The Courier
News Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Since it began in April, 2011, the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund has provided more than $800,000 to 150 fellows in more than 35 states, and they hope to award more than $300,000 this year. The Fund provides direct assistance to veterans in their beginning years of farming or ranching, a critical time in the launch of a young farm business. Grants are awarded in the name of the foundations or corporations that have contributed to the Fund. 2016 grants are being given through support from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, Prairie Grove Farms, Prudential Financial, and Kubota Tractor Corporation. In addition to monetary awards, the Fellowship provides support in the form of guidance in production, business planning, and marketing. Awards are also made in the form of a scholarship to study for a career in agriculture at a college, university or farm-training
program. The application process is open once or twice a year with the current 2016 application period open from December 1st, 2015 through February 1st, 2016. All applications must be received prior to February 1st, 2016. Following are the eligibility requirements:
Applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, currently be on active-duty, or serving in the military reserve/National Guard. Applicants must be members of FVC (you can join for free at farmvetco.org) Applicants must have an honorable discharge (other characters of discharge may be accepted on a caseby-case basis). Active duty
or reserve members need a command support letter. Applicants must have an agricultural business in operation, and submit a business plan. Applicants must be willing to fully participate in the Fellowship Program, which includes reporting progress, mentoring aspiring veteran farmers, and the possibility of representing FVC at events. Applicants must have a desire to continue to serve others and make a positive impact on the farmer veteran community. Foundations or corporations who want to see their donation go directly to support the farming aspirations of a military veteran can contribute to the Fellowship Fund. Some farm supply companies have offered discounts to purchases made on behalf of the Fellowship Fund awardees. Several groups have raised funds to be used for veterans in their state. Money cannot be given with the intention to benefit a specific individual. www.farmvetco.org
Happy New Year
December 30
,2015
Volume 39 ~ Number 52 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
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Time For New Hunting License
Before heading out in the New Year, Idaho hunters and anglers are reminded to pick up a 2016 license. Nearly all of Idaho’s hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and permits are sold on a calendar year basis, and they expire December 31. The only licenses or permit not sold on a calendar year basis are Idaho’s trapping license and Federal duck stamp. Both are valid from July 1 through the following June 30. This is because the seasons generally begin in the fall and end in the late winter. An annual Idaho resident adult hunting licenses cost $12.75 and fishing licenses cost $25.75. Junior and senior licenses cost even less. Another option is a threeyear license available for junior, adults and seniors, which saves a little money and time standing in line. Licenses are available at Fish and Game offices, license vendors, by phone at 1-800-554-8685, or online at fishandgame.idaho. gov. There is an additional service fee for licenses purchased online. Licenses for disabled hunters and anglers continued on page 3.....