Wisconsin Helps Veterans Enter State’s Agricultural Industry
In partnership with: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
After his 26 years of military service came to a close, Ryan Sullivan wasn’t certain what the next chapter held but knew he and his wife, Jackie, wanted a healthy environment for their growing family. Research and discussions led them to consider a farming future and a move to Wisconsin. They purchased land near Jackie’s parents and started Sullivan Family Farm.
Focusing on sustainable, organic products, the family aims to provide fresh, healthy food to families in their community.
Like other veteran farmers engaged in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, Sullivan faces challenges in making the transition from military service to farming. Fortunately, the state has organizations offering programs and assistance.
“After you’ve been in the military, particularly in combat, your life view changes,” says Sarah Cope, president of the Wisconsin chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a nonprofit group focused on cultivating collaboration between the farming and military communities. “There’s often a desire to control your own future, take care of your family and take on new challenges. Agriculture can offer that, whether it’s farming or becoming a tractor mechanic.”
Veteran Farmer Assistance and Outreach Program
The state of Wisconsin also lends support through its Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)’s broad-based Veteran Farmer Assistance and Outreach Program. Launched in 2017, the program’s mission is to identify and provide resources to veterans interested in becoming involved in any agricultural enterprise, including education, training and a wide range of specialized support programs.
Services range from one-on-one counseling and mentoring to business plan development. The program also helps veterans translate skills developed in the military into employment opportunities within the state’s agricultural industry. Additionally, a collaborative effort between the state’s Something Special from Wisconsin™ program, the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs and the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s “Homegrown by Heroes” program helped produce a Wisconsin Veteran Farmer logo for enrollees to place on their agricultural products.
See more: Agriculture High School Grows the Next Generation of Wisconsin’s Ag Industry
“Some of the people who come to us have some agriculture background prior to military service, but the majority of the veterans have never worked in agriculture but want to take on a new endeavor,” says Kevin Plante, a DATCP senior agricultural specialist coordinating the veteran outreach activities. “At the same time, you have individuals coming out of the military with different types of skills that are directly transferrable into other agriculture professions, whether in production or businesses, that support local farmers.”
Plante adds that there’s always a need for disciplined people with a solid work ethic, so there are good opportunities for those who come in with transferrable skills.
Creating Valuable Connections for Wisconsin Veteran Farmers
According to both Sullivan and Cope, another critical aspect of these efforts is building connections and camaraderie between veterans who often struggle in the transition from military to civilian life. Cope points out that many can thrive in the military, but the adjustment is difficult once they’re out.
“Farming, like the military, is a different challenge every day,” she says. “It helps to connect with others who share that common bond.”
Sullivan acknowledges that he’s still making the necessary adjustments.
“Learning the business side of things is important, but the mental health side of things also is very important,” he says. “You don’t want to feel isolated and alone, which is something that affects both veterans and farmers. It’s always good to talk with other vets who are going through the same things.”
But Sullivan says there is true joy in what he and his family do despite the long hours, financial investment and hard work.
“In so many ways, I see nonstop parallels between veterans and farmers every day,” he says. “There’s passion, dedication and service in any type of agriculture, and that’s what makes it special.”
See more: Wisconsin Steps Up for Its Farmers During Tough Times Through Grant