Local veteran wins tractor supply grant

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct some mistakes.

SAGLE — A local family has received a farmer veteran grant from Tractor Supply.

With the grant money, Andre and Valerie Johansen said they plan on investing in fencing, a rototiller and basic infrastructure for their farm.

The couple started Viking Family Farms last year on their one-acre property. Valerie came up with the name to honor Andre’s Norwegian heritage. Currently, the Johansens grow microgreens, raise bees and chicken, and deliver weekly produce boxes to the Sandpoint area and as far as Coeur d’Alene.

The Johansens said they have learned a lot over the past year and spent time researching how to homestead using online resources. Thank goodness for YouTube, said Valerie.

Since Andre is a navy veteran and as members of the Veteran Farmers Coalition, the Johansens want to take what they have learned and help set up other veterans towards self-sufficiency.

“If this past year has taught us anything it is the value of self sufficiency,” said Andre.

This fall, Viking Family Farms will be putting in a greenhouse. This will extend their growing season. This last year from late February to June, they had over 200 potted starters filling the house. Each day the family would carry the pots outside to much-needed light and bring the plants back in at night, the Johansens said.

“The house looked like something out of Jumanji,” Valerie said.

This is where the greenhouse comes in. The Johansens plan to build the greenhouse themselves. There are a lot of products and stores in the area for farmers, but the cost of these products out-price beginning farmers. If you are just getting into farming or want a homestead you can do it with the basics, you just need to be resourceful, said Valerie.

With the greenhouse, Viking Family Farm plans to start seedlings in January and provide local produce during the winter months, Valerie said.

“Our goal is to purchase land of at least 25 acres homestead and start a bed & breakfast. From there we want to invite community groups from urban areas to learn about farming and homesteading,” said the Johansens.

Viking Family Farms may be on a small lot, but that isn’t stopping this family. When living in a California neighborhood they learned how to use every bit of space. From growing produce in every sort of raised bed to growing vertically, said Valerie. The Johansens tried it all.

Currently Andre and Valerie work full-time jobs outside of the home. They hope to one day run the homestead full-time, give back to the community and veterans and leave a legacy for their two children.

Viking Family Farms wants to partner with other veterans in the community to learn and share their homesteading experiences. Visit their website vikingfamilyfarm.com or follow them on Facebook at Viking Family Farms.

All veterans wanting to homestead should look into the opportunities and grants at the Farmer Veteran Coalition at www.farmvetco.org.