The Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is happy to announce that four new state chapters have been recognized. The four new chapters are Alaska, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Oregon.
Kubota Tractor Corporation and the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) today announced the selection of the 2026 “Geared to Give” farmer veteran recipients of new Kubota equipment. This year’s five awardees were honored during a special pre-race ceremony prior to Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at NASCAR San Diego Weekend at Naval Base Coronado, where the veterans were recognized in front of race attendees and presented with the keys to new Kubota equipment as part of Kubota’s ongoing commitment to supporting America’s military veterans through agriculture.
In a proud joint celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Kalmbach Feeds® and the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) today announced a national partnership to support military veterans transitioning into agricultural careers. Throughout the summer of 2026, a portion of the proceeds from every Kalmbach Feeds product purchased will be donated directly to the Farmer Veteran Coalition to support their mission of serving, empowering, and connecting military veterans and active-duty service members with the resources, education, training, and partnerships necessary to cultivate successful careers in agriculture.
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.
