Workshop series for veterans focuses on poultry farming

Farm and Food
Contact(s)

Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate, [email protected], 402.367.8989; or Teresa Hoffman, senior communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100, ext. 1012

DOUGLAS, NEBRASKA – Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops highlighting a poultry producer specializing in egg production.

This course is free for active military service members and military veterans.

Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, the 11-session series, “A Year in the Life of a Poultry Producer,” runs Feb. 22 to Aug. 26. The workshops are presented in English and will rotate between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.

“In our classroom sessions, participants will hear from experts and learn business and financial skills and resources applicable to any type of agricultural operation,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate for the Center. “During the on-farm sessions, an experienced farmer will go through the ins and outs of poultry production, as they demonstrate knowledge of a particular enterprise on their farm.”

Session topics include obtaining proper equipment, maintaining adequate facilities, setting up grazing systems, working with a butcher, and more.

Farmer-leaders with experience in various types of agriculture (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/events.

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.

Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask or maintain social distance. Those who are not yet fully vaccinated are asked to either take a self-administered COVID-19 test (with a negative result) prior to leaving for the event or mask and maintain distance while at the event. If you are feeling ill in any way, please refrain from attending.