One piece of equipment changed it all.

Ben Martin of Forest Grove, Oregon, served in the Marine Corps. After returning home from war, he pursued a career in winemaking.

Ben credits a grant from Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) for making the difference in his budding wine business early on. Back in 2015, FVC awarded Ben the supplies needed to bottle his first vintage of wine.

“We were just starting out making wine in the back of a horse barn. We had no sales, no exposure. And we needed to bottle the vintage of wine. But we had no bottles, corks, or labels. FVC stepped in and gave us a grant for the supplies”.

acknowledged Ben.

If it weren’t for FVC we wouldn’t have…well actually, I don’t know what we would have done, honestly.”

Ben is not alone.

A national non-profit that serves nearly 25,000 veterans turned farmers, FVC creates a new generation of farmers and food leaders while simultaneously offering veterans a place to heal on America’s farms. Through education and resources, FVC helps veterans with their own farming operation or with finding employment in related agricultural professions.

The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is its small grant program. It helps veterans in their early years of farming and ranching with the purchase of a piece of critical equipment. Hundreds of farmer veterans across the country who have benefitted from the grant share Ben’s sentiment.

In 10 years, the Fellowship Fund has funded more than 600 veterans with $3 million in equipment.

And now, a new grant cycle is underway.

FVC has opened the application for their 2021 funding. This new cycle opened on the first of the year and remains active through Feb 14, 2021.

“These farmer veterans are selfless and service-minded. They ask for very little, so we have to tell our community what the veterans need us to do for them.”

vocalizes Michael O’Gorman, who founded the organization and spurred a full military-to-agriculture movement.

He acknowledges that finding start-up capital is one of the biggest challenges farmers face. And that’s exactly what this grant is designed to do.

“The Fellowship Fund is one of the most successful ways we help farmer veterans with their agricultural endeavors,”

emphasizes FVC’s recently appointed Executive Director, Jeanette Lombardo. She anticipates the opportunity to directly benefit more farmer veterans in her new role and add them to the growing Fellowship family.

Application submissions are reviewed by an advisory committee of agricultural industry professionals. Awards will be granted in the spring. Common equipment requests include All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), breeding livestock, fencing, and tractor implements.

This year, funding for the grants is coming from several partner organizations – Kubota Tractor Corporation, Tractor Supply Company, Wounded Warrior Project, Tarter USA, Homestead Implements, and Vital Farms.

FVC member Eric Grandon – who previously received a grant himself – is also giving back to the community that has supported his own agricultural journey by donating beekeeping equipment.

“I now know what bees can do for anyone with any condition or problem. As long as I continue the success of Sugar Bottom Farm, FVC will always be at the top of my list just because I was at the top of [theirs].”

the West Virginia beekeeper reveals.

As for Ben, the Marine-turned-winemaker, he too shares a feeling common to veterans who now take on a new role of feeding their country and communities:

“I’m much more relaxed these days. I feel more of a sense of a mission, a goal, something to live for, something that I appreciate and that I’m proud of.”

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

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Farmer Veteran Coalition was one of the dozen awarded. A national non-profit serving nearly 25,000 veterans turned farmers, FVC creates a new generation of farmers and food leaders while simultaneously offering our veterans a place to heal on America’s farms.

WWP funding will directly support the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. It’s a small grant program that provides assistance to veterans in the early stages of their agricultural careers with the purchase of a piece of equipment. For hundreds of members, the Fellowship Fund has made a difference in the viability of their farming operation.

Like WWP, FVC believes that every warrior has a next mission. Farming provides the kind of mission-oriented work that many veterans found satisfying while in the military, in addition to offering them a sense of purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.

As member Davon Goodwin of North Carolina puts it, “the camaraderie you lose when you exit the military, you gain that through FVC.”  Davon was injured in Afghanistan in 2010, which altered his life goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in Botany. He transitioned into farming instead with the idea of providing the same commitment to his community as a farmer that he did as a soldier.

“When I got on the farm I felt reinvigorated, I felt life. I felt like there was a connection between humans and soil. When I put my hands in the dirt, it changed me.”

acknowledges the prior Fellowship Fund awardee.

This funding from WWP will support 36 new fellowships – at least half of them designated for female veterans – on their next mission: they have served their country once by defending it, and now a second time in feeding it.

The Fellowship Fund program directly aligns with WWP’s mission by connecting, serving, and empowering wounded warriors that have experienced physical and emotional harm.

It connects recipients into FVC’s vast network of veterans to combat geographic and psychological isolation so common to farmers while establishing a sense of community and camaraderie that mirrors the fellowship of military service.

It serves those who have served our country. For many, the purchase of equipment gives “wounded warriors” with physical limitations the ability to do work on their farms that their physical limitations would otherwise prohibit.

It empowers by giving veterans the financial assistance they need to launch a farming business, and the opportunity to use their existing skills from military service to succeed as an agricultural professional and earn a meaningful, financially sustainable place in the agricultural community.

WWP is providing their 2021 partners more than $2.3 million combined total in grants to expand the impact of WWP’s existing efforts and to fill gaps in programs and services.

“The military and veteran community organizations that we work with help us fill critical gaps in care, ensuring that America’s injured veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive. We’re proud to support these amazing organizations and the diverse spectrum of services and programs they provide. Through these grants, we are strengthening the communities where these warriors, and their families, work, and live.”

said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington.

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

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Many veterans return home feeling lost, without purpose.

They seek that “new mission” they grew so accustomed to during their time in the military. An agricultural non-profit is helping with just that.

When Michael O’Gorman founded Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) in the back of his pick-up truck in 2008, he thought he could help our soldiers have meaningful careers and find healing on our nation’s farms.

At that time no one was connecting veterans with the farming community. Today there are more than 250 organizations supporting this military-to-agriculture movement.

Simply put, FVC helps veterans pursue careers in agriculture. For these men and women, farming has become their new mission. FVC recognizes that agriculture additionally offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.

This is the difference-maker for many veterans in their civilian re-integration.

With Veterans Day upon us, the team of Farmer Veteran Coalition is reflecting on the thousands of farmer veterans they have supported in pursuit of new agricultural endeavors, including those highlighted here.

This year, after a decade of leading the charge, O’Gorman passed the pitchfork to newly appointed executive director Jeanette Lombardo. Raised by an Air Force veteran father, Lombardo grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, on a family dairy farm. She spent decades in agricultural banking and now is eager to carry forward the single best way that FVC assists veterans – through their Fellowship Fund.

A small grant program, the Fellowship Fund purchases farm equipment the member has identified as crucial to their operation. The program has funded $3 million in equipment to over 600 veterans.

Veterans like Alex Jauregui. A double-amputee, Alex lost both legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan during his fourth deployment. Now he finds new purpose in his Fury Bees operation in Northern California. “Farming makes me feel enabled,” shares the former Staff Sergeant. “I never would have imagined beekeeping but it’s been very therapeutic.” FVC teamed up with Work Vessels for Veterans and Semper Fi Fund to purchase a Hummerbee forklift, which significantly reduces the physical impact on Alex’s body.

Veterans like Ladonna Avakian & Heather Paterson. Twin sisters, both women served in the Air Force. Both returned home to Oregon with service-related disabilities. They were awarded a grant to fund an air sprayer for their Hollyaire orchard where they primarily farm sour cherries, hazelnuts, and holly under the Homegrown By Heroes label. Heather reflects:

“It’s small grants like this one that makes us feel valued and supported. Farming is all about community, and FVC really is its own community. To be physically active, outside, working with my twin, and having our family out there – it’s really an American dream.”

Ben Misko, a Marine who suffered a brain injury during combat, has found healing in his Restless Roots farm. He grows vegetables and cut flowers in Central Pennsylvania.

“Having a brain injury can be very frustrating at times, but animals provide a reprieve for me. Farming keeps me sound in my mind, and the animal and plant care keeps me on schedule,”

shares the former Motor Vehicle Operator.

“I asked for this equipment so I can provide for more animals without additional financial burden.”

Michael Trost, who served a decades-long Army career, suffered gunshot wounds that resulted in the amputation of his right leg and the reconstruction of his hand using his toes. After 30 surgeries and two years of hospitalization, he turned to hop growing in Tennessee.

“Starting this farm has given me a new mission, purpose, and direction in my life. I feel more alive than I have been,”

expressed Michael, explaining that the farm is a major part of his post-service recovery.

“FVC believed in me and awarded me funds to install fencing around my hopyard. Now we are using the farm to help other wounded veterans. We were made to become farmers. We love to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Lovay Wallace-Singleton, the president of FVC’s North Carolina chapter, served 20 years in the Navy before founding Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden. VEBCOG provides temporary employment for post-war veterans transitioning back to civilian life, teaching urban farming skills. A Fellowship Fund grant helped Lovay repair her farm’s hoop house after hurricane Florence struck and flooded her property.

And James Webb, whose career as an Army Ranger ended when he was hit by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle near Fort Benning.

“After my accident and getting medically retired, I lost the career I wanted and worked hard for, and lost the brotherhood unlike anything I had ever known,”

lamented the veteran who comes from a long line of military service.

“Once I realized I could use horses to work cattle – my whole world changed.”

He now operates Conway Cattle Company in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and last year spoke at FVC’s national conference in Austin on the panel ‘Rangers on the Range’, featuring five former Army rangers all now ranching cattle.

When FVC was first established, the plan was simple: find a way to help these veterans, and then tell their story. For Michael O’Gorman, getting to work with the men and women of FVC on their own individual journeys to becoming farmers has made it the most rewarding thing he has done.

“I’m really proud of the organization that I started and watched grow,”

shared the founder.

“But we’re still a fairly young organization and are dedicated to helping the farmer veterans out there.”

For as many veterans as FVC has helped, there are still more in need of support.

And the stakes are high, as Marvin Frink – who started Briarwood Cattle Farm in North Carolina to cope with post-service PTSD – shows us.

“I am just so thankful for [Michael O’Gorman] and the hard work he’s done for us. I can openly say it – [Michael] saved my life and I’m very thankful for him. He came to me when I was in a very bad, very dark place, and he pulled me out of it.”

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

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It’s the leading symposium for the military-to-agriculture movement – the growing movement to support the veteran men and women who choose to continue their service to the country by feeding it. The gathering returns for the sixth year.

A national non-profit that helps veterans pursue careers in agriculture, FVC mentors members of our Armed Forces who seek new ways to stay in communities they left in order to serve. When FVC was established in 2008, no one was connecting veterans with the farming community. Today there are more than 250 organizations supporting this movement. The Stakeholders Conference brings all the players together.

Founder Michael O’Gorman said:

“A study showed that ever-increasing numbers of our all-volunteer military are coming from rural areas. We want to help them have a meaningful career when they return home. Farming has become their new mission.”

FVC has assisted thousands of veterans with everything from equipment and grants, business plans, training, and peer collaboration.

The conference connects veterans who are geographically isolated and sometimes separated from access to services. It’s a forum for members to share their stories – their triumphs, struggles, lessons learned, and successes gained. It also serves as an introduction to resources available to veterans – from government, higher education, and partner organizations. Farmer veteran members benefit from exchanging ideas, and building their own community, together as individuals with unique goals, but in a united spirit of camaraderie.

America’s farmer veterans have been severely impacted by Covid-19. This year’s conference features two days of resources crucial to members during this time, through education, workshops, distinguished speakers, guest panels, networking, and development of FVC’s 25 state chapters.

FVC welcomes veterans – including those still serving – who are currently farming, interested in farming, or just want to learn more about the movement. They also welcome non-veterans who would like to show their support of these brave men and women and tune in for agricultural education.

Natalie Monroe, Communications Director, said:

“While nothing can replace the energy of an in-person gathering, we are thrilled that this likely will be the largest gathering of our community. A virtual platform means every single one of farmer veterans has the real possibility of attending without having to travel away from their farms. They can even tune in from the seat of their tractor!”

Even in this virtual capacity, FVC has plans for attendee interaction so that the experience is beyond simply tuning into a screen.

With the whole nation taking a new interest in the health of our rural communities and economies, the collaborative effort of these farmer veterans becomes even more important for making a greater impact in their home towns.

FVC member Rachael Taylor-Tuller of Lost Peacock Creamery in Washington reflects:

“I think people who join the military feel called to be part of something bigger than themselves. Farmers are the same way. When you’re in the military, you’re helping keep your community safe. When you’re in farming, you’re helping keep your community fed. You go from national security to food security. I am very proud to call myself a farmer and I consider it an honor to nourish my neighbors.”

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

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Kubota Tractor Corporation announced the selection of five new farmer veteran recipients of new Kubota equipment as part of its 2020 “Geared to Give” program in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). In recognition of their current and past U.S. military service and their continued service to their communities through farming, country music singer and songwriter Brantley Gilbert helped Kubota and FVC honor each veteran, inviting those nearby to his farm to bestow the gift of Kubota equipment that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and take their farming operation to the next level.

Alex Woods, Kubota senior vice president of sales operations, supply chain and parts, said:

“It truly is the American dream for many – and certainly those returning or starting a new career in farming – to become a self-sufficient farmer, with the right mix of equipment, drive, and determination to make tending to the land your life’s work. Kubota is proud to work with FVC and with Brantley and his team to recognize the 2020 recipients and help us power and empower them with the right equipment to help them achieve their dreams.”

Kubota’s Geared to Give program has provided equipment and grants to 36 farmer veterans since 2015 through FVC’s Fellowship Fund, which matches veterans’ needs with donated resources to help them further their agriculture careers.

Jeanette Lombardo, executive director of FVC, said:

“Helping veterans achieve self-sufficiency in farming communities across the country is one of the greatest joys of our work. We’re extremely grateful to continue working alongside Kubota to deliver the right mix of much-needed equipment to take our veterans’ farms to the next level; it’s truly the greatest gift, particularly for farmers just starting out.”

Gilbert, a strong supporter of efforts to honor active duty military and veterans’ organizations, wanted to get involved and invited this year’s honorees to his farm in Alabama for a special ceremony and private performance in celebration of National Farmer’s Day.

“We wouldn’t have the abundance or variety of food we have today without our nation’s farmers,”

said Gilbert.

“I’m honored to be able to share in this effort with Kubota and FVC, and to pay tribute to all our active military and especially to these five veterans who have served our country once in the armed forces and who continue serving their communities today through farming.”

The 2020 recipients were carefully selected from each one of Kubota’s five operating divisions:

Midwest Division: Cody Miller of Thayer, Iowa, is a U.S. Army veteran who served more than 16 years with one deployment to Afghanistan from 2009-2010, and was raised on his grandmother’s family farm, the same one he is currently operating. Cody farmed up until the day he joined the Army and resumed once he separated from service, tending to 40 acres of row crops, raising ducks and chickens, and learning about horses. He also rents another 200 acres for raising cattle, hay, and row crops, mostly soybeans, and sells his products to local co-ops and plans to sell his calves at the local livestock market. Cody plans to finish his Ag Business degree, purchase his grandmother’s farm to keep it in the family and purchase more cattle. Kubota will award Cody with a 250-hour lease on a Kubota M7 Ag tractor with a loader and baler to handle virtually every agricultural job for his row crop, hay, and cattle operation.

Northern Division: Joshua Nelson, of Ripley, West Virginia, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and currently serving as a pilot in the West Virginia Air National Guard with deployments to Kuwait flying combat missions into Iraq and Syria. Josh is a first-generation farmer who turned a hobby farm start-up in 2015 to an approximately 300-acre owned and leased organic grass-based ranch and farm, raising poultry, cattle, pork, bees and other livestock following regenerative ranching practices. The Nelsons sell their products through a store he co-owns called Farm House Naturals as well as through direct farm sales. To help him achieve his future plans to build ponds for irrigation and water sources for his cattle, as well as develop a full line of grocery and local goods to sell at their farm store, Josh will receive a Kubota MX mid-size tractor, with a cab and loader, and versatile enough to handle almost any application.

Southeast Division: Kara Rutter of Aiken, South Carolina, retired from the U.S. Army this year after more than 23 years of service. She last served as the Army Central Food Service Sergeant Major overseeing subsistence operations in the Middle East. Her husband, Matt, also retired this year as a Command Sergeant Major after 22 years of service and now serves as president of the FVC South Carolina chapter. Together, they own Project Victory Gardens, a 20-acre farm with chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, pigs, beehives, fruit trees, berry bushes, a 1,000-foot greenhouse, a raised bed, and traditional vegetable gardens. Kara has plans to be fully operational in the next 12 months with an aquaponics facility and training lab and teaching kitchen. Her future goals include improving veterans’ mental health and helping them gain employment in agriculture. Kubota will award Kara with an LX Series compact tractor with a cab and loader designed to easily tackle any needed job on the farm.

Western Division: Bodhi Anderson of Honomu, Hawaii, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served five years on active duty as a Corpsman for the Marines with deployments to the Adriatic Sea during the Bosnian War and the Middle East. Bodhi was also commissioned as a Navy Reserves MSC Officer (Physician Assistant) providing medical support to the 4^th Force Recon Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Bodhi grew up on an organic vegetable farm and now he and his wife, Brittany, own Sugar Hill Farmstead, an a15-acre farm that specializes in sustainably raised regenerative meats, sold direct-to-consumer for Hawaii Island families. Cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and meat chickens are all processed on-farm and sold as part of a meat CSA. Bodhi will be awarded a Kubota Sidekick RTV-XG850 utility vehicle, built for durability to move up to 1,000 lbs. in its cargo bed, to more easily distribute feed and spent produce currently hand-carried across the farm. He will also receive a $10,000 grant to assist in the expansion of his pastured poultry production to reach his goal of feeding 100 families each month.

Central Division: Andrew Edelen of Alice, Texas, served five and a half years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviation equipment mechanic. As a second-generation farmer, he has taken over his family’s 350-acre farm, Edelen Farms, where he produces grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, free-range eggs, and vegetables to sell at local farmers’ markets. Andrew has future goals, which include starting an additional farmers’ market, building new greenhouses, and expanding his products to include pork and goats. To assist in these efforts, Andrew will be awarded a Kubota L Series tractor to replace his ailing 40-year-old tractor to meet his most pressing needs on the farm.

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

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