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Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project
www.troopstotractors.org
pavetsfarm@gmail.com
724-691-1087  Facebook  Instagram
Drive safely
Tractor safety class for ages 14+ and adults. Saturday, October 23, 9 am to 11:30 am. Heritage Farms, Fayette Co. More info and registration instructor: Army veteran Larry Daugherty, NMSTOP certified trainer. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn to safely connect to a tractor and use various farm equipment. 

Farm to School
PA's Farm to School grants fund SCHOOLS (not farmers) to partner with local farmers on projects that will encourage kids to eat fresh and local. Schools must provide 25% match. Part of the project could include purchasing farm produce from you. Learn more, then contact your school to see if they want to consider applying.

Going Organic?
USDA is accepting applications for financial assistance for farms going organic. More info.

Hiring
McLaughlin Distillery, Sewickley, Allegheny Co for various PT positions
Black Valley Kune Kunes, Everett, Bedford Co, assistant farm manager, paid apprentice


Last Call!
Veteran Farm Field day this Saturday, Shupp Hill Farms, Tunkhannock. 10 am to 1 pm. Participants will learn from USMC/Army veteran Corey Shupp how he's accessed local, state, and federal programming to build his Dexter cattle operation on the former dairy farm. Register

Retirement?
TOMORROW: Farmers Can Retire Too: Budgeting, Planning, and Saving      
August 19 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  Learn best practices on the beginning stages of retirement so that you can set yourself up for success. Register
 
Farmers Can Retire Too: Retirement Planning
September 16 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
What does it take to retire? How much do I need? How will medical cost figure into my plans? We will answer all these questions, and more. Register

Social Media Maven?
If not, sign up for our Social Media Coaching with Marine Corps veteran Christine Yankel of Melody Acres Hobby Farm, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6-7:30, Washington County. If you're on Facebook or Instagram but not seeing results in farm sales, this is for you. Follow-on one-on-one coaching available for those who attend. Limited to 5 farms (2 veterans/dependents per farm max) to allow for hands-on learning. Bring laptop/table/smartphone. 

Starting up?
SBA's (Small Business Administration) Boots to Business Reboot 
training program provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Online Sept. 16 & 17, 800 am to 12:30 pm. Flyer  Questions? Email 
jonathan.bennett@sba.gov

Thank you...
..to Troy (USMC) and Wendy Jochems of Hope Hill Lavender Farm, for hosting our Aug. 7 workshop. It was a half day so very well spent learning first hand how the Jochems have grown a profitable lavender business and agritourism operation, and leveraged NRCS funding for conservation practices on their simply gorgeous farm. 

Touri$m Grant$
Somerset, Fayette, Westmoreland tourism grant applications are open now. Find Bucks county's tourism grant info here.  New to grant writing? We can review your proposal as a second pair of eyes before you submit.



 
Glamping tent in the woodsFood for thought: During the pandemic--and beyond--tourists with expendable income are searching for new adventures. Check out Maine's Wolfe Neck Center for Agriculture & Environment for inspiration. Chances are slim your farm is oceanside, but what's unique and special about your farm that would draw in guests?
USDA 2501 Grant program funds support our work. There's no charge for our services to eligible veterans/Guard/Reserve/military and their spouses. (Workshops may have a nominal fee.)  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.  
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