In 2021, Harvest Returns partnered with Bear Hug Cattle Company, a non-profit providing veterans with opportunities in the ranching community.
Together, the companies give veterans the resources, knowledge and funding necessary to be successful in the ranching industry. At BHCC, transitioning service members are offered a 10-week intensive course where attendees gain confidence in horsemanship, ranch tasks, basic ranch economics, and receive field training at historic operational ranches in the western U.S.
“Culturally, ranching is very similar to the military,” said Benjamin Minden, Founder of Bear Hug Cattle Company. “Veterans and ranchers alike are selfless, value driven, leadership focused, hardworking, outdoor oriented, and mission centered. Veterans are trained to get up early, work long hours in tough environments, and function as part of a small team. This military work ethic is something highly sought after by ranch owners across the country, but many service members typically lack the knowledge and resources to learn how to make this transitional leap.”
Chris Rawley, Harvest Returns CEO, and Austin Maness, Harvest Returns COO, recently visited the BHCC ranch to teach finance and marketing to veteran ranchers. During the visit, Harvest Returns donated funds to BHCC to provide grants to their veteran ranchers and cover start up and operating costs. The company is also offering graduates of the program discounted fund-raising services on their platform.
“As a company founded and run by veterans, our partnership with Bear Hug Cattle Company is a natural fit,” said Chris Rawley, a 30-year Navy veteran and CEO of Harvest Returns. “We are excited about working with new veteran ranchers and helping them fund their operations.”
Please consider supporting Bear Hug’s mission to help veterans transition into ranchers by donating or buying their merchandise.
