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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fayetteville, Arkansas » Poultry Production and Product Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #360941
Research Project: Antibiotic Alternatives for Controlling Foodborne Pathogens and Disease in Poultry

Location: Poultry Production and Product Safety Research

Title: Armed to Farm: Veteran labeled marketing, education and research strategies to soldier success for military veteran farmers

Author
item BRAMALL, SARAH - University Of Arkansas
item DONOGHUE, DAN - University Of Arkansas
item MANNING, LAUREN - University Of Arkansas
item Donoghue, Ann - Annie
item HALE, MARGO - National Center For Appropriate Technology
item OWENS, CASEY - University Of Arkansas
item GOLD, MICHAEL - University Of Arkansas
item ENGLISH, HENRY - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Farming opportunities for veterans are a natural fit and capitalize on skills that made them successful in the military. This project is specifically designed to develop comprehensive training and technical assistance programs and enhance market profitability for military veteran farmers. The project is focused by two main objectives; 1) develop targeted training programs on farm, business and financial practices for small and medium farm enterprises, that will provide intensive training focused on financial planning, business planning, marketing strategies, and farm diversification; and, 2) conduct a comprehensive marketing needs assessment and develop a product based on the needs of farmers to enhance marketing opportunities for veteran farmers in their communities. Twenty military veteran farmers, varying in farming experience, were contacted for phone interviews, five agreed to discuss their farming practices. During the 60 minute interviews, the researcher identified products being grown/made, the current marketing practices, and marketing needs. Interviews identified the need of a media kit, to help farmers with basic principles of social media and web presence. Following the interviews, a survey was administered to an additional 36 new/beginning military veteran farmers. Survey results showed 89% of participants would benefits from a media kit. The Social Media Tool Kit has been produced and over 200 copies have been sent out to farmers nationwide. There has also been a successful three-part webinar series covering the basics of social media and getting more in-depth with Facebook and Instagram to grow farm business. The material has reached hundreds of beginning farmers though the outlets of workbook downloads or hard copies sent, webinar views and workshops incorporating the material. These practices have been widely accepted and we look forward to more interaction with farmers wanting to grow their business through social media presence. There will be a SSAWG session on this topic by the creator of the workbook and her co-partner of the webinar series.