May 30, 2017

Cornell brings Armed to Farm program back to New York state

The Cornell Small Farms Program in partnership with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) are bringing the week-long Armed to Farm (ATF) training back to New York State.

According to a news release, ATF gives veterans an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and examine farming as a viable career.

ATF combines engaging classroom sessions with farm tours and hands-on activities. Participants learn about business planning, budgeting, record keeping, marketing, livestock production, vegetable production, and more. Participants gain a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise. In addition, ATF attendees join a nationwide network of supportive farmer-veterans and agricultural advisors.

Instructors include NCAT sustainable agriculture specialists, staff from the Cornell Small Farms Program, Cooperative Extension, and USDA agencies, plus experienced crop and livestock producers.

Veterans can complete an application by June 23, 2017. The program is available to military veterans in New York State who are interested in starting a farm or who have recently begun farming (less than 10 years). Spouses and farming partners are also invited to apply. Please share this announcement with others who might be interested. Selected participants will be notified by June 29. 

Armed to Farm is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 4, at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, NY. The training will be divided between classroom sessions and travel to local farms for tours and hands-on activities.

The event is free for those chosen to attend; lodging, transportation to local farms, and most meals will be provided. Participants must pay their own travel costs to and from the event.

NCAT and the Cornell Small Farms Program will organize and host the Armed to Farm event in New York. Financial support comes from NCAT’s ATTRA program and the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

More information about Armed to Farm and other NCAT farmer veteran resources can be found on the Armed to Farm website. Please contact Margo Hale, [email protected], (479) 442-9824 with additional questions.