Scott grew up in rural Montana and joined the Air Force out of high school as a way to get out of his small town. He spent 10 years on active duty, transitioned to the Air Force Reserve, and finally over to the Arizona Air National Guard. Upon his return from his last deployment, his daughter said it was time for Dad to stay home, so he retired in 2013 after 26 years in service. Scott capitalized on the training and knowledge gained in the military, which has served him well in the private sector.

"FVC has given my wife and me the ability to network with other veteran farmers and new producers throughout the state. It is a way to connect with the community by doing outreach for the Montana Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition and spread the word about what the coalition is doing in the great state of Montana."

48th Parallel Farms provides direct-to-consumer beef, pork, eggs & honey. Highland & Mangalitsa breeding stock. 4H stock.

"Getting up in the morning knowing I have to keep the livestock in where they belong, alive, fed, and watered. Planning ahead for the winter's feed: how much hay will we need, how much barley, how many animals will we have through the winter, what is our breeding plan for the next spring. Much of the long-range planning and logistical skills were acquired through the military. I was also fortunate to have acquired many of the mechanical skills to be able to keep our fleet of both newer and vintage equipment running through Eastern Montana winters."

"Being an American farmer allows us to help feed people in Montana and North Dakota. Our breeding stock has been sold across the state and we contribute over 500 lbs of pork directly to local meat pantries that focus on feeding veterans and their families."