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Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project
www.troopstotractors.org         pavetsfarm@gmail.com
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Newsletter archives
In this issue:  Veteran Farm workshop Aug. 7-8, Plan reimbursements for Bay farms, Farmland in sw PA available, Microloan updates
Download workshop flyer here.  Register for one or both days here.

Flyer for farm workshop     

Friday, Aug. 7 ~ 12 pm to 4:30 pm: Small farm success
Finances
 Developing a proposal for financing; Identifying sources of funding and grants
Business Planning with the AgPlan system
Field walk Soil health and conservation projects installed with NRCS technical and financial assistance

Saturday, Aug. 8 ~ 8:30-12:30
Establishing and Sustaining a Small Ruminant (Goats/Sheep) Farm

Small Ruminant Basics Animal Science & nutrition, health maintenance 
Hands-on  animal husbandry: FAMACHA , hoof trims, body condition scoring,  medications 
Field Walk Farm management--Grazing systems; Basic agronomy, fertilization; Forage plants and their merits
The business of small ruminant production  Quality, Marketing, Investment for profit, MInimum resources for start-up

More info and registration 

Each day: $10 mil/vets/spouses; $20 public--includes box lunch & workshop materials.
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Social & cookout following Friday's workshop hosted by PANG member Ben and Lynn Reisinger; camping available on their farm. Contact lynn@pureamericannaturals.com 

Resources

Looking to increase soil productivity? Find the Penn State Extension agronomist that serves your county here.  Army spouse Monica Pape's The Accidental Agronomist e'newsletter and website are a wealth of info too.  Monica has offered to help members of our network interpret your soil test results at no cost and takes basic agronomy questions as her time permits.

Attention, Farmers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
PA offers a cost share reimbursement for Nutrient and Manure Management and Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for eligible areas. These plans include BMPs to  increase farm sustainability and improve local water quality. PA regulations require the development and implementation of these plans. Landowners will be re-paid the cost of hiring a technical expert to develop plans after January 1, 2019. More than one plan may be submitted for reimbursement, for up to a maximum of $6,000. Small farmers are especially encouraged to participate. 
18 acres to farm + additional acreage in no-till restoration available for lease in Westmoreland County now. Close proximity to markets in Pittsburgh with lower tax rates and a less hectic pace. Learn more.
Loans for beginning, niche farmers

FSA Microloans
up to $50K can be used for operating costs such as feed, fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses. With new program expansions, microloans can also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. 
July  rates: Farm Operating - Microloan    1.375%  Farm Ownership - Microloan    2.250%
What's new:
  • Simplified  application process,
  • Expanded eligibility requirements
  • Expedited smaller real estate loans.
Ownership microloans still require experience; for operating loans, there is more flexibility. Your credit score is NOT a factor and a lack of credit history does NOT automatically disqualify you.  Find your local FSA office.

 
We gratefully acknowledge the support of  the USDA 2501 Program and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8  (Pittsburgh). We serve AD, Guard, Reserve, and their spouses;  we have adopted the VA definition of veteran eligibility. Information in this newsletter and on our website is for informational purposes only. Please complete due diligence before entering into any legal or financial agreements.  We do not share your email address with anyone.  Hyperlinks do not imply endorsement.
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