Veteran Farmers: Cultivating Purpose, Growing Community

Описание: Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

This year's honoree for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence is Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina, who served 22 years in the Army, including key intelligence roles across Europe and the Middle East.

Drawing on his extensive experience in strategic planning, personnel development and training operations, Matt co-founded the nonprofit Project Victory Gardens to help veterans transition to civilian life with renewed purpose and hands-on agricultural skills. He also developed Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally recognized training program for veterans interested in learning about agriculture. Matt views agriculture as a platform for transforming lives and communities. Dozens of new veteran-led farms are scattered throughout South Carolina thanks to his support, encouragement and connections.

“When the American Farm Bureau called me and told me that I was going to be the veteran farmer of the year, and that this honor came with money, I realized that I could use that money to do our Coffee and Chores program and really put it all across the state and spread it out and cover as much of South Carolina as I can.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.

Learn more about the American Farm Bureau Federation: https://www.fb.org/
Learn more about the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence: https://bit.ly/47z8iYH

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