From Service to the Soil: Honoring Veterans in Agriculture

Each Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the men and women who have served our country and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families have made. At Farm Credit East, that gratitude holds special meaning because of the strong connection between military service and the rural communities we serve.

For many veterans, service does not end when they leave the military. It simply takes a new form.

Across agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products, veterans continue to serve their families, businesses and communities. The qualities developed through military service, including discipline, resilience, leadership and a strong sense of purpose, are also qualities that help agricultural businesses navigate uncertainty, solve problems and keep moving forward.

Supporting the next chapter

Transitioning from military service to a career in agriculture can bring both opportunity and challenge. Farm Credit East is proud to support veterans who choose that path.

Farm Credit East offers veteran producers access to young, beginning, small and veteran producer initiatives, which include assistance with USDA Farm Service Agency loan guarantee fees and discounts on financial services such as tax preparation and business consulting.

That commitment extends beyond financing and financial services. Farm Credit East supports organizations that support agricultural veterans, including the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Veterans Business Outreach Center.

Continuing a tradition of service

Agriculture and military service may look different, but both are rooted in commitment to a mission, to others and to something larger than oneself.

This Veterans Day, we extend our sincere gratitude to all who have served and to the families who have supported them along the way. We are especially proud to recognize veterans who continue their service through agriculture and our rural communities.

One simple way to support them is to look for the Homegrown by Heroes label when shopping for farm products. The designation identifies agricultural products produced by U.S. military veterans and provides consumers with an opportunity to recognize veteran farmers through the choices they make.

To our veterans: thank you for your service, your sacrifice and the many ways you continue to strengthen our communities.