How does the USDA Support Veterans?

According to the USDA Farm and Land in Farm Summary of 2019, the total number of U.S. farms declined by 5, 800 from 2018. Only farms in the $100,000-$249,000 sales category and the $250,000-$499,999 sales category increased while all other sales categories declined.  In 2019, about 51.1% of all farms had less than $10,000 sales and 81.5% of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales. In 2019, only 7.4% of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more.

Since preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America; the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans across the country to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.

USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking for a career in farming or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.

USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.

USDA prioritizes hiring veterans because we know that you bring a wide range of experiences and strong work ethic that USDA wants and needs across the Department.

The USDA’s Military Veteran Liaison connects returning Veterans with beginning farmer training opportunities and various agricultural vocational programs.

Contact: Jill Haakenson at (701)662-8634 for more information about Veterans in Agriculture.

Website: https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans