What the study found
Military veteran farmers in this survey showed a mix of agricultural backgrounds, production activities, motivations, and income sources. Many had early-life exposure to agriculture, and vegetables were the most commonly produced commodity.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these findings can help develop more effective agricultural educational programming for military veterans engaged in farming. The study also suggests a need to better understand veterans’ production roles and educational needs.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used capability approach theory and access theory as a conceptual framework. They distributed a national online survey through nonprofit organizations that received federal funding to provide nonformal agricultural education to veterans, and they collected data on demographics, military history, agricultural background, current production activities, land access, income from farming, motivations, and challenges.
What worked and what didn't
The survey found a higher representation of commissioned officers than enlisted personnel among respondents. Nearly half had access to less than 50 acres of land, and common challenges included limited time, labor, land, and equipment. Respondents often cited altruistic motivations for farming, while fewer emphasized therapeutic reasons, and over half reported that a significant portion of their income came from agricultural operations.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations of the study. The findings are based on respondents reached through nonprofit organizations offering agricultural education to veterans, so the summary reflects that survey group.
Key points
- Most respondents had early-life exposure to agriculture.
- Vegetables were the most produced commodity in the survey group.
- Nearly half of respondents had access to less than 50 acres of land.
- Common farming challenges were limited time, labor, land, and equipment.
- Over half reported that a significant portion of their income came from farming.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Veteran farmers report varied production, land access, and income
- Image credit:
- Photo by Mark Stebnicki on Pexels
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