GREENSBURG, Pa. — With Veterans Day fast approaching and the crisp fall weather on its way, there’s no better time to get to know your local veteran farmer. These agribusiness owners — your neighbors — have served our nation and continue to serve their local communities by raising produce, meat or other agricultural products.
Mark your calendar for Nov. 4 and plan to bring your family along for a visit to the Veteran Farm Trail site nearest you. Hours vary by location.
Members of the military community who see farming in their post-service future are extended a special invitation to visit one of the host farms for pragmatic advice from those who’ve walked in their boots. The stories of how they transitioned from military service to agriculture are as varied as their farm operations, but each can highlight how his experiences in the armed services have prepared him for his new field.
PA National Guard member Sgt. 1st Class Todd Frye, of Pleasant Lane Farm in Latrobe, is unique among Trail hosts. He’s both an active duty soldier and farms his family land with his father, Ralph Frye, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and other family members. They raise calves and heifers as well as producing honey.
These farms will welcome guests during the Nov. 4 PA Veteran Farm Trail:
- Bucktail Farm, 2266 Mountain Road, Richfield 17086; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Hops growing operation
- Fertile Valley Farm, 345 Carley Brook Rd, Honesdale 18431; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dairy
- Green”er” Acres Farm, 747 Buttermilk Hollow Rd, Claysburg 16625; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; High tunnel produce, beef and pork production
- Heritage Farms, 426 Old Route 21 Road, McClellandtown 15458; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Galloway cattle, heritage breed hogs, Leicester longwool sheep
- Hope Hill Lavender Farm, 2375 Panther Valley Road, Pottsville 17901; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Farm store and visits with horses, donkeys and chickens
- Jamboree Farm, 798 Pleasant Hollow Rd., Alum Bank 15521; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Pony rides
- Pleasant Lane Farm, 231 Phillips Road, Latrobe 15650; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Multi-generational family dairy farm and beekeeping/honey operation
- Terrace Mountain Alpacas, LLC, 7110 John Bum Rd, Huntingdon 16652; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Meet with the alpacas, visit farm store with alpaca products from the U.S. and Peru.
For more information on the Trail and to download your Trail Map, see www.troopstotractors.org. The Trail is sponsored by the PA Veteran Farming Project.
— PA Veteran Farming Project
