Concept
Veteran Ben
Helping American veterans thrive once home.
Visit http://veterantofarmer.org/ for details.
Training for the vet-farmers will take place at a “central farm” that has classroom and training areas that utilize hydroponic, aquaponic and organic technologies to grow healthy crops. This concept will help vets farm using high-tech methods with protection from environmental challenges and reduced costs of operation. With an established central farm, the satellite vet-farmers can focus their energy and attention on crop production and yields without having to take time away for sourcing supplies and marketing, or worrying about if the crop is sold. This model also allows an exit strategy: they can sell their business in the future through the network. This is unique in the farming world.
Training Program
The majority of the training will be “on the job” and start with a base pay of $9 per hour. The balance of the training will be in a classroom, which is free of charge. The classroom training will consist of the following modules:
Section 1 – Greenhouse Structure
Section 2 – Control of the Greenhouse Equipment
Section 3 – Botany & Plant Physiology
Section 4 – Diagnosing Pest & Pathogen Problems
Section 5 – Growing Media / Soil Basics
Section 6 – Nutrition and Watering
Section 7 – Water / Irrigation
Section 8 – Plant Propagation
Section 9 – Animal Husbandry (Chickens, goats, bovine)
Ben talking with
Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association
