The Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has been working since 2007 to mobilize America’s military veterans into a second career as farmers and food leaders.  The goal is to capitalize on the unique skills and experience of veterans to strengthen the farming and food industry and to replace America’s aging farmers.  

“When soldiers return from overseas or a tour of duty, whether combat or noncombat, it can be difficult finding the relationships or available resources needed to farm,” said Joetta White, a University of Tennessee Extension AgrAbility specialist.  

FVC provides resources, training, and mentorship to veterans transitioning to farming. They also provide annual fellowship grants based on a competitive application process.  

Headquartered in Davis, Cal., FVC represents a network of more than 20,000 veterans nationwide. There are now local chapters in 16 states, with 12 additional states in the process of forming chapters. Here in the Midsouth, growers can find FVC chapters in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Tennessee.  

A farmer’s experience 

The Tennessee FVC chapter started in 2020 and already boasts 1,000 members. Among them is David Hochreiter, a first-generation farmer from McKenzie, Tenn.  

Hochreiter joined the Tennessee National Guard when he was a junior in high school. After graduation, he went to basic training, and became a medic in the National Guard. His military service included two tours overseas — Iraq in 2009, Kuwait in 2011. 

While Hochreiter didn’t grow up on a farm, he was introduced to agriculture by his former 4-H agent, Kenny Herndon. He says 4-H helped develop a passion for agriculture. Following his military service, Hochreiter and his wife, Jessica, purchased a small farm, where they began a custom pork and poultry retail business.  

At H&H Farm, they sell farm-raised meat at local farmers markets. This June, they purchased a registered Belted Galloway herd, and have added beef to their retail lineup. Hochreiter also works off the farm full time as an ag teacher at Westview High School. 

“With both of us being first-generation farmers, we’ve had to develop this from the ground up,” Hochreiter said. “Farming is not a cheap thing to get into. You have to make sacrifices and live within your means to make it work.” 

As a member of Farmer Veteran Coalition, Hochreiter received a $5,000 grant after submitting a detailed farm business plan. He used the funds to purchase a livestock trailer. 

“Before that, we would have to borrow a neighbor’s trailer to move livestock,” Hochreiter recalled. “Now we can get our hogs to market when we need them there.” 

Hochreiter says another benefit of the FVC is the “Homegrown by Heroes” label. The label helps producers market products as being raised by veterans. 

“The label helps differentiate our products and lets consumers know they are supporting veterans,” he added. 

Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference 

FVC is hosting two regional stakeholder conferences later this fall in Knoxville, Tenn., November 18-19, and Tacoma, Wash., on December 10-11. The conferences will feature two days of education, workshops, distinguished speakers, guest panels, networking and more. Registration details are available at conference.farmvetco.org.