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Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project-
www.troopstotractors.org
pavetsfarm@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/PAVetsFarm/
724-691-1087 
In this issue:  Minigrant deadllineNRCS EQIP; Westmoreland Co. dairy innovation; Learning opportunities; Farmer's VAP grant guide; Bee Bootcamp Allegheny Co.
Women Veteran Farmers in PA:  apply for our $1000 minigrant
by February 10th. 
Bee Bootcamp logo in green, black, goldBee Bootcamp: Beekeeping Basics for Veterans, Allegheny County PA
 
Hosted by Forever Heart Apiary LLC
 
Interested in learning about beekeeping and honey production?
Bee Bootcamp is a comprehensive nine-month training program that will provide you the basic knowledge to establish and maintain a beehive, offered at no cost to eligible veterans.

Learn through a combination of online lecture with Michigan State University's Heroes to Hives coursework, and gain hands-on, practical experience managing bee hives from March to October, 2020 at the apiary near Pittsburgh.

Up to 10 veterans will be selected for Bee Bootcamp, meeting in person 2 Saturdays per month for  hands-on experience at Forever Heart Apiary, 1345 Coraopolis Heights Rd, Moon, PA 15108, Allegheny County PA.

Learning Opportunities

Tuesday, February 4: Center for Dairy Excellence events  2020 PA Dairy Innovation Forum

Penn State Extension winter events for Beef Producers (Various dates/locations)

Wednesday, February 19: Northern Tier Dairy Discussion Group Meeting

Thursday, February 25, Ligonier, Westmoreland Co., "Keeping Farmers on the Land"
Learn the 'why' and 'how' of preserved farms, Ag Security areas, Solar on the farm, more.
9 am to 2 pm; $5 includes breakfast and lunch; register by February 19 Flyer  Registration
Questions? Call 724-238-7560, ext 1 or susan@loyalwater.com

Friday, February 28, 8:30-4: PA Veteran Farming Conference: Growing your Farm or Agribusiness
Boalsburg, Centre County. $15 for eligible veterans/mlitary/spouses.
Beginning farmers and those with established farms or  agribusinesses will  interact and get guidance on your particular needs from staff from USDA and hone marketing, risk management, and business planning skills while learning from your fellow veterans and professionals from SBA, Start-up Allegheny, SBDC, and more.


Hydroponics & Aquaponics Workshop Series for Veterans/Military, Brownsville, Washington Co. Every Monday, 6pm-8pm, March 2nd, 2020 through May 4th, 2020

Thursday, March 5 and 12,  6-9 p.m.: Ag Erosion and Sedimentation Plan Workshop 
Both sessions are required; Fayette County Fairgrounds
Participants will create their own Ag Erosion and Sedimentation Plan, and a  farm map and  crop rotation plan to satisfy regulations. Free; registration  required by Feb. 27: email Dan Griffith at dan@wcdpa.com
or call 724-837-5271 option 2.Please provide your farm address when you registering.

Wednesday, March 11 - Thursday, March 12: 2020 Riparian Forest Buffer Summit
Blair County Convention Center, Altoonal $75 until Friday, February 14, $100 after.
 
Graphic of conservation project ideas\
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as:
  • improved water and air quality
  • conserved ground and surface water
  • reduced soil erosion and sedimentation
  • improved or created wildlife habitat.
High tunnels are a frequently requested item to allow for year-round growing.

Find your local NRCS office here, then speak with a conservation tech about whether your farm would benefit from EQIP. Those attending our Feb. 28th conference in Boalsburg can speak one-on-one with an NRCS professional about your farm needs. 
In the News

Mixing It Up: Dairies Diversify For Success  Farm and Dairy highlights diversification for economic stability on a veteran-owned dairy farm in sw PA
Cover photo of Farmers' Guide to Applying for the Value-Added Producer Grant ProgramDownload the Farmer's Guide to Value Added Producer Grants from National Sustainable Ag Coalition.

 
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.
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