By Karen Funkenbusch
Homegrown heroes can learn about help for beginning veteran farmers during a free workshop Monday, April 27, in Rolla.
Panels discuss resources for those with disabilities through state and national agencies. A producers’ panel will talk about options for raising and marketing meat and eggs, growing produce for farmers markets and forestry products.
Speakers include representatives of the University of Missouri Extension, Missouri AgrAbility, the Brain Injury Association, Vocational Rehabilitation for Veterans, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and the state Department of Economic Development.
The workshop offers programs for small-scale producers entering farming for the first time or those looking to diversify existing operations.
Forty-four percent of the country’s veterans come from rural farming communities, and many plan to return to those communities after leaving the military, said Karen Funkenbusch, Missouri AgrAbility director and MU Extension safety and health specialist.
Dent County community development specialist Sarah Massengale said the event includes tours of a beef farm and a high tunnel produce operation.
The tours require some walking, Massengale said. If you need special accommodations, call 573-729-3196.
The event begins 8 a.m. at the St. Pat’s Ballroom A, Havener Center, 1346 N. Bishop Ave., Rolla. To register, call the MU Extension Center in Dent County at 573-729-3196 or email hultines@missouri.edu by April 22.
Free lunch is provided by MFA of Lebanon. MU Extension, the Center for Rural Affairs and Missouri AgrAbility sponsor the event.
Source:missouri.edu