The bus tour will stop at five farming operations in Hillsborough County with opportunities to hear from veteran farmers
Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 14, 2025) - This year marks a decade of Hillsborough County's commitment to providing military veterans a firsthand look at careers in the modern agriculture industry through the annual Military Agriculture Tour.
Over the years, the popular daylong bus tour has inspired dozens of military veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families to start an agribusiness career. Today's farming operations increasingly focus on technology and management systems to produce food, medicine, consumer products, and energy. Transitioning veterans are at a competitive advantage for these jobs because of their unique skillset gained through the military.
The 10th annual Military Agriculture Tour hosted by Hillsborough County Extension Service takes place on Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will visit a wheat processing facility, tropical fish lab, plant nursery, blueberry farm, and the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Attendees will hear from former veterans-turned-agribusiness professionals about how they utilized their skills to transition from the military to careers in agriculture.
The cost of the tour is $5, which includes coffee, donuts, and lunch. Attendees are asked to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and closed-toe shoes. Registration is required and seating is limited.
The Military Agriculture Tour is organized through a partnership between Hillsborough County Extension, Lightning Foundation, Farm Credit of Central Florida, Veterans Florida, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Hillsborough County and its partners are committed to assisting transitioning veterans by providing meaningful connections to quality civilian career opportunities and training.
Event Details
Who: UF-IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
What: 10th Annual Military Agriculture Tour
Where: 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
When: March 28, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.