Applications are now being accepted for Cohort 11 of the BattleGround to Breaking Ground program for active-duty military, veterans and others offered through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Applications are now open for Cohort 11 of the BattleGround to Breaking Grund program focused on active-duty and veteran members of the military. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

“We have a limit of 45 people in each BattleGround to Breaking Ground program cohort,” said Erin Kimbrough, AgriLife Extension family and community health agent, Bryan-College Station. “Fifteen of these spaces are offered tuition-free for active duty and retired military whose applications are accepted.”

Kimbrough said successful applicants for Cohort 11 on a tuition-free basis will need to attend the “basic training” portion of the project in person. Basic training for Cohort 11 will be Jan. 13-15 in Nixon.

Key dates for Cohort 11 are:

— Dec. 1, Tuition-waived application closes at 5 p.m.

— Jan. 3, Cohort coursework begins.

— Jan. 7, Paid tuition due.

Program options and costs

There are two options for Cohort 11 participation. The first is for active-duty military and veterans only. For this option, it is necessary to complete an application for one of the 15 tuition-waived spots. Once those spots are filled, additional participants will be required to pay full tuition.

The second option is for all other participants. Those paying the full tuition cost can skip the application process and bypass any in-person requirements.

Tuition-waived applications close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1, and remaining applications close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. Application instructions can be found at the Texas AgrAbility website. To apply, go to https://tx.ag/Cohort11App. A recorded instructional webinar is also available, and a link to the webinar will be available on the site.

The cost for program basic training is $125 for participants and $75 for spouses. It includes meals, activities, a farm tour, the BattleGround to Breaking Ground workshop and all workshop materials. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.

The tuition cost for Phase 2 of the program is $600, and Phase 3 is $900. For more information, go to https://tx.ag/Cohort11Tuition.

What is BattleGround to Breaking Ground?

“The BattleGround to Breaking Ground program is a three-phase program designed to increase the number of military veteran farmers and ranchers, as well as other beginning farmers and ranchers in Texas and beyond,” Kimbrough said. “While designed for active-duty military and military veterans and their families, military spouses and beginning farmers and ranchers can also benefit from it.”