This month I will be continuing with the series on barriers for new beginning farmers and ranchers. In March, we delved into the topic of labor shortages, and
USDA Advisory Committee member and advocate for Veteran farmers—explores the growing labor shortage in agriculture and its unique impact on Veterans. From workforce challenges to practical solutions like automation, training, and co-ops, she offers insight and invites collaboration to help strengthen the future of farming.
A virtual office that Farmer Veteran Coalition has opened in Washington, D.C., will enable FVC to interact directly with the nation’s policy makers and will benefit efforts to help Farmer Veterans.
Combining forces with Fields 4 Valor will allow their mark to become the name of Farmer Veteran Coalition’s newest program for food insecurity, which will be expanded throughout the country.
Farmer Veteran Coalition members, volunteers, grantors and donors have been a big part of the successes in the past year and FVC has much more on the horizon.
Despite difficult financial challenges for many, Farmer Veteran Coalition and Homegrown By Heroes producers continue to put food on the table for their communities. With the support of its members, FVC will continue to assist more Veterans, which is a great reason to be thankful.
Recent weather disasters have shown the ability of Farmer Veteran Coalition members to assist those in need and highlights the need to prepare to contend with emergencies and recover from these situations.
As the average age of farmers continues to get older, it is imperative that we continue agricultural education to train the next generation of agricultural professionals to feed our country and maintain U.S. leadership in production.
Though parts of the country are sweltering, many harvests are already in full gear across the country. Hopefully all our Farmer Veterans reap more than they have sown and have a break-even or profitable year. After you have provided for your families, and sold your products, please remember those in your local communities that are suffering this year with food insecurity.
Farmers can educate themselves on their options and continue the resiliency for which they are known, even with the uncertainties surrounding us all.
