The experience of serving in the US Marine Corps as a foundation for Travis Appel's farming career

Travis Appel spent eight years serving in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq. After finishing his military service, he attended the University of Arkansas. His interest in the agricultural sector emerged during an internship on a private farm, where he first tried his hand at growing crops.

The first crops Appel worked with were strawberries and pumpkins. Later, he expanded his production line by adding tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, okra, watermelons, and melons to his assortment. In his comments to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in Arkansas, the farmer noted that his military training was an important factor in his professional success in the agricultural industry. He also emphasized the significant opportunities in agriculture for veterans returning from overseas.