VetFarm Network Podcast

There's more than one way to build a successful farm business. For Michael Carter Jr. of Carter Farms in Orange County, Virginia, agricultural education, agritourism, and community partnerships are an important part of the operation.

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, Michael shares how he's building on generations of family farming history while exploring opportunities that go beyond traditional crop production.

From growing specialty vegetables to welcoming military veterans and other visitors to the farm, Carter Farms demonstrates how a smaller agricultural operation can use its land, knowledge, and experiences to make a difference.

We also discuss Michael's years working in Ghana, the importance of preserving family farmland, and how education and farm experiences can create new opportunities for farmers and their communities.

Connect with Carter Farms

Website: https://thecarterfarms.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carterspecialtyfarm

Connect with the American VetFarm Network

The American VetFarm Network, a program of At Ease Orchard, connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with agricultural education, Farm Coaching, resources, and a nationwide network of agricultural partners.

https://ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

Subscribe to the VetFarm Network Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more conversations with farmers, agricultural professionals, and organizations supporting veterans in agriculture.

U.S. Navy veteran and retired NYPD detective Mike Miezianka joins the American VetFarm Network Podcast to talk about his path into aquaculture and building Toasted Oysters on Long Island’s Great South Bay.

We talk about raising Blue Point oysters, learning the business, finding customers, and turning an interest in aquaculture into a commercial farm.

Mike also shares his work helping strengthen the veteran farming community in New York and what he has learned about entrepreneurship after military service.

Toasted Oysters: https://toastedoysters.com
FarmScout: https://farmscoutlocal.com
American VetFarm Network: https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re joined by JJ Garcia, a U.S. Army veteran, farmer, and host of Regiment of the Cross.

JJ and his family raise Navajo-Churro sheep and rabbits in New Mexico. We talk about how their farm developed, why they chose the livestock they raise, and what farming looks like as a family operation.

The conversation also covers JJ’s Catholic faith and the work he does through Regiment of the Cross, where he shares stories of veterans, military chaplains, pilgrimage, sacrifice, and belief.

Learn more about Regiment of the Cross:
https://www.youtube.com/@RegimentumCrux

Learn more about the American VetFarm Network:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard connecting veterans, service members, and military families with agricultural education, farm resources, one-on-one support, and other opportunities in agriculture.

This episode is part of the American VetFarm Network, supported by USDA NIFA 2501.

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re joined by Tim Hubbard, an Army veteran and PGA HOPE Ambassador in Indiana.

Tim shares how he got involved with PGA HOPE, why the program matters to him, and how it gives veterans a chance to learn golf, spend time with other veterans, and build new connections.

One thing Tim makes clear is that you do not need golf experience to participate. Veterans can show up as complete beginners, and adaptive options are available for those who may need accommodations.

We also talk about Tim’s role as an ambassador and how he is helping more veterans learn about PGA HOPE and get connected with programs in their own communities.

Learn more about PGA HOPE in Indiana:
https://indianagolf.org/pga-hope/

Find PGA HOPE programs nationwide:
https://www.pgareach.org/services/military

Learn more about the American VetFarm Network and VetFarm Network Live:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/

VetFarm Network Live meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM Eastern.

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, Kate Mudge, Co-Director of the Care Farming Network, explains what care farming is, how it works, and the different ways farms are being used to support health, recovery, vocational training, and meaningful activity.

We also talk about how veterans may connect with care farming, both as participants and, for some veteran farmers, through programs they may choose to develop on their own farms with qualified partners.

Kate also shares more about the Care Farming Network and its 2027 National Conference, “This is Care Farming,” taking place January 28–30, 2027, in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region.

Care Farming Network
https://carefarmingnetwork.org/

2027 Care Farming Network National Conference
https://carefarmingnetwork.org/2027-care-farming-network-national-conference/

At Ease Orchard / American VetFarm Network
https://ateaseorchard.org/

Next VetFarm Network Live — Office Hours October 8, 2026
https://zoom.us/meeting/86487410591?occurrence=1791500400000&meetingMasterEventId=l91YgyHtTvKFIdIhwFpnNg

What does it actually take to get started in ranching if you didn’t grow up doing it?

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we talk about the New Agrarian Program, a paid eight-month apprenticeship that gives people hands-on experience on working ranches in the West.

We cover who the program is for, how much experience someone needs before applying, what apprentices are learning on the ranch, and what kinds of jobs and opportunities can come afterward. We also talk about the different ways people can build a future in ranching without starting with land ownership.

For veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in livestock or ranching but are still trying to figure out how to get meaningful experience, this episode offers a useful look at one possible path.

The VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard. We help veterans, service members, and military spouses connect with farm and ranch education, one-on-one support, and opportunities across the country.

Resources from this episode:

Quivira Coalition Job Board
https://quiviracoalition.org/job-board/

New Agrarian Program
https://quiviracoalition.org/newagrarian/

Grazer’s Toolbox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwsCUYxh9e0

REGENERATE Conference — October 2026
https://regenerateconference.com/

Learn more about the VetFarm Network:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

Retired Army Colonel Dennis C. Stitt Jr. joins the VetFarm Network Podcast to talk about Soldiers of the Soil, a new hands-on opportunity for veterans interested in ranching and working lands.

Dennis now operates Soldier Mountain Highlands in Idaho, where he raises Scottish Highland cattle and is building programming around horsemanship, stockmanship, livestock, stewardship, and real-world learning.

We also talk about their upcoming October event in Idaho, with options to attend in person, camp on site, or join virtually.

Learn more:
Soldiers of the Soil: https://soldiersofthesoil.org/
Soldier Mountain Highlands: https://smhranch.com/
VetFarm Network: https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

In this episode of the VetFarm Network Podcast, we’re sharing a recording from August's VetFarm Network Live Office Hours conversation with Mike McElroy.

Mike brings years of experience with livestock, grazing, electric fencing, and farm infrastructure. During this informal conversation, we talk about permanent and temporary fencing, high-tensile electric, energizers and grounding, pasture layout, gates, water access, rotational grazing, and some of the decisions farmers should think through before investing in a fencing system.

The VetFarm Network is a USDA-NIFA 2501 supported program of At Ease Orchard supporting veterans, currently serving military members, military families, and beginning farmers with education, farm support, resources, and opportunities to build relationships with other farmers and agricultural professionals.

We hope you join our VetFarm Network Live Office Hours next month!

Learn more:

VetFarm Network
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

Watch more informative fencing videos from Mike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lbw6SrjeZ4&t=51s

Please note: The VetFarm Network and At Ease Orchard do not endorse specific commercial products or companies. Mike joined this conversation to share his experience and knowledge of fencing systems, livestock management, and farm infrastructure.

Farm marketing is not something farmers figure out once and leave alone. Each year, farms need to look at how customers are finding them, whether their information is current, and what needs to be updated.

Learn how FarmScout helps customers find local farms, farm products, and farm events before they visit. For farmers, the app offers a free way to create or claim a public listing, update availability, share events, and help customers understand what the farm offers.

Links from this episode:

FarmScout:
https://farmscout.ai/

American VetFarm Network:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/VetFarm-Network

VetFarm Network App:
https://vetfarmnetwork.lovable.app/welcome

Next Acre:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/Next-Acre

Meta AI Glasses for Veterans:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/Meta-AI-Glasses-for-Veterans

Farm Progress Show:
https://www.farmprogressshow.com/

In this episode of the American VetFarm Network Podcast, with Thane Benson of Benlauck Farm in New York.

Thane is a retired Chief Petty Officer who served 24 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees, including four overseas deployments. He is also the owner-operator of a small, highly diversified farm where he grows fruit, produce, malting barley, dry beans, corn, and grains.

This conversation covers Thane’s experience as a working farmer, the realities of managing a diversified operation, and some of the practices he uses on the farm, including Integrated Pest Management, cover crops, no-till, crop rotation, predatory nematodes, and buckwheat strips for pollinators and beneficial insects.

The American VetFarm Network is a program of At Ease Orchard, supported by the USDA NIFA 2501 Program.

Learn more at ateaseorchard.org