DES MOINES – Iowa’s military veterans with an interest in farming and related agriculture careers will be the focus of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Iowa conference set from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Easter Seals of Iowa, 401 N.E. 66th Ave., Des Moines.

Conference supporters include Drake Agricultural Law Center, Easter Seals of Iowa, Iowa Agricultural Development Division, Beginning Farmer Center, First State Bank, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency.

Coalition Chair Ed Cox, a staff attorney at Drake Agricultural Law Center, said the conference is a first for Iowa.

“It is seen as a real resource for our veterans exploring and returning to farming and other agriculture careers after service,” Cox said. “Forty percent of Iowa’s veterans are from rural areas with an unemployment rate for returning veterans at 20 percent.

“Our goal is to connect the veterans with farming and meaningful agricultural employment.”

Registration for the Coalition Conference featuring a keynote address by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is free, but seating is limited.

For additional conference information visit: www.iowafarmerveteran.org.