In a heartwarming show of community support and veteran empowerment, Wilder Creek Honey, a local veteran-owned beekeeping operation in Perry, Florida, was recently awarded a $1,000 gift card through the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. This generous contribution was made possible by the national nonprofit Farmer Veteran Coalition in partnership with Tractor Supply Company, highlighting a continued commitment to helping veterans succeed in agriculture.
The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a program designed to provide direct assistance to veterans in the early stages of building a farm or ranch business. Unlike traditional grants, the Fellowship Fund does not provide funds directly to the veteran. Instead, it works with third-party vendors to deliver critical supplies and equipment that veterans themselves identify as essential for launching or scaling their agricultural endeavors.
For Wilder Creek Honey, the $1,000 gift card from Tractor Supply will support essential purchases to improve and expand their farming operations. Owned and operated by veteran Jeff Sadler and his wife Christina, Wilder Creek Honey has become an emerging force in the local agricultural community.
With this support, Wilder Creek Honey hopes to become a leading example of how small, veteran-owned farms can thrive in rural communities. The operation aims to expand its production of raw, locally harvested honey while continuing to educate the public on the vital role of pollinators and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
“We’re incredibly thankful to the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Tractor Supply for this support,” said Sadler. “Starting a farming operation as a veteran comes with unique challenges, and programs like the Fellowship Fund help bridge the gap between vision and reality.”
The local Tractor Supply store in Perry played a vital role by participating in the Fellowship Fund partnership. As part of its ongoing mission to serve rural communities, Tractor Supply has been a long-standing advocate for veteran farmers, offering not only essential equipment but also a supportive environment where veteran agriculturalists can thrive.
Veterans bring a strong work ethic, leadership, and resilience to farming. By supporting them, Tractor Supply and the Farmer Veteran Coalition are helping build a future rooted in hard work, community, and sustainable agriculture.
The impact of programs like the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund goes far beyond individual recipients. By supporting veterans in agriculture, these initiatives help fuel local economies, encourage sustainable food production, and foster a sense of purpose and connection for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
As Wilder Creek Honey continues to grow, the support from these organizations is not only an investment in one farm – it’s an investment in a stronger, more resilient community.
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About Farmer Veteran Coalition
The Farmer Veteran Coalition is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization assisting veterans and active-duty military members transition into agricultural careers. Through mentorship, grants, and partnerships, the organization helps veterans find healing and purpose through farming.
About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, offering a wide selection of products for home improvement, agriculture, lawn and garden maintenance, livestock, equine, and pet care. The company actively supports veteran initiatives across the country.
For more information on how to support or apply to the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, visit farmvetco.org.
