This morning Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, U.S. Department of Agriculture, sat down with a panel of veteran farmers and veteran training organizations for a live Google+ Hangout to discuss opportunities available through USDA for returning service members who are looking for long-term careers in farming, ranching and agriculture.

Joining Deputy Sec. Harden for the discussion was Dave Paulk, owner of Sassafras Creek Farm in St. Mary’s County, Md., Karen and Colin Archipley, co-founders of Archi’s Acres in Escondido, Calif., Marianne Cufone, executive director of Recirculating Farms in New Orleans, La., and Justin Barclay, veteran farming program coordinator at Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pa.

If you are a military veteran living in rural America, you are not alone. Today, more than five million veterans live in rural areas, a higher concentration than in any other part of the country. Many veterans show interest in agriculture because they feel that working on the land helps them successfully transition to civilian life and provides them with a way to continue serving their community. As part of the beginning farmer community, many veterans are eligible for a wide variety of USDA programs and resources that include access to capital through our beginning farmer loan program, farm ownership loans or microloans.

Listen to and/or download audio from the Google+ Hangout here: USDA Google+ Hangout on Veterans in Ag