Episode 271. Farmer Veteran Finds Passion in Horticulture Therapy

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Margo Hale, NCAT’s ATTRA Program Director, visits with Charley Jordan, a flower farmer in Tennessee. Charley is a military veteran and talks with Margo about his journey to farming. 

Charley discusses his farm operation and the enterprises he has pursued, including how his military service and farming experience led him to horticulture therapy. Charley shares his passion for horticulture therapy, and for using agriculture to help others heal. Charley also discusses USDA programs and other resources he has used to help his farm. 

ATTRA Resources: 

• NCAT Armed to Farm
• NCAT Armed to Farm Facebook
• Veteran Resources
• Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching
• Programs Focus on Farmer Well-Being
• Veterans Discuss USDA Programs
• From the Air Force to Alpacas
• High Tunnels and the NRCS 

 Other Resources: 

• University of Tennessee Horticulture Therapy Program
• Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
• Cultivemos – The Network for Farmer Well-Being
• North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center
• Southern Region Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
• Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program
• Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Resources
• Farmer Veteran Coalition
• USDA Service Center Locator
• USDA Farm Service Agency
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Step-by-Step: How to Get Assistance from NRCS
• USDA Rural Development 

Contact Margo Hale at margoh@ncat.org 

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You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

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