From the Director, In the News

Fifth in the Series – Weathering the Storm: Helping Veteran Farmers Overcome Extreme Weather

This is the fifth installment in FVC’s series exploring the challenges facing beginning farmers and ranchers. In this article, we turn our attention to one of the most pressing and unpredictable threats in agriculture today: extreme weather. From floods and droughts to storms and sudden frosts, extreme weather poses unique and often overwhelming challenges to beginning farmers – and especially to Veterans transitioning into agriculture.

When the Weather Works Against You

For any farmer or rancher, success depends heavily on environmental conditions. But when the weather becomes unpredictable or severe, it can quickly turn from a challenge into a crisis.

Beginning farmers are often hit the hardest. They may lack the capital to rebuild after a barn collapse under heavy snow, or the irrigation systems to handle prolonged drought. A flooded field, washed-out access road, or destroyed fencing can mean lost crops, stranded animals, and delayed operations. These setbacks aren’t just financial, they’re deeply personal and often discouraging, especially for those just starting out.

Extreme weather events can strike with little warning and often with great intensity. Without established infrastructure or emergency plans, beginning farmers can be left scrambling for solutions they can’t afford.

Veterans entering farming often bring exceptional discipline, technical skills, and a sense of mission. But they may also face a steeper learning curve when it comes to handling the agricultural consequences of extreme weather. Many are new to farming and lack the experience or local knowledge that helps more seasoned farmers prepare for unpredictable conditions.

Veterans may also be balancing multiple responsibilities as they reintegrate into civilian life – managing physical or emotional injuries, handling VA claims, or adapting to an entirely new profession. A severe storm, prolonged dry spell, or early freeze can not only destroy farm resources but also deeply affect morale.

For a Veteran in the early stages of their farming journey, an extreme weather event can mean much more than lost income. It can threaten their sense of purpose and progress just as they’re starting to build something meaningful.

Veterans are Leaders in Crisis Response For their Communities

Veterans bring with them a unique set of skills – resilience, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm in the face of chaos – that make them natural leaders in times of crisis. These qualities are on full display not just on their farms but throughout their communities. When disaster strikes, FVC members are often among the first to step up.

Across the country, chapter members have come together to provide emergency supplies like water, fuel, and feed – not just for their fellow farmers, but for neighbors in need. In some cases, they’ve gone beyond the farm gate to support broader rescue and recovery efforts. During the Texas floods, for instance, FVC members helped coordinate and take part in search and rescue operations, bringing their military training and farm equipment to bear in life-saving ways. In rural areas with limited emergency services, these efforts can be vital. Their commitment to service doesn’t end with their separation from service – it continues in the form of leadership, aid, and hands-on help when communities are hit hardest.

A Network That Steps In

The Farmer Veteran Coalition plays a vital role in helping their members weather these storms. From national-level coordination to state chapter mobilization, FVC offers targeted resources, responsive support, and a sense of community that proves essential in the wake of extreme weather.

National Outreach and Strategic Support

FVC’s national team actively communicates with state chapter leaders to watch developing situations and identify Veterans in need. Outreach, needs assessments, and program updates help ensure that the right resources reach the right people at the right time.

National staff work closely with our chapters to evaluate requests for assistance and connect members to critical tools, such as disaster relief programs, technical guidance, or farm infrastructure assessments. Whether it’s sending out emergency funding alerts, distributing tarps and generators, or delivering hay – FVC’s network is designed for quick, coordinated response.

Assistance with Claims and Resource Navigation

Dealing with the aftermath of extreme weather often involves navigating complicated systems – insurance paperwork, USDA disaster relief programs, or emergency loans. FVC helps Veterans understand and complete these processes, providing one-on-one support for those struggling to access help.

Many beginning farmers don’t know what resources exist or how to qualify. FVC fills that gap, offering detailed resource lists, online workshops, and personal follow-up to guide Veterans through the recovery process. This support often means the difference between a temporary setback and permanent loss.

Coordinating Local Response with Chapter Leaders

When a Veteran’s property is severely affected by a storm or natural disaster, time is critical. FVC National often coordinates directly with chapter presidents to launch site-specific support efforts. This can include mobilizing volunteers, organizing material donations, or linking members with nearby producers who can lend equipment or pasture space.

These responses are designed to be quick, flexible, and personal – often tailored to one farm’s specific needs. In many cases, chapter leaders know their members well and can spot early signs of distress even before an official request comes in.

The Value of Being Active in a State Chapter

State chapters are the beating heart of FVC’s grassroots support system. For Farmer Veterans, getting involved in a chapter isn’t just a formality – it’s one of the most important steps they can take to build resilience, make connections, and prepare for unexpected events like extreme weather.

Building Community and Peer Support

Being part of a local chapter means having a network of fellow Veterans who understand your challenges. During times of hardship, this community becomes a lifeline – whether through a call to check in, a visit to assess damage, or a truckload of tools and hands ready to help rebuild.

Training and Knowledge Sharing

National FVC and Chapters often offer hands-on workshops on topics like farm safety, seasonal preparation, fencing, water management, and equipment maintenance. These events build the skills needed to better prepare for and respond to extreme weather.

Coordinated Volunteer Workdays

One of the most powerful things chapters do is organize clean-up days after storms or disasters. These efforts bring together Veterans, community partners, and even local first responders to help a member recover. Whether it’s clearing debris, repairing structures, or salvaging damaged equipment, these workdays turn hardship into healing.

THANK YOU

Extreme weather is an unavoidable reality in agriculture. From flooded barns to parched fields, these events test not only a farmer’s technical skills but also their emotional strength and long-term vision. This past month we have had severe weather in Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. I am so thankful for the local leadership that has stepped up and did what they could for members in their state. They know that being part a part of FVC is more than membership. It’s a source of strength, a call to service, and a reminder that in agriculture – as in the military – no one gets left behind.

Federal Resources for Farmers Facing Extreme Weather

Veteran and beginning farmers have access to several federal programs designed to help manage the risks and damages caused by extreme weather. These resources can be difficult to navigate alone, but the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) can assist with understanding eligibility, application processes, and coordination across agencies: