Erin Kimbrough, Program Manager
Erin Kimbrough is the program manager and co-director for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s programs BattleGround to Breaking Ground & Texas AgrAbility. In 2017, Erin assisted to design and implement USDA FSA’s Veteran Farmer Streamlined Program that built on existing curriculum to provide education to veterans wishing to meet eligibility for the USDA FSA Farm Ownership Loans. In 2019, the BattleGround program partnered with Compatible Lands Foundation to further develop the Battleground program through the Farmer’s Education & Training Project.
Mrs. Kimbrough holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Agriculture Science and has a teaching certificate in agriculture education. She is responsible for developing programs, securing funding, writing curriculum, creating educational materials, providing education, and managing day to day operations. She also conducts outreach for the programs and builds relationships with program partners locally, regionally, and nationally. She has been a local and national speaker regarding topics such as agriculture, disability, and veterans.
Erin and her husband, John Kimbrough (Marine veteran & first responder), along with their 4 children own Growin on Faith Farm which utilizes sustainable, regenerative practices to raise grass-fed, grass finished Wagyu Angus beef. Growin on Faith received the 2015 TDA Young Farmer Grant and the 2019 Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund. Erin & John have a passion for educating veterans and provide workshops on their operation. Additionally, Erin & John assisted to develop and launch the largest state chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition and they serve together as founding board members on the Board of Directors of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Texas.
Phone: 979-321-5228
Email: erin.kimbrough@ag.tamu.edu
Heidi Barber, Program Coordinator
Heidi is a 20-year Army veteran and co-owner of Hay Ewe Ranch. They raise Dorper & Katahdin sheep. Heidi has an Associate’s degree in Agriculture Science and has worked for the Central Texas College Livestock Center. Heidi is a graduate of the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Program and former Farm Manager for the FEAT farm (former educational training farm for BGBG). Heidi coordinates all onsite education and training activities at Hay Ewe Ranch. She provides mentorship and guidance to Battleground to Breaking Ground program participants. Additionally, she coordinates training and provides oversight for the BGBG STP participants in the Ft. Hood area. She conducts individual education planning, grades assignments, updates participant progress, and assists with agritourism projects.
Phone: 254-640-2967
Email: heidi.barber@ag.tamu.edu
Megan Peveto, Program Assistant
Megan (Azopardi) Peveto graduated from Texas A&M in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development. Megan grew up riding horses and competed in rodeo throughout her childhood. Her family has a long history in the Texas horse racing industry, both her father and her great-grandfather were inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. She was an active member of 4-H as a child, and gained experience with agriculture through showing llamas, rabbits, horses, and working on her grandfather’s pecan farm in South Texas. Megan is the spouse of an Army veteran which has driven her passion for working with military populations. She started working for AgriLife Extension in 2019 and has worked in several educational and training capacities. Megan has supported individuals with disabilities through post-secondary education and training programs as a mentor. Megan will be assisting Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground by coordinating educational events and programs, assisting with client case management, and providing support for program development.
phone: 979-321-5239
email: megan.azopardi@ag.tamu.edu