KarunaNews Story

Ever considered farming as a fresh start? The "Armed to Farm" program is transforming veterans into agricultural pioneers, giving them both skills and camaraderie. As Towanda Farrington shares, "I want to use a plow horse on my farm... like nurturing him as he nurtures me." Veterans gather for week-long sessions that mix expert-led classes with hands-on farm tours, tackling everything from soil health to seed saving. With a robust network of mentors and fellow vets, participants like Sean Judge find renewed purpose, even when facing personal challenges. "They never let go of me," Judge recalls. The program's success lies in building a tight-knit community where former military members support each other. With plans to expand and diversify, this initiative is sowing seeds for a sustainable future in farming. Whether you're dreaming of alpacas in Virginia or plow horses in Mississippi, it's all about "aging gracefully in place as a farmer and a veteran."