Across the United States, thousands of farmers and ranchers quietly serve in a second role beyond agriculture. They are members of the National Guard or military reserves – citizen soldiers who balance military duty with the everyday work of producing food, fiber, and livestock for the country.
Continuing our commitment to International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are delighted to feature Heather Delanoy, as a part of our Women of FVC program. Heather Delanoy served in the Washington Air National Guard before starting her farm, Wild Sage Farms. Heather was a Fellowship Fund awardee in both 2023 and 2024, funded by Tractor Supply Company both times.
The USDA held its 102nd Agricultural Outlook Forum on February 19-20 at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott. Farmer Veteran Coalition CEO, Jeanette Lombardo, had the opportunity to attend this year. This annual event has been about bringing together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural leaders for more than 100 years to talk about the state of American agriculture and what the future may hold.
