The collaboration between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Battleground to Breaking Ground (BGBG) program and the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) represents a significant advancement in supporting Veterans and beginning farmers.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), this partnership aims to provide comprehensive education, training, and mentorship to Veterans transitioning into agriculture.
Battleground to Breaking Ground Program Overview
Established in 2016, the BGBG program is a multifaceted agricultural business training initiative designed for Veterans, active-duty military members, their families, and other beginning farmers and ranchers.
The program offers a four-phase educational approach that includes online business planning courses, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities. Participants gain knowledge in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and various agricultural production techniques.
Expansion and Collaboration with Farmer Veteran Coalition
In an effort to enhance support for participants with limited agricultural experience, the BGBG program expanded its offerings through a partnership with the FVC. This collaboration focuses on developing a mentorship training program to increase the number of Veteran agriculture mentors in Texas.
The initiative provides financial support and education to mentors, enabling them to offer hands-on training and ongoing guidance to new farmers and ranchers. Additionally, working with a mentor can provide experience needed for new farmers to have financial access to USDA FSA loans.
Skill Bridge Program for Transitioning Service Members
A notable component of the expanded program is the Battleground to Breaking Ground Skill Bridge Program (BGBG-SB), designed specifically for transitioning military service members.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Defense’s Skill Bridge initiative, this program offers a 13-week certificate course that combines online education with practical agricultural experience. Participants engage in agriculture business planning, management, and production practices, preparing them for successful careers in farming and ranching.
Impact and Outcomes
Since its inception, the BGBG program has provided education to over 1,000 Veterans and beginning farmers. As a federal appointee to the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee, I know how important mentorship training is to our new farmers.
The collaboration with FVC has further strengthened the program’s mentorship component, ensuring that new farmers receive the guidance and support necessary for long-term success.
The partnership between Texas A&M AgriLife’s Battleground to Breaking Ground program and the Farmer Veteran Coalition exemplifies a successful model for supporting Veterans and beginning farmers.
Through comprehensive education, hands-on training, and robust mentorship, the program equips participants with the skills and resources needed to establish and sustain successful agricultural enterprises, thereby contributing to the vitality of the agricultural sector and the well-being of rural and Veteran communities.
