By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Erin Pilosi-Kimbrough, 979-847-6185, empilosi@ag.tamu.edu
ELMENDORF — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will present an agriculture workshop designed for active duty and veteran military service members on June 4 in Elmendorf.
The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sandy Oaks Olive Nursery, 25195 Mathis Road. Registration will be from 8-8:30 a.m.
The workshop, called “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” provides current and former military personnel with or without disabilities the opportunity to learn about starting, developing and funding an agriculture-based business, said Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, AgriLife Extension specialist in disability transition with the Texas AgrAbility Project, College Station.
“While the program is designed for current and former military, it is open to others,” Grenwelge said. “New farmers and ranchers, women and small-landholder farmers and ranchers can also benefit from attending the workshop.”
Presentations will address how to develop an agriculture business plan, starting an agriculture business, possibilities and options for farming or ranching with a disability, and what resources are available for funding an agricultural enterprise. They will include a presentation by a veteran, who is now an area farmer or rancher, and will share personal experiences about starting and managing an agricultural enterprise.
“The Texas AgrAbility portion of this program focuses on assisting those with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” said Erin Pilosi-Kimbrough, AgriLife Extension program coordinator, agricultural workshops for military veterans, College Station.
The Battleground to Breaking Ground program was developed with input from AgriLife Extension, Texas AgrAbility, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, USDA Risk Management and Texas Department of Agriculture.
To ensure adequate space, attendees should RSVP by registering online in advance at http://txagrability.tamu.edu/workshops/ .
For more information, contact Pilosi-Kimbrough at 979-847-6185 or empilosi@ag.tamu.edu.
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