Learn how farming and related professions can be a natural fit for those who served in the U.S. military
The 10th annual Military Agriculture Tour is open for participant registration. The day-long event introduces active duty and transitioning personnel, veterans, and their spouses to the agriculture diversity within Hillsborough County.
Hosted by Hillsborough County UF/IFAS Extension Service, the tour begins at 8 a.m. and ends at approximately 4 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and includes lunch and bus transportation to and from each stop.
Highlights of the tour will include a visit to a tropical aquaculture farm, Astin Farms, a tour of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and other Hillsborough County farms.
The tour showcases careers in the local agriculture industry as a way to connect veterans with job opportunities. This event also provides attendees with the chance to hear from local farmers and ask questions.
Agriculture is a growing job market
The technical and management skills acquired in the military can put veterans in an excellent position to start a new career in the agricultural field.
Today's agriculture industries increasingly focus on using technology and management systems for the production of food, medicine, consumer products, and energy. Like any business there's labor recruitment and management, bookkeeping, procurement, and marketing to name just a few.
Occupations with high potential for growth include farm and ranch managers, environmental compliance inspectors, farm equipment mechanics and service technicians, agricultural and food science technicians, agricultural science teachers, and many others.
Space is limited - reserve your spot today
The Military Agriculture Tour has limited space, so advance registration is required. Sign up online as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this potentially career-building opportunity.
Additional information about the tour is available by contacting Simon Bollin, Hillsborough County agribusiness development manager, at (813) 853-1086 or Bollins@HCFL.gov.
Visit Veterans in Agriculture for more information on agricultural career opportunities for veterans.
Hillsborough County Extension Service is responsible for extending and implementing research-based information to the people of Hillsborough County. Extension provides education and information to county residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media. The department partners with the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).