American Farm Bureau Federation Conference Champions Veteran Farmers

the alamo 2016 web
The Alamo mission in San Antonio stands as a historic monument to the battle between Texan defenders and volunteers against the Mexican army in 1836. Image from San Antonio Riverwalk website.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, was an event that brought together leaders, advocates, and innovators from across the agricultural sector to discuss pressing issues and celebrate accomplishments within the farming community. Among the key highlights of this year’s conference was the participation of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), highlighting its unwavering commitment to supporting Veterans who have transitioned into farming and agriculture.

FVC was represented at the conference with Abbie Earp and myself manning an exhibit booth where we displayed FSA disaster, relief and recovery support. Our presence underscored the role the FVC plays in empowering Farmer Veterans, providing them with resources, and advocating for policy that benefits their unique needs. Visitors to the FVC booth had the opportunity to gain more experience about the organization’s programs, network with leaders in the agricultural industry, and explore opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that support Veterans in agriculture.

One of the standout moments for FVC during the conference was the recognition of Joe Ricker, a member of the coalition from Indiana. Ricker was honored as the Veteran Farmer of the Year, an award that celebrates his dedication, resilience, and significant contributions to the agricultural community.

Accompanied by this recognition was a $10,000 prize sponsored by Farm Credit as a testament to Ricker’s achievements and the impact of his work with training producers. His story serves as an inspiration to other Veterans seeking to build meaningful careers in agriculture and to help their fellow Veterans.

In addition to celebrating individual accomplishments, FVC utilized the AFBF Conference as an opportunity to discuss one legislative priority on the minds of our Veterans − the sunset clause in the Farm Bill. This clause imposes a time limit on the eligibility of Veterans to access certain agricultural programs, effectively limiting their opportunities to benefit from vital resources as they transition into farming careers.

Recognizing the challenges posed by the sunset clause, FVC plans to partner with the AFBF and Farm Credit to advocate for its removal or modification. By working together, we aim to ensure that Veterans have continued access to programs that support their farming ventures, regardless of how long it has been since they completed their military service.

Changing the sunset clause would not only provide greater equity for Veterans but also strengthen the agricultural sector by encouraging more to bring their skills, discipline, and innovation to farming.

The collaboration between the FVC and AFBF reflects a shared commitment to create a more supportive agricultural community, one that values the contributions of Veterans and recognizes the unique challenges they face in establishing successful farming businesses.

One of the recurring themes throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. By providing Veterans with the tools, resources, and support they need, FVC will continue to help individuals succeed but also strengthen the fabric of rural communities and ensure the continuation of the farmers and ranchers who feed us all.