USDA looks to employ veterans

Posted by IronPlanet on Feb 29, 2012 4:54:00 AM

Coming back home from a warzone can be difficult for many military members, especially if they have difficulty finding a job. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with the American Legion to provide jobs for service members coming back home.

A new agreement between the two groups hopes to raise the number of veterans employed by the USDA. As of now, approximately 12.5 percent of USDA workers are former military members. The organization hopes to raise that number to 17 percent by the end of the year as new positions are created.

"It's a great match because people coming out of the military service are problem solvers," Vilsack said. "Particularly these war vets have had to deal with very significant circumstances that require them to think quickly and clearly and to reach a solution to a problem. Plus, they are technically efficient. In their service to the country, they have learned skills that are absolutely necessary for us at USDA."

The USDA will also provide grant money to military members who want to work independently and start their own farms or business. Those who receive this money, or any other farmer, may want to consider investing in used agricultural equipment from IronPlanet. The site offers a wide variety of tractors, dump trailers and other vehicles that can help a starting agricultural business get off the ground.

Topics: Industry Headlines