Sign-up is open for free agritourism training series for U.S. veterans and active military

Mural painter Pamela Kellough gave this barn a patriotic makeover. 
(Photo by Pamela Kellough, Successful Farming)

Veterans and active U.S. military interested in farming agritourism can sign up now to attend the in-person, hybrid or online training series: "Serving the Land: A Veteran's Guide to Farm Stays and Outdoor Experiences."

The training includes "five live online sessions held each Monday evening in March, with topics including budgeting, risk management, goal setting, taxes and recordkeeping, and digital marketing," reports Lisa Foust Prater of Successful Farming. "On-demand online classes on zoning, insurance, and agritourism laws can be taken anytime."

Cost: Free for active military service members and military veterans
When: March through August
Where: Online and participating farm stay locations across Nebraska (to be announced). Online tours will be provided for participants who can't attend in person.
Registration required by March 16: Click here to register.
Questions/assistance with registering: Contact Kirstin Bailey, kirstinb@cfra.org or 402.870.2390, or Deborah Solie, deborahs@cfra.org or 402.870.1133

Kirstin Bailey, senior project manager with the center, told Prater, "Participants will learn directly from farmers and agritourism leaders about the business of hosting guests on working farms. They will also receive practical tools, examples, and worksheets to help prepare them for launching or expanding guest-based agritourism enterprises."

Stipends are available to cover approved expenses, such as travel, meals and child care. Individuals are welcome to attend with family members. 

This program is sponsored by the Center of Rural Affairs, a nonprofit focused on cultivating strong communities through social and economic efforts and environmental stewardship.