Looking to the land

Healing for Oklahoma’s Veterans lies deep in military and agricultural roots

Military veterans, especially those returning from combat zones, often find it anywhere from difficult to impossible to reintegrate into mainstream society.

For those with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), going into farming, ranching or a related field can be a lifeline, as it typically lowers a veteran’s stress level and risk of suicide, allows them to be their own boss and simultaneously gives them an opportunity to continue giving back to others.

This multi-faceted goal was the reason behind creation of the Farmer Veterans Coalition (FVC).  A national nonprofit organization formed in 2007, its purpose is to help transition veterans from military service to a career in agriculture or related industries. It does this through a variety of programs, most notably a Homegrown by Heroes label, which certifies ranchers, farmers and fishermen from all military eras to legally sell their products as veteran-owned and produced. To date, it’s the only official farmer branding program in America.

The FVC also provides small individual financial grants to veterans who are just learning to operate a farm or ranch, and it has a separate Agrivets apprenticeship program.

Oklahoma’s FVC chapter was reactivated in 2018 and is in the process of confirming its first president, says Daron Hoggatt, business management program administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). Membership is free, and as of January 2025, the coalition has approximately 800 members statewide.

“We became active again and immediately hosted the national conference just a few months later,” Hoggatt said. “The pandemic slowed things down, but right now we’re literally revamping all the bylaws and just getting everything going again.”

Among the immediate goals is to establish regular meetings on an annual or more frequent basis, he says.

Hoggatt’s role with ODVA makes him uniquely qualified to assist Farmer Veteran Coalition members. He helps thousands of veterans and their families navigate the tricky process of becoming an agricultural entrepreneur. He assists them with every sort of need, from creating business and marketing plans, preparing them for loan applications, hiring employees — even helping with details like product pricing and packaging advice when called upon.

“We also connect them with the other practical side of things — how to actually build a chicken coop, how to collect rainwater, use natural fertilizers, work with bees or whatever their needs might be,” Hoggatt said.

Along with the FVC, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs works extensively with other state and federal organizations.

“We’ve started partnering with the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaboration (OLAC), and also with the Oklahoma State University Extension Center and the federal USDA, and it all works together in the end,” Hoggatt said. “OLAC, in particular, supervises Oklahoma’s farmers markets, providing training and helping these people get up and running. People in all of these organizations are looking forward to working with the Farmer Veteran Coalition as a supportive partner.”

Steve Easom, owner of Easom Farms in Slaughterville, has been a member of the FVC for many years and joined the Oklahoma chapter in 2018. He advises veterans who are considering membership to do a quick mental assessment of their skills and overall situation.

“I liked them because they were already connected with many organizations I work with and feel good about,” Easom, an Oklahoma Electric Cooperative member, says. “I would tell people to assess where you are at — if you’re a beginner or a seasoned farmer, then see what is available and if it’s a good fit. I recommend looking at two approaches. One is ‘What can they do for me?,’ which is why most people get involved, but also they should think about what opportunities are there for them to give back and help out others.

“The main thing is to get out of your comfort zone a bit and see if it’s something you think will work,” he says. “And if it is, then jump in with both feet!”

“Oklahoma is a state with deep military and agricultural roots, which is why this group can be a huge help to our veterans, especially those who need a lower stress level and to be their own boss,” Hoggatt says.

Homegrown by Heroes

The Homegrown By Heroes (HBH) label is the official certification for veteran-owned agricultural businesses in the U.S., administered by the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

This label certifies that products from farmers, ranchers, and fishermen who are veterans are proudly veteran-owned and produced. It helps consumers easily identify agricultural goods made by U.S. military veterans, giving these businesses a unique edge in the marketplace.

More information about the Farmer Veteran Council is available at www.farmvetco.org, at www.oklahoma.gov/veterans/veterans-services/agrivets and on Facebook at Oklahoma Farmer Veteran Coalition.

Anyone interested in learning more about the ODVA’s business management program can contact Hoggatt directly at daron.hoggatt@odva.ok.gov or by calling 405-523-4026.

Interested in purchasing from an HBH-certified producer? Visit farmvetco.org to search for an HBH-certified producer near you.