For many military veterans, agriculture represents more than a career change. It offers an opportunity to continue serving our country in a different way by producing food, caring for the land, strengthening rural communities, and building a business that can be passed down to future generations.
But the transition from military service to agriculture comes with challenges. Farmland is expensive, equipment requires significant investment, and operating costs often arrive months before a producer receives their first paycheck. Add unpredictable weather, changing markets, and rising input costs, and it becomes clear why starting a farm or ranch requires careful planning.
One thing I have learned through my work with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is that many veterans do not fully understand the benefits and financial resources available to them. Some were earned through military service. Others are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and state agricultural programs.
These resources can make a meaningful difference, but only when veterans understand how they work, whether they qualify, and how to incorporate them into a realistic agricultural business plan.
Your VA Benefits May Help You Start an Agricultural Business
One of the most overlooked opportunities is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment program, commonly called VR&E or Chapter 31.
For eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities that create employment barriers, VR&E offers a Self-Employment track designed to help participants pursue viable business ownership.
This assistance can include evaluating a business concept, developing a business plan, receiving entrepreneurial training, and identifying the resources needed to establish an approved business. Depending on the individual’s rehabilitation plan and authorization, certain necessary business supplies or equipment may also be supported.
Consider a veteran with a service-connected disability who wants to establish a greenhouse, specialty crop operation, or small livestock enterprise. VR&E may help determine whether that business is a suitable vocational goal and what assistance is necessary to pursue it.
However, VR&E is not an unrestricted agricultural startup grant. Veterans must work with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and proposed expenses require approval.
Education benefits provide another pathway. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can help eligible veterans attend approved agricultural colleges, technical programs, certificate courses, and apprenticeships. Depending on eligibility and enrollment, benefits may include tuition assistance, housing allowances, and funding for books and supplies.
Veterans should also compare GI Bill and VR&E education benefits before enrolling. Both may be available to an eligible individual, but the rules governing their use differ.
Protecting Household Finances While Building the Farm
Starting an agricultural business is not simply about financing land and equipment. Veterans must also consider how they will support their households while the operation becomes profitable.
For qualifying veterans, VA disability compensation can provide generally tax-free monthly income. This income may help cover household expenses without requiring the farmer to withdraw money from the business during its early years.
VA health care can also offer significant financial advantages. Eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care generally do not pay monthly premiums, enrollment fees, or deductibles, although copayments may apply depending on eligibility and services received.
For self-employed farmers who do not have employer-sponsored health insurance, this can be especially valuable. However, VA health care does not automatically cover spouses or dependents. Veterans should carefully evaluate their family’s coverage needs and determine whether other insurance is necessary.
It is equally important to understand that certain disability-related benefits, including benefits based on individual unemployability, may be affected by employment or self-employment circumstances.
A VA Home Loan May Open the Door to Rural Property Ownership
Many veterans are unaware that a VA-backed home loan may be used to purchase qualifying rural property that includes agricultural acreage.
The property must include a residence the veteran intends to occupy as a primary home, and the loan must be for residential purposes rather than financing the purchase of an operating agricultural business. VA does not impose a blanket acreage limit, although lender underwriting standards, property appraisal requirements, and residential-use restrictions still apply.
For eligible veterans, the potential advantages include purchasing a qualifying home without a down payment and avoiding private mortgage insurance.
This does not mean a VA home loan can finance tractors, livestock, or an entire commercial farm operation. Nevertheless, for a veteran seeking a rural residence with land suitable for future agricultural activities, it is an option worth investigating.
USDA Farm Loans: Understanding Your Financing Options
Once a veteran has identified a viable agricultural business, one of the greatest challenges is securing affordable financing. Whether purchasing farmland, acquiring livestock, investing in equipment, or covering operating expenses, access to capital can determine whether a new farm or ranch succeeds.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers several financing programs designed to help eligible producers. Farm Ownership Loans can assist with purchasing farmland and making qualifying improvements, while Operating Loans help finance livestock, machinery, seed, feed, and other necessary expenses. FSA Microloans provide a more streamlined financing option for smaller agricultural operations, and guaranteed loans help eligible producers secure financing through participating commercial lenders.
FSA also reserves portions of certain loan funds for beginning farmers and ranchers, with additional provisions benefiting qualifying military veteran farmers.
Another important resource is the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of customer-owned financial institutions specializing in agriculture and rural communities. Farm Credit institutions offer agricultural real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment financing, and other financial services. Many also provide Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer programs that combine financing with business planning, financial education, mentoring, and technical assistance.
It is important to understand that USDA FSA and Farm Credit are not necessarily competing financing options. In fact, they may work together to help a beginning farmer or rancher obtain the capital needed to establish or expand an agricultural operation. For example, an eligible veteran might combine an FSA Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan with financing from a participating Farm Credit institution. Farm Credit lenders may also participate in USDA guaranteed loan programs, allowing the two systems to complement one another.
At the Farmer Veteran Coalition, we encourage veterans to explore all resources before making major financial commitments. Understanding how these programs may work together can help producers secure appropriate financing, reduce unnecessary financial risk, and build a stronger foundation for long-term profitability.
Veterans should begin with a realistic business plan and conversations with their local USDA Service Center and Farm Credit association. The goal is not simply to qualify for a loan, but to develop a financing strategy that supports a sustainable agricultural business.
Conservation Programs Can Help Pay for Farm Improvements
Another opportunity veterans frequently overlook is USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), eligible producers can receive financial and technical assistance for approved conservation improvements. These may include irrigation systems, livestock watering facilities, grazing infrastructure, fencing associated with conservation practices, high tunnels, and soil health improvements.
Qualifying beginning farmers and military veteran farmers may receive enhanced payment rates and advance payments for eligible practices. For example, a beginning rancher developing a rotational grazing system may qualify for assistance installing approved fencing and livestock watering infrastructure. These improvements can be expensive, but they may also increase productivity, improve resource management, and reduce long-term operating costs.
The Conservation Stewardship Program provides additional opportunities for eligible producers who maintain and improve conservation practices. One important caution: producers should not begin work expecting reimbursement before obtaining the required USDA approval and contract.
Crop Insurance: Special Financial Advantages for Veterans
Every farmer understands that weather, disease, and market disruptions can quickly undermine even the best business plan. Federal crop insurance offers special provisions for qualifying beginning and veteran farmers.
For the 2026 crop year, USDA expanded Beginning Farmer and Rancher crop-insurance benefits to as many as 10 crop years.
Qualifying beginning farmers may receive additional premium subsidies of 15 percentage points during their first two benefit years, 13 points in the third year, 11 points in the fourth, and 10 points in years five through ten.
Qualifying veteran farmers may receive an additional 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for up to five crop years under the separate veteran provisions. Other benefits may include administrative-fee waivers and favorable production-history or yield-adjustment provisions.
Veterans who qualify under both categories cannot collect both sets of benefits simultaneously. USDA applies the applicable provisions, with beginning farmer benefits generally offering greater advantages when both qualifications are met.
Veterans should also explore Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm insurance for eligible diversified agricultural operations.
Beyond crop insurance, USDA offers disaster assistance through programs such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, livestock disaster programs, and emergency financing. These protections must be evaluated before losses occur because enrollment deadlines, coverage conditions, and reporting requirements apply.
Benefits You May Have Earned but Never Used
Veterans should also investigate opportunities beyond traditional agricultural programs.
The SBA operates Veterans Business Outreach Centers that provide entrepreneurship training, business counseling, and assistance preparing for financing.
Through the SBA VetCert program, qualifying veteran-owned small businesses may compete for designated Department of Veterans Affairs contracting opportunities. Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses may compete for qualifying set-aside contracts across the federal government.
For an agricultural enterprise supplying food, equipment, agricultural services, or other qualifying products, federal procurement may represent an additional market opportunity.
USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant program is another resource worth exploring. Eligible producers may receive competitive grant assistance for qualifying planning or working-capital activities that help develop value-added products and markets. Matching funds are required.
Veterans should also investigate state-specific opportunities, including agricultural sales-tax exemptions, agricultural-use property valuation, qualifying disabled-veteran property-tax exemptions, and state agricultural financing programs.
These benefits vary by state and should be reviewed with appropriate state agencies or qualified tax professionals.
Finally, land access deserves attention. USDA’s Transition Incentives Program can encourage eligible landowners to transfer certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program acreage to beginning or veteran farmers through qualifying sales or long-term leases. Availability depends on funding and enrollment periods.
Build a Benefits Strategy Before Building the Farm
The most important message I want veterans to understand is that these programs should not be viewed as isolated opportunities.
A veteran might use approved VA education benefits to obtain agricultural training, rely on eligible VA health care to help manage household expenses, seek FSA financing for equipment, obtain NRCS assistance for conservation improvements, and purchase crop insurance to protect against production losses.
The programs have different eligibility requirements, and some benefits cannot be combined for the same expense. But coordinated planning can reduce unnecessary borrowing, protect personal finances, and create a stronger foundation for long-term success.
At the Farmer Veteran Coalition, we encourage veterans to begin by reviewing their VA benefits, meeting with their local USDA Service Center, speaking with agricultural lenders, and developing a realistic business plan.
Our nationwide network helps connect veterans with agricultural education, technical assistance, financing resources, and experienced partners who understand the challenges of entering agriculture. Just contact us at 855-FVC-FARM or support@farmvetco.org.
Military service develops qualities that translate remarkably well to farming and ranching: leadership, discipline, resourcefulness, adaptability, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. However, successful agricultural ownership requires more than determination. It requires sound financial planning, knowledge of available resources, and the willingness to ask questions before making major investments.
Veterans have already demonstrated their commitment to serving this nation. They deserve every opportunity to understand and access the benefits they have earned.
Their next mission may be producing America’s food and fiber, protecting our natural resources, and strengthening rural communities. Our responsibility is to help ensure they have the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to succeed.
Happy Harvest!
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Colonial Williamsburg!
Veteran Agricultural Benefits – Resource Links
Program descriptions reflect available federal guidance as of October 2026. Eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and funding availability should be confirmed with the administering agency.
I am providing these resources to assist veterans in locating benefit information, determine eligibility, and connect with federal agencies and agricultural financing resources.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) – Vocational rehabilitation, self-employment assistance, and business development for eligible veterans.
- VA Education Benefits – GI Bill benefits, approved education programs, and vocational training.
- VA Home Loan Benefits – Home loan eligibility and financing for qualifying residential properties.
- VA Health Care Benefits – Health care enrollment, eligibility, and available services.
- VA Disability Compensation – Information about service-connected disability benefits.
USDA Agricultural Programs
- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Farm ownership and operating loans, disaster assistance, and beginning farmer programs.
- USDA FSA Programs and Services – Information on individual FSA programs.
- NRCS Conservation Programs – EQIP, Conservation Stewardship Program, and other conservation assistance.
- USDA Risk Management Agency – Federal crop insurance and risk management resources.
- USDA Farmers.gov – Central resource for agricultural loans, conservation, disaster assistance, and beginning farmers.
Agricultural Financing and Business Development
- Farm Credit – Agricultural lending and financial services.
- Find a Farm Credit Lender – Locate a Farm Credit institution serving your area.
- SBA Veteran Business Resources – Veteran entrepreneurship, business counseling, and financing resources.
- SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) – Certification for eligible veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Farmer Veteran Coalition
- Farmer Veteran Coalition – Agricultural resources, training, networking, and support for veterans pursuing agricultural careers and farm ownership.
I hope that everyone learned something new with this month’s article. May it provide coalition members with a convenient starting point for researching eligibility and contacting the appropriate agencies.
