Armed to Farm veteran training set in Great Falls

Press release

The National Center for Appropriate Technology, or NCAT, is now accepting applications from military veterans who want to attend the Armed to Farm training in Great Falls.

The week-long training gives veterans and their spouses an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and examine farming as a viable career.

Armed to Farm offers a blend of farm tours and hands-on experience with classroom instruction. Participants will learn about business planning, budgeting, record keeping, marketing, livestock production, vegetable production, small grain production, and more. Participants will leave the training with a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise.

NCAT sustainable agriculture specialists will teach the training sessions. Additional contributors will include staff from USDA Agencies, plus experienced crop and livestock producers.

Armed to Farm is scheduled for Aug. 29 through Sept. 2  at Great Falls College – Montana State University. Participants will attend classroom sessions at the college, and the hands-on instruction will take place at several area farms.

The number of participants will be limited. Applications are due July 22, and selected participants will be notified no later than July 27. Spouses are encouraged to apply as well because running a farm will impact their lives even if they are not directly involved.

The event is free for those chosen to attend; lodging, transportation to local farms and most meals will be provided. Participants must pay their own travel costs to and from the event.

To apply, go to https://www.ncat.org/atf_MT online and apply no later than July 22.

Armed to Farm is organized and hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology. Financial support comes from NCAT’s ATTRA program and NorthWest Farm Credit Services.