We are happy to introduce FVC’s newest addition to the staff, Zachry Turnbo! Born and raised in Waco, TX, Zachry is a recent graduate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Joining as Social Media Assistant, Zachry supports the Communications Team as FVC continues to provide the information needed for our Farmer Veterans to succeed.
FVC announces over $464,000 in 2026 Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund awards, supporting 122 Veteran farmers across 43 states with grants and equipment.
2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer and the Farmer Veteran Coalition is committed to featuring women FVC members each month, as a part of the Women of FVC program. This month’s feature is April Smurda, U.S. Air Force, of Growing Roots Farm.
Davian McKnight, U.S. Marine Corps, is the owner and operator of McKnight Farms, as well as the President of the South Carolina FVC Chapter. Davian works to support veterans and members of his community who are interested in agriculture and help others discover agriculture as a path forward.
Heather Wright, U.S. Air Force veteran, is a fifth-generation farmer in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Heather is a 2024 Fellowship Fund awardee. She was able to purchase an IronCraft 3-point rear tiller and a utility trailer, which was funded by Kubota Tractor Corporation.
Darnell Dugger, U.S. Army, was in the 1st Calvary Division and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the owner of Acre & Herd Ranch in Griffin, Georgia. In November, he was among five recipients of new Kubota equipment for the “Geared to Give” program.
Stephen Clark served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 24 years and is now the owner of Buzz & Cluck Farm in Buckhannon, West Virginia. This year, he became a recipient for the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, funded by Wounded Warrior Project.
Latunia Jeter, U.S. Army, joined the Farmer Veteran Coalition as a Veteran Service Provider. After 20 years of service, she is honored to work with veterans from many different service eras.
The Farmer Veteran Coalition is proud to welcome Maine as its 27th state chapter. As membership and engagement in the farmer veteran movement grows, the state chapters play a vital role in providing support to farmer veterans in their state.
Last month, the Farmer Veteran Coalition hosted its 11th annual Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference in Waco, TX. The theme for this year was “Emerging Trends in Food, Agriculture, and Health.”
