What is the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin state chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition was started in 2020. The chapter currently has over 800 registered members. This fall, we introduced our first printed newsletter, the “Forward Field Post” and this winter, we plan to kick-off a series of coffee shop networking events across the state.
Over half of our members are Army veterans, but there are members from each branch of the military, in addition to almost 50 associate members.
What does the Coalition do?
We host several events, attend tradeshows each year and send communications to our members, but we are always searching for more ways to network and bring veteran farmers together.
Why is it important to support veterans?
Veterans know military well, but they put their lives on hold to be in the military. After serving they come back to civilian life behind starting their careers. It can be a hard adjustment to find a good fit for skills learned while in service to transfer those over to a job back home. A little support in the right direction can make the difference to veterans finding happiness and success post-military.
What are the benefits of being a member?
You don’t need to be a veteran to join, but only veterans qualify for member discount benefits and the Fellowship Fund. The National FVC Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. The application period opens in January 2026.
As a member you can also apply for the “Homegrown by Heroes” designation, which is a specific logo for branding your products. Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection’s Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW) program teamed up with Homegrown by Heroes to make a differentiated logo for veterans to place on their agricultural products. Usage of this logo is a collaborative effort between DATCP and the WI Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). You can learn more about this process by emailing datcpbamf@wisconsin.gov
How do I get involved?
Want to get more involved? Mark your calendar for November 5 and come meet FVC members at the FVC – Wisconsin Annual Meeting, to be held in Madison at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau office. The day starts with networking and coffee at 9 a.m. A full agenda is coming soon. Stay in touch on social media at www.facebook.com/FVCofWisconsin.
Cope is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps and a former federal employee whose career spans more than three decades of public service. In retirement, Cope turned her focus to farming, and also volunteering at her children’s school running the gardening program. This article originally appeared in the 2025 October | November Rural Route issue.
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