The University of Idaho Extension has introduced a new initiative designed to connect military veterans with careers in agriculture, offering hands-on training and business development support at no cost to participants or their families.
The program, called Harvest Heroes, operates out of Spaulding Ranch Park in Boise — a 20-acre historic property — and was developed in cooperation with the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Idaho and the City of Boise.
Hands-On Training with Real-World Application
Veterans enrolled in the program work alongside Extension educators and experienced veteran farmers to cultivate a market garden while building foundational knowledge in small-scale farming. The curriculum blends online coursework and workshops with access to farming resources and adaptive gardening technology, giving participants both classroom instruction and practical field experience.
After completing the program, graduates become eligible to manage incubator plots on-site and receive continued guidance as they develop their own farm business concepts — offering a meaningful pathway from military service into agricultural entrepreneurship.
What Comes Next
Harvest Heroes represents a growing effort in Idaho to channel the discipline and work ethic of the veteran community into the state’s agricultural sector. With enrollment free for veterans and their families, the program removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent transitioning service members from exploring farming as a livelihood.
The University of Idaho Extension is expected to continue expanding the program’s reach as initial cohorts move through training and into independent farm operation. Veterans in the Treasure Valley area interested in enrolling can contact the University of Idaho Extension for program details and enrollment information.
For additional coverage of Idaho agriculture and workforce development, visit IdahoFarmers.org and IdahoNews.co.