AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Their salute is earnest, their service is exemplary and their sacrifice is eternal. As Veterans Day approaches, Alabama Cooperative Extension System is honored to support those who served in the U.S. military.

As their military service ends, many veterans look to find new, meaningful careers. Through Operation Grow, Alabama Extension offers hands-on programming and multi-faceted training for veterans interested in farming. Ultimately, these grant-funded programs are designed to empower participants as they take their first steps into production agriculture.

Operation Grow Outreach Coordinator Jesse Teel speaks with potential participants.

Available in all 67 counties, interested veterans can find Operation Grow resources from their local county Extension offices. Through this initiative, the Home Horticulture team at Alabama Extension provides field-based expertise. Additionally, Operation Grow Outreach Coordinator Jesse Teel is a point of contact to help veterans get involved.

“The overall purpose of Operation Grow is to offer veterans the opportunity and support to have a profession that they enjoy after their military service has ended,” Teel said. “That can look very different for each participant, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Purposeful Partnerships

During the birth of this great nation, farmers and soldiers were two of the most essential professions. With similar values and work ethic, it makes sense that many founding American leaders held both of these roles. Today, many veterans seek jobs with great purpose and job satisfaction after retiring or leaving the military.

Since Operation Grow’s inception in 2022, approximately 260 veterans have signed up to participate in the program. It was shaped by the Alabama Beginner Farmer Program, which started in 2015.

Thanks to partnerships with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and Alabama Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Operation Grow offers learning experiences and even equipment rental assistance.

“Our partnerships allow us to create bridges that help our new, veteran farmers to find access to the tools they need to succeed,” Teel said. “That can range from contact information for the right person within their community to financial planning or just continued support.”

Steps to Success

The three major objectives of Operation Grow include training, network and sustainable support.

As part of this mission, Extension specialists offer hands-on training is offered throughout the year. That includes in-person training, like the annual Operation Grow Boot Camp and various agricultural field demonstration days. Additionally, many online educational resources ranging from instructional videos to robust training courses are accessible any time, on demand.

The three major objectives of Operation Grow include training, network and sustainable support.

“Operation Grow offers self-lead curriculum; online learning course work, with varied learning styles in mind; monthly webinars with commercial horticulture; and even a monthly newsletter,” said Teel.

As part of the program, growing a supportive network helps veteran farmers find human connections within their communities and beyond. Facilitating connections ensures these growers engage with fellow producers. Plus, agency collaborations offer tools to help participants progress their operations.

State and federal agencies and non-profit organizations contribute time and funding resources to Operation Grow initiatives. Through Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, specialty crop block grants provide funding opportunities to select, niche crops with great potential profitability. Grant funding and financial aid help Operation Grow participants expand their enterprises to achieve measurable goals.

With sustainable support in mind, the Operation Grow Hardware and Equipment Loan Program (OG-Help) provides rental access to farm equipment. Since equipment availability is a common barrier for beginning veteran farmers, OG-Help allows short-term rental at an affordable rate. Participants can receive equipment training and pick-up rentals from either the Chilton Research & Extension Center or the North Alabama Agriplex. This support helps save time and money.

More Information

With an abundance of resources and foundational guidance, Alabama Extension uses Operation Grow to help veterans establish their farms and cultivate new, successful careers. For more information about Operation Grow and the Operation Grow Hardware and Equipment Loan Program (OG-Help), visit aces.edu.