BattleGround to Breaking Ground workshops scheduled for Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 in Lampasas
Attendees will receive information on establishing agriculture-based business
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, will host BattleGround to Breaking Ground events on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 in Lampasas.
The Introduction to Agriculture Business Workshop will be held Oct. 11 at the AgriLife Extension office for Lampasas County, 409 Pecan St.
The Introduction to Hydroponics Workshop will be held Oct. 12 at Yield Here Farms in Kempner, 2662 Snow Road.
Activities for both workshops will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $35 per day or $70 for both days and space is limited. Online registration is available at https://tx.ag/BattleGroundToBreakingGround.
“The Battleground to Breaking Ground project provides online education, hands-on training, disability support services, mentorships, peer support and veteran transition support,” said Erin Kimbrough, program manager and co-director for BattleGround to Breaking Ground and Texas AgrAbility, Bryan-College Station. “Participants learn how to develop a business plan and access funding for an agricultural operation.”
About the workshops
The Oct. 11 workshop will feature presentations from the Farm Service Agency, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Department of Agriculture and AgriLife Extension. The talks will highlight the various programs available to help producers.
Topics will include:
- Resources and programs available for veterans and other new/beginning producers in agriculture.
- Financial funding for agriculture enterprises.
- Agricultural business startup.
- Business plan development.
- Possibilities for farming and ranching with a disability.
The Oct. 12 workshop will include a tour of Yield Here Farms, which is owned by a retired military veteran.
Topics will include:
- Understanding hydroponic concepts.
- Climate-smart practice.
- Equipment and infrastructure.
- Managing hydroponic system components.
- Selecting and planting crops.
- Managing nutrient levels and other inputs.
- Managing pests and diseases.
- Harvesting.
About Battleground to Breaking Ground
BattleGround to Breaking Ground gives military veterans interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to receive information on aspects of starting, developing and funding an agriculture-based business.
It was developed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
“The Texas AgrAbility program’s focus is on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, including those with disabilities or chronic health conditions, to stay engaged in production agriculture,” Kimbrough said. “The BattleGround to Breaking Ground program is open to military veterans and active-duty military who are beginning or established small-farmers and ranchers as well as for women interested in agribusiness.”
For more information, contact Kristian Gonzalez at 956-714-0393 or [email protected] or Heidi Barber at 254-640-2967 or [email protected].
