This week on Straight, No Chaser, Katy Keiffer chats with Jeannette Beranger of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and Chris Ritthaler of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Tune in and hear how the ALBC helps set up veterans who are interested in taking up farming after serving for their country. Learn why heritage livestock appeals to these vets and how they adapt to life on the farm even if they have no background in agriculture. Also learn more about the unemployment epidemic that veterans in our country face and why the general public should learn more about what veterans actually did when they served. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“There’s been a huge upsurge in interest in traditional breeds over the past few years.”

–Jeanette Beranger of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy on Straight, No Chaser

“There are a few reasons you’re seeing vets interested in heritage breeds. Because a lot of the vets don’t have a background in agriculture, they are taking a real close look at their situation and financials and realizing they have to be smart. Heritage breeds fit a niche market and don’t require a large level of infrastructure.”

“The unemployment rate for veterans is significantly higher than the national average. The unemployment rate for vets in the post 9/11 era is over 10%.”

“Less than 10% of the US has ever served in the military. There’s a huge disconnect between the knowledge base of what a veteran does.”

–Chris Ritthaler of the Farmer Veteran Coalition on Straight, No Chaser