Continue to serve with a rewarding career in organic agriculture.

Are you a military veteran ready for a change? Learn how to farm with Rodale Institute! Our Veteran Farmer Training program will prepare you for a successful career in organic agriculture.

Program Highlights

  • Flexible
  • Paid
  • Two season options: 8-16 weeks or 35 weeks
  • Learn from experts
  • Eligibility for free housing
  • Outdoor learning environment
  • 100% hands-on

Immersive Learning

Learn through personalized, hands-on experiences and get access to Rodale Institute’s deep network of industry professionals and experts.

Through field trips, workshops, speaking engagements, and more, you’ll learn the fundamentals of organic farming.

Location

The Veteran Farmer Training Program is located at the Rodale Institute Headquarters in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

student of the veteran farmer training program

Interns in the Veteran Farmer Training Program receive hands-on instruction in all areas of farm operations, including tractor safety

Training opportunities include:

Vegetable production

Composting

Soil health

Beekeeping

Machinery and equipment use

Greenhouse and high tunnel production

Marketing

Learn More

Apply

Applications for the Veteran Farmer Training Program are now closed. We will begin taking applications for the next growing season in September of 2024.
In addition to completing an application, interested students will be required to submit a resume along with a copy of their DD 214 Member 4 stating discharge status. If you have questions, please email Veterans@RodaleInstitute.org or call 610-683-1442.

View the 2024 application

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

Donate

Support Rodale Institute’s Veteran Farmer Training Program.
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Veteran Programs Manager

Justin Barclay

Justin oversees and manages all facets of the veterans participating in the Veteran Farmer Training Program as well as coordinating the educational component of the Rodale Institute Farmer Training program, and assisting the Education Department with managing the Virtual Campus. He served for six years on active duty in the US Army including a deployment to Afghanistan and an overseas tour in Germany. His educational background includes a B.S. from the United States Military Academy and a Masters Degree from Northeastern University. Justin currently lives on a small horse farm in Carbon County.

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