Workshop series for veterans focuses on agritourism

LYONS, NEBRASKA – Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops highlighting farm stores, onsite and off. This course is free for active military service members and military veterans.

Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, the 11-session series, “Agritourism through Farm Stores,” starts Feb. 19 and runs through August. The workshops will rotate between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.

“In our classroom sessions, participants will hear from experts, learn business and financial skills, and obtain resources applicable to farm stores, whether it be an actual storefront, online store, or a farm stand,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate for the Center. “During the on-farm sessions, experienced farmers will go through the ins and outs of on- and off-site farm stores, how they set up their on-farm buying experiences, and challenges they have faced.”

Session topics include obtaining proper equipment, maintaining adequate facilities, setting up purchasing systems, and more.

Farmer-leaders with experience in various types of agriculture and agritourism (such as poultry, pork, beef, beekeeping) will be available to assist participants throughout the course’s online platform.

For more information or to register, contact Bailey at 402.367.8989 or [email protected]. Participant stipends are available to cover approved expenses such as travel, meals, and child care. Individuals are welcome to attend with family members. For on-farm events, physical accommodations may be made upon request.

Find a detailed schedule, including dates and times of sessions, at cfra.org/AgVets2024.

Programming is funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NIFA USDA fund award #2020-77028-32890.