Seguin Ag Workshops highlight Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground hosted two workshops in Seguin, Texas on June 28th and 29th.

Sheep 101 Workshop

Members of the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Project hosted the Sheep 101 Workshop on June 28th. Heidi and Ray Barber and Mary and Greg Miller of cohort 4 organized the workshop and offered hands-on training for participants.

Photo of sheep workshop participants in classroom

Right Choice Sheering provided a sheering demonstration while educating participants on the process and tips for prepping for sheering.

Photo of Right Choice Sheering demonstrating how to sheer sheep for participants
Right Choice Sheering provide a sheep sheering demonstration

Cohort members also educated participants on nutrition, handling, predation, and wool production.

Photo collage of wool and hair in sheep

Heidi and Ray Barber built and gave away a sheep and goat stanchion at the event. The stanchion is equipped with removable rails, a ramp, and a bench to limit bending and stooping while working livestock.

Photo of Heidi and Ray Barber with winners of sheep & goat stanchion.
Heidi and Ray Barber (right) with winners of sheep and goat working stanchion

Ag Business Workshop

The BattleGround to Breaking Ground Agriculture Business Workshop was hosted on Saturday, June 29th in Seguin. Topics included rural business ideas, business planning basics, resources for veterans and beginning farmers, farm safety, and a financial funding panel.

Veteran farmer rancher Doug Havemann and his wife Melissa shared their experience owning a farm after the military, how it has enhanced their lives, and how they give back to other veterans through agriculture and education.

Photo of Doug Havemann
Doug Havemann, retired Army and co-owner of Mesquite Field Farm

Doug and Melissa Havemann own and operate Mesquite Field Farm in Nixon, Texas where they raise grass-fed beef, chickens, and specialty crops. They share their love for agriculture and veterans by hosting hands-on training workshops each month. To learn more about their story, visit the Mesquite Field Farm website here. To check out upcoming hands-on workshops, visit here.

Participants also connected with local resources such as USDA agencies and the Texas Department of Agriculture to learn about services and programs provided.

Photo of participants around USDA NRCS table
Participants engaging with local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service agents.

Click here for a list of upcoming ag business workshops!

Blog Article by: Makenzie McLaurin Thomas

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