Last updated on July 26th, 2024 at 04:37 pm
Veterans Resources
Veterans have a long history of service to our country through military service. It is a sacrifice of time away from families and friends and sometimes occupation to serve and protect our freedoms. Many find the work in agriculture a form of self-healing, purpose, and self-identity upon return from active duty or training.The ecotherapy of caring for livestock and plants boosts mental health resiliency and overall wellness.
In 2017, the USDA added Producers with Military Service as a special category in the Agriculture Data Census; 370,019 agricultural producers are US veterans, and over 290,000 have spent over 10 years on their farms.
AgriSafe has a unique project dedicated to agricultural producers with military service; it is called the Veteran Farmer project. Because veterans have unique health disparities, we focus on identifying those health disparities and develop programs that assist with achieving health equity and the overall improved health and wellness of veterans.
Similar to the farmer health profile, the veteran working in agriculture may experience hearing loss, respiratory illness (acute or chronic) due to environmental exposures, musculoskeletal disorders, sleep deprivation and disorders, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress. The hazards and exposures incurred during active duty then result in a myriad of injuries and illness. Those disparities are likely to compound with the hazards and exposures found in the work of agriculture.
We want to hear from you! Your story could help another farmer or rancher.
AgriSafe’s work in veteran’s health is generously funded in part by Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.

Veterans Resources
Resource Library
Webinars
Websites
- Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Heroes to Hives Program MSU Extension
Page updated: August 2022