was a virtual seminar…
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Farm Ops and Clear Path Collaborate on Self-Care for Veterans
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In a recent collaboration between Farm Ops and Clear Path for Veterans, a hands-on self-care workshop provided veterans with an opportunity to create personalized wellness products while learning about holistic self-care. Led by licensed massage therapist Bec Haley, the workshop invited participants to Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, N.Y., to craft their own collection…
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Veteran Workshops: Foraging for Color and Botanical Printing
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Farm Ops recently hosted two workshops in collaboration with fiber artist Sarah Gotowka, aimed at introducing farmer veterans to the possibilities of value-added enterprises through natural dyeing techniques. These events showcased how growing and processing dye plants could complement flower and herb farming businesses. The first workshop was a virtual event where Gotowka led an…
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Farm Ops Scholarship: Mushroom Farming 101
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Farm Ops provided four scholarships to farmer veterans to attend a hands-on mushroom cultivation event hosted by farmer veteran David DeLaMater and his wife, Mary, at their Dough Haven Farm. The event offered participants an opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices, mushroom cultivation, and the health benefits of incorporating mushrooms into a balanced diet.…
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Empty Pockets Ranch LLC – A Veteran Owned Family Farm
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After 10 years in the Army, three tours in Iraq, and the responsibility of leading Soldiers, veteran Josh David, realized an office job was not for him, and through his wife, Lori, he found his path into agriculture. Laying down the leadership mantle is never easy, but what can be even harder is allowing your…
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Farmer Veterans: Starting at Square One
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Military service generates multiple transitions points for veterans, and these experiences can support a veteran’s transition into agriculture. The life transition into the military begins the day individuals raise their right hand. On that day, a person becomes one of a small percentage of Americans, who enter military service. Not to sound dramatic but just…
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Farm Ops Scholarship: Learning About Livestock Guardian Dogs
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Two farmer veterans recently attended a hands-on workshop at Empty Pockets Ranch to explore the benefits and challenges of using livestock guardian dogs (LGD) on their farms. Led by veteran spouse Lori Davis, the session provided an in-depth look at whether an LGD is the right choice for protecting livestock, covering topics such as breed…
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Farmer Veteran Allison Lavine’s Pathway to Farming
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Farmer veteran, Allison Lavine, recounts the path that led her from civilian life, to the military, to her current career as a farmer at ZiegenVine Homestead. Since 2014, Allison Lavine and her husband have owned and operated ZiegenVine Homestead in Savona, NY. The name ‘ZiegenVine’ is derived from their last names. ‘Ziegen’ means goat in…
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Farm Ops’ Cohort Learning Sessions Bring Veterans Together to Talk Ag
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During the Small Farm Program’s online course season, Farm Ops, our military veteran project, provided veterans with free enrollment into select on-line courses and conducted veteran learning cohort sessions to supplement the course material. It is commonly known that military veterans are drawn towards opportunities to learn and train together, but in early 2020 when…
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