Veteran Farm Stories and Tours
Our Farm Ops project collaborates with established Veteran and Farming groups to create a network of organizations to support agriculture training and education opportunities for veterans who want to farm. Read and learn about veteran farm stories and their operations.
Blue Spade Farm – Brooktondale, NY
Logan Yarbrough started farming goats after medically retiring from the United States Army. Farming is his way of doing his part in the food system. His favorite aspects of farming include the regimented time, the animals, and the outdoors.
Learn more about Logan Yarbrough.
Centurion Farm – Locke, NY
After they retired from military service, Jeff and Nina Saeli moved to New York where Nina began to study how to grow vegetables and herbs while she was recovering from two spinal surgeries. Nina found gardening physically and mentally therapeutic and personally rewarding. Jeffrey always had a passion for farming and this venture allowed him to do that. Together they farm Centurion Farm where they value self-sustainability and natural ecosystems.
Learn more about Centurion farm.
Creekside Meadows Farm – New Woodstock, NY
Tricia Park is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She started farming with her husband and what began as a passion project flourished into a successful farm business with a variety of products. Tricia describes farming as food for the soul.
Learn more about Creekside Meadows Farm.
Elly’s Acres Farm – Jamesville, NY
John Lamondes is a farmer veteran who started Elly’s Acres after retiring from 27 years in the service. The farm focuses on organic lamb and fine wool and hopes to one day add maple production. John credits the military for his planning and sensing skills that make farming a success.
Learn more about Elly's Acres.
Kevin Miller – Hoosick Falls, NY
Kevin began working on a dairy farm after medically retiring from the military. Injuries led to a leg amputation which has made farming a fun challenge for him. The Farmer Veteran Coalition has provided a network of resources and help for him to be a successful farmer.
Learn more about Kevin Miller.
Lehning Farms – Honeoye Falls, NY
After retiring from the military, brothers Peter and John Lehning bought two beef cows and began Lehning Farms in Honeoye Falls, NY. With assistance from Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist Nancy Glazier, the Lehning brothers have grown their red Angus herd and have immersed themselves into a labor of love.
Learn more about Lehning Farms.
ZiegenVine Homestead – Savona, NY
Farmer veteran Allison Lavine's path led her from civilian life, to the military, to her current career as a farmer at ZiegenVine Homestead. The 103-acre property is home to bees, chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigs, goats, hay fields, vegetable gardens (for themselves and campers), goat yoga classes, and event space for gatherings.
Learn more about ZiegenVine Homestead.
