Across the country, many Veterans are turning to agriculture as their next mission. The discipline, resilience and purpose they gained in service often translate naturally to the realities of farming and ranching. With so many farmers nearing retirement, Veterans are stepping in as the next generation of agricultural leaders who can feed their communities and build family businesses.

In the latest episode of “At the Table,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., talks with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about how Veterans can find career opportunities in agriculture. Their conversation highlights the need for new farmers, explains why so many Veterans are well suited for this work, and shares the resources available to help them get started.

USDA resources help Veterans get started

Deputy Secretary Vaden encourages Veterans who are curious about farming to start at farmers.gov. The site’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page explains USDA programs and connects Veterans with staff who can guide them through their options. USDA has a national Veterans coordinator and coordinators in every state who work directly with Veterans interested in agriculture. Veterans do not have to navigate the process alone; USDA has people whose job is to help them get started. You can find your state’s Veterans coordinator by contacting your local USDA Service Center.

For Veterans who want to begin or expand a farming operation, USDA has loan programs designed specifically for them. These loans can offer up to $600,000 to help start a farm. USDA also provides low‑interest loans, support for buying land, crop insurance and income stabilizing programs such as Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. These tools help protect farmers from unexpected losses and keep operations moving from season to season.

Deputy Secretary Vaden shares a story about a disabled Veteran who inherited five beehives and wanted to keep her family’s small apiary going. She reached out to USDA for help. With training and a $50,000 microloan, she expanded her operation to 25 beehives and began bottling and selling honey in her community. Her experience shows that agriculture comes in many forms. Even small ideas can grow into successful ventures with the right support.

Another helpful resource for Veterans is the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA offices exist in nearly every county and offer guidance at no cost. If additional expertise is needed, USDA’s extension partners at land‑grant universities provide research‑based advice to help producers solve everyday challenges on their farms. You can find your nearest FSA office at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator.

USDA also partners with organizations outside the federal government to support Veterans in agriculture. AgrAbility assists disabled Veterans by helping them overcome physical barriers to farm work. The Farmer Veteran Coalition supports Veterans nationwide in building agricultural careers and connecting with fellow Veterans in the field.

Veterans do not need a perfect plan to explore agriculture. If you are interested, visit farmers.gov, reach out to your state’s Veterans coordinator and connect with your local FSA office. Ask questions and explore what is possible, and USDA will be there to guide you from your first idea all the way to your first harvest.