Ben Groen, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, struggled with farming reliable fencing until he joined AgVets, a program aiding veterans in agriculture. Under mentorship from David Hawthorne, a combat veteran and farmer, Groen learned effective farming practices and gained insights into creating a successful farm. Since its inception, AgVets has supported over 2,200 veterans in finding roles in agriculture, leading many to start their own farms or pursue agricultural education, emphasizing the program's role in aiding transitions to civilian life after military service.
"Everything about the experience, I was learning and enjoying. I thought, this is what I want my place to be like in five or 10 years."
"Fort Drum is right around the corner, and Jefferson County has a lot of farmland. The soldiers get hands-on experience that can help them decide what they want to get involved in after the military."
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