With the help of the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, AgrAbility and a grant from USDA Risk Management, Kansas Farmers Union and the Center for Rural Affairs is putting on two workshops for Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and also active-duty service members who have an interest in value-added agriculture.
 
The first workshop will be held in Manhattan on March 19 at Pottorff Hall in Cico Park. The second will be held in Overland Park on March 20 at Johnson County Community College in the Capitol Federal Conference Center.

Speakers include Kerri Ebert with AgrAbility, Sherri Harvel and Teresa Kelly with Cultivate KC, Michael O'Gorman with the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, Warren Sutton, vegetable farmer from Republic County, Chris Janssen, vegetable farmer from Republic County, Daryl Parks, hog farmer, Lee Quaintance, organic farmer, and representatives from Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development and Farm Credit Services.

"We'll have speakers discussing everything from financial planning and resources to business management," Nick Levendofsky, Kansas Farmers Union Special Projects Coordinator, said. "We are bringing in producers to talk about what they've done and give folks ideas on what they could possibly do with an operation they're thinking about starting or maybe already started."

The workshops are free of charge to veterans, and lunch will be provided at no cost. RSVPs are greatly appreciated. Contact Nick Levendofsky at 785-527-0941 or kfu.nick@gmail.com. Or visit kansasfarmersunion.org for more information.
 
Kansas Farmers Union is a general farm organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers.