Events oriented to veteran military but open to beginning farmer, rancher
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Erin Kimbrough, 979-847-6185, Erin.Kimbrough@ag.tamu.edu
Makenzie McLaurin, 979-862-1913, makenzie.mclaurin@ag.tamu.edu
CORPUS CHRISTI — The Texas AgrAbility program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a farm tour and workshop Feb. 16-17 in Corpus Christi and Robstown, respectively.
The activities are free and oriented toward veterans, but also open to beginning farmers and ranchers as well as individuals with disabilities, coordinators said.
To preregister for the farm tour and/or workshop, go to http://bit.ly/2rvaj6g.
The farm tour will be from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Terra Madre Mini Farm and Agricultural Devolution, 1307 Saratoga Blvd. in Corpus Christi. Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present an agricultural tour and workshop designed for military veterans and beginning farmers and ranchers on Feb. 17 and 18 in Corpus Christi and Robstown, respectively. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
“This farm tour and networking event highlights Terra Madre Farm and Agricultural Devolution,” said Erin Kimbrough, AgriLife Extension coordinator for family and community health, College Station. “The farms are local organic farms that produce organic seasonal produce and specialty crops. They sell to the Corpus Christi farmers markets and are a member of Grow Local South Texas.”
Kimbrough said attendees will learn about Terra Madre’s operation, how they grow their produce and their experience with farmers markets, as well as learn about the experience of being a military veteran and beginning farmer.
The “From Battleground to Breaking Ground” workshop will be presented from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Nueces County Building, 701 E. Main Ave. in Robstown
Breakfast and lunch are included courtesy of Capital Farm Credit.
Workshop sessions will address agricultural business startup, business planning basics, possibilities for farming/ranching with a disability, financial and marketing resources, funding opportunities, and programs for veterans and beginning farmers or ranchers.
“Texas AgrAbility focuses on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, their family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” Kimbrough said.
The program was developed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, USDA Risk Management and Texas Department of Agriculture.
Kimbrough said attendees are required to preregister for the tour and/or workshop.
For more information, contact Kimbrough at 979-847-6185, Erin.Kimbrough@ag.tamu.edu; or Makenzie McLaurin at 979-862-1913, makenzie.mclaurin@ag.tamu.edu.
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