Veterans becoming Farmers / Homesteaders

[@chester1013]

Thank you for this video this is a great video and I appreciate the time you put into it I'm a veteran Not a wartime veteran 79 to 83 But I was also in the Army Now I'm 64 And I want to move to Tennessee and start farming And this video has given me a lot to think about And I just want to say thank you

[@brianevans2377]

Thank You for reaching down and sharing ! A great deal of honest advice and information ! I’m looking for acreage to increase its fertility and start small with Bees and Chickens. At my point in life I want to eat the best foods. High nutrition, no chemicals, no fertilizers, organic compost, and cover crops. I’m looking for a patch of peace and solitude. My sacrifices have taught me that those who have fought for Freedom are in a select group. No matter which branch we are a Band of Brothers. 71-72

[@tommyvanzuyen]

Thank you brother, God bless.

[@twc9000]

A lot of good points. Thanks.

[@scottsavelkoul9455]

Look at Farmer Veterans Coalition, great resources and geared for exactly what you are I are doing

[@VCooper52]

Thank you for your service!!

[@harryscott7090]

Thank you for the information.

[@robertnoraas2636]

Ret Navy Corpsman a lot of good info

[@andyzumwalt3632]

I'm a Air Force Retired Veteran. Note not all VAs are the same you might want to check more than 1 out. They have also drastically changed how they operate in the last ten years. My biggest struggle when getting out was trying to find some self worth. I was no longer the go to guy with experience. It took me a while to find a mentor and I am still looking for more but three years into beginning my farm I'm starting to get opertunities.

[@benculver4727]

Thanks for this video I'm in your shoes, and struggling i want to farm full time but can't afford it. Your battle budy comments are so true

[@jwmcginnis]

Keep it up man, appreciate you watching and commenting. It’s not easy but it can be very rewarding. I have to learn to not be so hard on myself when things aren’t perfect.

[@emilybangsdrums3793]

I think its wild that I've been learning, researching, and absolutely absorbing all I can for the last three years about small farm start-ups before I retire (in 2026)... and this is the first video that actually speaks to fellows veterans with a perspective on the highs and lows of transitioning into farming. Nearly everything else on YT simply acknowledges a veteran status, and perhaps passively mentions using a VA benefit for grants or training. But never this level of detail. THANK YOU. And yes, although I've been a Legion member for 20 years my plan has been to go through Wounded Warrior. I've heard nothing but great stuff about the knowledge and thoroughness of their VSO volunteers.

[@jwmcginnis]

Thanks so much for the comment, and watching

[@anthonydolezal6627]

You explained it very well! Thank You! I thought I was alone. Keep Smilin!!!!

[@leifmorris5114]

Great video, from Australia,fellow vet here, similar story. Thanks 🙏

[@jwmcginnis]

I met some Australian Army in Kuwait. I remember Australia Army girls looking way better than American girl. I questioned if every pretty girl in Australia had to join.

[@leifmorris5114]

@jwmcginnis desert princess 🤣 I was in Afghan with US , was great to meet US counterparts

[@JohnSmithJrVT]

First you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Full Stop. Second, as a dad now that has a son serving in the Navy I appreciate the honest commentary that you gave in this video. I know when my son returns home he will come back to our little farm and it will not be the same. For starters, he left a child and is returning as a man. That is very different and he will be coming back with a family of his own which excites me to no end. Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself out there like you do in these videos. It is much appreciated.

[@jwmcginnis]

Thanks for watching and I pray your son stays safe. Good luck with your farming endeavors.

[@steveprather4716]

So glad I found this video! I am in the process of starting a small farmstead myself and can totally relate to the failures and little successes! It has been a slow process due to my daily mental and physical challenges that I experience but in the end, I know it will be a lifesaving endeavor. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@commissionhunter]

I’m definitely a vet trying to get into homesteading… I’m selling my home and moving to the woods soon.

[@musicgroopie1]

I fought in Desert Storm and suffer from nerve damage I believe was exposure to Serin gas ( nerve agent). I grew up on a farm but after military service moved to the city. After 35 years living and working in the city, I am just a few months from moving to my forty acre farm in North east Texas. I have a guy leasing it out with cattle right now but I'm to old to mess with that. I've decided to run sheep and a few goats to make a little money and easier to manhandle. I have a really good pension so money is not an issue. I just love farm life and I need to stay busy to keep my PTSD in check. I really enjoy the knowledge you share ang good luck with your channel.

[@jwmcginnis]

Thanks for watching and I wish you the best

[@Marilou-g5t]

Gabe Brown's Dirt to Soil is a good overview of regen ag. Greg Judy's 1st 3 books are templates on leasing land, custom grazing others' animals, and grazing to improve the soil and have healthy animals. Allen Williams, Will Harris, Ray Archuleta, ... are some who explain regen well on youtube.

[@jwmcginnis]

Great advice thanks. I learned a lot from David Brandt here in Ohio and have purchased seed from him in the past. I found Gabe Brown through him, they were friends and both had great knowledge of soil health. Thanks for the additional book list to the viewers.

[@anthonydolezal6627]

You just gained another subscriber Brother.

[@jwmcginnis]

Appreciate it

[@robertbell8035]

Good video I going to share this with both my brothers. Maybe it will help them.

[@williamdecamp7343]

The truth…the VA is a joke! I spent 10 yrs active duty ARMY, 2 yrs ARNG, Honorable Discharge an E-6, not that rank matters, had a VA exist physical, screened my medical records and was basically told, good luck but we can’t help you. Came back to the VA after 20 yrs of separation to inquire about basic medical services and was denied. My civilian job had better medical coverage and my combined income (Spouce) made me not eligible. I’m a member of the VFW, served during GW1 (1991) but my unit was never in “theater”, there are countless VETS in my situation that get ZERO assistance from the VA, to include Veteran Farming programs. I’m glad the VA is working for you but for the vast majority of VETS, it’s a joke! Videos like this really trigger me because it’s far from the truth.

[@Goonman77]

Great video! GOVx for government equipment for super cheap too. Disabled vets get access!

[@zakyoder4207]

Thank you for your service!