Small farms get big boost

More than 100 farmer veterans are being awarded equipment thanks to the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. The grant supports veterans in their early years of farming and ranching. This grant program through the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is helping farmers meet the difficult challenge of obtaining start-up capital.

“We directly purchase a piece of equipment the farmer has identified as being critical,” explains Jeanette Lombardo, FVC executive director. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect us. It’s an honor to help them grow their operations so they can continue to feed their communities.”

Over 11 years, this funding has been the difference-maker for farmers. More than 700 veterans have benefitted with $3.5 million in equipment distributed.

The 2021 class of Fellows includes:

•  representation in nearly 40 states – from Alaska to Maine, and even Guam.
• 47 females, doubling the percentage of women awardees as compared to prior years.
• nine awardees who have spouses who also served in the military.
• 52% Army, 18% Marines, 17% Air Force, 11% Navy and 2% Coast Guard.

Equipment will soon be delivered to farms – starting now and into the summer. Grantees anxiously await greenhouses and grow tents, walk-in coolers and cold storage units, milking systems, water filtrations, and honey extractors. Other unique requests include a mushroom substrate steamer and a lavender bud stripper.

“It’s Christmas week at FVC and we’ve all been so busy wrapping the presents!” beams Rachel Petitt, who has managed the Fellowship program for seven years. “Now we start loading them into Santa’s sleigh.”

Funding is made possible by Kubota Tractor Corporation, Tractor Supply Company, Wounded Warrior Project, Farm Credit, Tarter USA, Homestead Implements, Vital Farms, and even directly from other farmer veteran members.

Some of this year’s grantees have been mentored by other farmer veterans throughout their career. Many intend to hire veterans as they expand their own businesses. A few will purchase their piece of equipment from another FVC member, in essence doubling the impact within the community.

“The need in our rural communities is great,” acknowledges Lombardo. “We are inspired by the members who applied. This year it was difficult to select finalists; we understand the impact the grants make on peoples’ lives. This furthers our commitment to secure more funds for the next round.”

You can view the full list of 2021 awardees here.

The five ‘Geared to Give’ Kubota tractor Fellowships will be announced later in May.