Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mimi Thomas-Brooker
Phone: 724-691-1087
pavetsfarm@gmail.com

Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Conference set for Friday, February 28 in Boalsburg January 1, Forbes Road—Members of the Veteran and Military agriculture community are invited to attend the first-ever PA Veteran Farming Conference on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA.

Registration is now open, and Conference information is available at www.troopstotractors.org/events-1

Early bird registration for eligible attendees is $15 through January, and $20 beginning February 1st. Seating is limited at the Museum so early registration is encouraged.

The day-long conference, funded by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagements 2501 Grant Program, will feature presentations on accessing technical and financial assistance from USDA agencies including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, and Rural Development. Staff from county and state level USDA offices will be on hand to offer one-on-one consultation during the Conference.

Attendees will also hear from experts on issues of importance to agricultural owner/operators: •

  • Will Hooten of Penn State’s Small Business Development Center and Jonathan Bennett of the Small Business Adminitration’s Veterans Office Business on building a viable business plan
  • Matt Ludwig, Nationwide Insurance on Risk Management in Agritourism.
  • Andrew Trexler of Bedford County Business Development Council will team with Air Force veteran Rhonda Smith will present a Marketing case study tracing the growth of Blue Knob’s custom blended tea company The Skirted Soldier.
  • Attorney Rod Beard, Tim Wallace of Milk & Honey Farm, and Alyson Earl of Horn Farm Center will lead a discussion on Practical Considerations for Non-profit Farms
  • Interest group discussions of best practices for meat production, honey, or best CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), for example, will round out the agenda.

The Conference will also include ample opportunity for veterans, military, and their spouses to meet others from throughout the Commonwealth, share lessons learned, and make mutually beneficial connections. Scheduled speakers will offer presentations appropriate both for those new to agriculture, and those with experience.

The registration fee includes workshop materials, light breakfast, and lunch. The Conference is presented by the PA Veteran Farming Project with support from The Pennsylvania Military Museum, USDA, and Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation.

For questions about the Conference, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Project Director at pavetsfarm@gmail.com.