BattleGround to Breaking Ground Vet Ag Program

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Business, Farming Resources, Training Programs, Veterans // 0 Comments

BattleGround to Breaking Ground: Supporting veterans as they transition to agriculture

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a large percentage of veterans return to civilian life and opt to live in rural environments. As former military members transition to life as private citizens in these areas, farming and agriculture is an attractive career path for them to pursue.

However, this life change is not always easy. The process of opening and operating a farm is stressful and taxing on a person’s physical and mental health. For example, did you know the suicide rate for farmers is more than double that of veterans? That’s why Texas A&M has partnered their Texas AgrAbility branch with Three Wire Systems’ MyAdvisor program to launch the BattleGround to Breaking Ground initiative.

BattleGround to Breaking Ground was developed to enhance the sustainability of veteran-owned farms and ranches. The three-phase educational curriculum available to veterans, active duty military and their families arms those new to agriculture with the knowledge and support they need to succeed.

As a result of the partnership between Texas AgrAbility and Three Wire Systems’ MyAdvisor program, new farmers are able to receive holistic coaching services. As a result, former military service members in rural areas are receiving independent entrepreneurial know-how, and getting access to tools and learning skills they can utilize the rest of their lives.

The initiative provides mentoring and technical guidance through face-to-face presentations and training, online courses and webinar and transitional support services as former service members adapt to civilian life. Through these services, courtesy of MyAdvisor, veterans are given access to proactive and ongoing coaching support across behavioral health, wellness and other areas, providing them with tools to succeed. American farmers and ranchers are facing a serious mental health crisis – among other issues – so the opportunities and help presented by BattleGround to Breaking Ground can be a lifeline to many.

Those who’ve enrolled in the BattleGround to Breaking Ground program have raved about its benefits, finding success in various forms of agriculture and farming. Applications for the program open seasonally – subscribe to Texas AgrAbility’s newsletter to stay current on enrollment updates.