Dirt Therapy: Veterans in Agriculture
Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
( The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.)
This is the first of a series of podcasts that we recorded from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems conference at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.
SFFFS is hosted by our friends at Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and Small Producers Initiative.
Kris Vandenberg, US Army veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchens.
Hire Vetted Kitchens catering in Central Texas: https://vettedfarms.com/vetted-kitchens/
Vetted Farms Merch:https://vettedfarms.com/
FB:@vettedkitchens | IG: @vettedfarms
Connect w/ Farmer Veteran Coalition
This Soil Sisters episode features Kris Vandenberg, US Army veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchens.
Kris shared his journey from military service to regenerative farming, and the profound impact of community and agriculture on veterans’ well-being.
From Military to Regenerative Agriculture
Kris opened up about his transition from military to civilian life and how farming offered him a new purpose. He discussed the challenges veterans face in reintegrating into civilian society and how regenerative agriculture provides a healing and meaningful path.
Vetted Farms emerged from Kris's passion for culinary arts and a commitment to sustainable living. He explained how his food truck and catering business in Austin led him to explore and embrace regenerative farming practices, focusing on the health benefits of nutrient-dense food sourced locally.
A significant part of the conversation centered around Kris’s dedication to engaging veterans in farming. He highlighted the mental health benefits of "dirt therapy" and how getting veterans involved with the land can foster community, provide structure, and offer therapeutic benefits.
$25,000 Grant for Growth
Kris shared his excitement about a recent $25,000 grant from Kiss the Ground, which will aid in expanding his Vetted Farms initiative developing quarter-acre plots to encourage veteran involvement in agriculture, fostering a cooperative spirit for learning and growth. Looking ahead, Kris envisions a thriving co-op model that combines community agriculture with veteran support. He hopes to integrate Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmer's market initiatives to further expand Vetted Farms’ reach.
We’re excited to collaborate with Kris and Vetted Farms on our Main St. Gardens learning center and the “Hands in the Dirt” program we’re kicking off with students in Caldwell County.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
P.S. Receive Our TX Soil Sisters Newsletter by Signing Up Here. And Join Our Co-Op Here. 🙌
L to R: Kris, Crystal, Johanna - Post Interview Selfie
listen to the Podcast
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Time Stamps & Links
00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast
00:33 Introducing Kris Vandenberg, US Army Veteran and founder of Vetted Farms and Kitchen
02:00 The Birth of Vetted Farms
03:15 Challenges and Realizations in the Food Industry
05:02 The Importance of Community in Farming
09:37 Veterans and the Healing Power of Nature
13:18 Kiss the Ground Grant and Future Plans
17:43 Personal Background and Farming Roots
21:31 The Impact of Modern Convenience on Hard Work
21:41 Nostalgia and the Labor of Farming
21:56 Exploring Agricultural Techniques
23:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
26:46 Challenges Facing Small Farms
36:45 The Role of Community and Faith
38:36 Conclusion and Ways to Support
Soil Matters Radio Hour on KLKT 107.9, Radio Lockhart
If you live in Lockhart, you can catch the Soil Matters Radio Hour live each WEDNESDAY from 5-6p on KLKT 107.9. If you don’t live in Lockhart, you can listen to the livestream at KLKT.org.
