Helping veterans become successful in agriculture Military experience, specialized programs help vets establish new roots

December 15, 2020

The Texas AgrAbility and Battleground to Breaking Ground (BGBG) programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides education, training, resources and technical assistance for active-duty and veteran military members and individuals with disabilities interested in agriculture. AgrAbility was established in 2009 and the one-day BGBG workshops launched in 2012. The program was expanded in 2015 into a year-long educational program that includes a second online business planning phase and a third phase that provides agricultural productions production courses through virtual courses, in-person field days, and hands-on learning opportunities. The BGBG Program is comprised of three phases: (1) one-day workshop that covers business planning, rural business ideas, farming and ranching with a disability, and funding opportunities, (2) online business planning courses, individualized instruction on funding and business set-up dependent on the individuals' career interests, and (3) eight months and 100+ hours of hands-on learning through virtual and hands-on educational opportunities. The BGBG program has served well over 1000 participants and is currently accepting applications through January 4th, 2021. Please visit https://txagrability.tamu.edu/bgbg/ or contact [email protected]