American VetFarm Network

Farm Coaching

Short Intake Call Program Fit Next Step

Start with a short intake call to help identify the right agricultural resources, programs, and next steps.

Most intake calls are about 20 minutes and are simply a starting point. You do not need a finished business plan, land, equipment, or a fully formed farm operation before reaching out.

Farm Coaching begins with a conversation with a farmer. The goal is to learn where you are in your farm journey, what you are working toward, and which At Ease Orchard program or resource pathway may be the best fit.

American VetFarm Network is designed especially for beginning farmers, but At Ease Orchard also connects with farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs at other stages.

Farmer-Led Intake

Talk With Someone Who Farms

The first call is led by a farmer with more than 20 years of hands-on farming experience and personal experience as a caregiver to a disabled veteran.

That perspective matters. Farm questions are rarely just about production. They can involve family, land, money, capacity, timing, health, confidence, and figuring out what is realistic for your life. The intake call is designed to help sort through those pieces and identify a clear next step.

Finding the Right Fit

At Ease Orchard has several program pathways. The intake call helps us understand where you are in your farm journey and which next step may be the best fit.

Beginning Farmers

American VetFarm Network is focused on veterans who are just getting started, exploring agriculture, or building early-stage farm goals.

Learning & Connection

Some participants may be best served by a virtual gathering, an in-person Summit, peer learning, or Field Guide resources before moving into one-on-one support.

Other Program Pathways

If American VetFarm Network is not the right fit, we may be able to point you toward another At Ease Orchard program, partner organization, or outside resource.

Start With a Short Intake

The intake call is not an interview, application, or formal business review. It is a simple starting conversation to understand your goals, questions, and current stage.

After the call, you may receive Field Guide resources, partner referrals, event opportunities, educational materials, or a suggested next step based on your goals and stage of development.

Field Notes Before the Call

Three Questions to Think About

You do not need polished answers. These are just simple questions to help make the intake call more useful.

1

What kind of farm life are you interested in?

Livestock, crops, homesteading, markets, land stewardship, value-added products, or something you are still figuring out?

2

What do you already have to work with?

Land, animals, equipment, experience, family support, a business idea — or just curiosity and a place to begin?

3

What is the next thing you need help figuring out?

Education, resources, funding leads, training, peer connection, program fit, or a realistic first step?

Things We Can Talk Through

The intake call can cover a wide range of early farm questions. You do not have to know exactly what you need before you reach out.

Raising Chickens
Growing Vegetables
Cutting Hay
Maple Sugaring
Forest Products
Soil Health
Land Access
Farm Business Basics
Finding Resources

What Farm Coaching Can Help With

Planning

Finding Your Next Step

Talk through your goals, ideas, timeline, and questions so you can better understand what to research, who to contact, and what decisions may come next.

Resources

Connecting to Support

Get pointed toward agricultural resources, USDA programs, partner organizations, learning opportunities, and tools that may fit your situation.

Perspective

Real-World Farm Questions

Ask questions about starting small, livestock, land access, infrastructure, business basics, markets, and building a farm life that is realistic and sustainable.

How It Works

Email Us

Send a short note about who you are, where you are located, and what kind of agriculture questions or goals you are working through.

Initial Intake Call

A short intake call helps us understand your goals, background, experience level, location, timeline, and current needs.

Program Fit

We help identify whether American VetFarm Network, another At Ease Orchard program, or an outside resource may be the best fit.

Next Step

You may receive resources, partner referrals, event opportunities, or invitations to virtual gatherings, Summits, or other learning opportunities.

What Farm Coaching Is — and Is Not

  • It is a starting point for intake, guidance, resources, referrals, and next-step support.
  • It is a way to talk through farm goals with someone who has hands-on farming experience.
  • It is designed to help identify useful resources and possible program pathways.
  • It is not a guarantee of funding, land, equipment, or program eligibility.
  • It is not legal, financial, tax, medical, or mental health advice.
  • It is not a replacement for working directly with USDA, Extension, lenders, attorneys, accountants, healthcare providers, or other qualified professionals when needed.

Request a Farm Coaching Intake

Interested in Farm Coaching? Email us to share what you are working on and what kind of support or resources you are looking for.

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