GREENSBURG, Pa. — Veterans and beginning farmers are invited to a Farm Field Day at Jacobs Valley Farm in Hanover, PA, from 9 am to 1 pm. With funding from USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, the event is free to military, eligible veterans, and their spouses; cost is $10 for the general public. Lunch will be served and registration is limited to 20 attendees.
Host farmers and dual Navy couple Travis and Wendy Shearer established Jacobs Valley Farm in 2016. Attendees will learn about their Katahdin sheep and chick operations, and see the unique set up for lambing. The morning will begin in the private woods above the farm with DCNR Service Forester Matthew Kern, who will discuss managing your woodlot and where to obtain technical assistance, forestry conservation plans, and funding.
Giana VanNice, Navy veteran, will lead an interactive discussion of practical consideration in marketing. Attendees will go away with concrete actions in the short and long terms to build a stronger customer base for your farm products. Giana and her husband Dan own and operate Blue Dog Farms in York, and have become semi-famous for their unique and funny social media presence.
A field walk of conservation programming on the farm installed with technical and cost assistance from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. District Conservationist Eric Samus has been invited to join us for the field walk. Attendees will also hear lessons learned on working with DEP and the township on compliance issues.
Attendance is limited to provide ample opportunity to interact with our presenters and each other, so early registration is encouraged.
We appreciate the support of local merchants who have provided door prizes for the event.
Event details and registration information is available at https://www.troopstotractors.org/events Attendees will be required to comply with public health guidelines in force at the time of the event. Questions may be directed to pavetsfarm@gmail.com or 724-691-1087.
–PA Veteran Farming Project