Dirt Therapy: Veterans in Agriculture

Recorded live from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, the Soil Sisters are talking dirt therapy with Kris Vandenberg, US Army veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchens. Kris shares his evolution from professional chef to farmer, catalyzed by the pandemic and personal health changes. The discussion centers around his mission to engage veterans in regenerative farming, the benefits of community outreach, receiving support, and the challenges and rewards of making transitions and doing hard things. Kris also highlights grant support from Kiss the Ground and his aspirations for Vetted Farms' upcoming projects.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast 

00:33 Introducing Kris Vandenberg, US Army Veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchen

02:00 The Birth of Vetted Farms 

03:15 Challenges and Realizations in the Food Industry 

05:02 The Importance of Community in Farming 

09:37 Veterans and the Healing Power of Nature 

13:18 Kiss the Ground Grant and Future Plans 

17:43 Personal Background and Farming Roots 

21:31 The Impact of Modern Convenience on Hard Work 

21:41 Nostalgia and the Labor of Farming 

21:56 Exploring Agricultural Techniques 

23:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 

26:46 Challenges Facing Small Farms 

36:45 The Role of Community and Faith 

38:36 Conclusion and Ways to Support

💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚

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