Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia

06/09/2026

“Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America”

We're excited to announce that Farm Aid is heading to Virginia Beach, VA, for the first time! Join us Saturday, Sept. 26, at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach to soak up the ocean air, enjoy incredible music and celebrate the farmers growing our food.

🚨🎟 A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. ET TOMORROW, June 10. The public sale starts Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m. ET. Visit www.FarmAid.org/tickets for more information.

06/04/2026

Looking forward to participating in this upcoming event including ribbon cutting for Veterans Greenhouse in Henry County 👨‍🌾🫡🇺🇸

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIENDS OF INFINITY ACRES RANCH

Contact:
Laura Steere, Executive Director
Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch
136 Joppa Road
Ridgeway, VA 24148
276-358-2378
[email protected]
www.InfinityAcres.org

Photos attached to email

TRIFECTA! 6/13/26 Three Community Events Unite to Celebrate Veterans through Music, Animals and Agriculture, Share Family Fun and Community Connections at Infinity Acres Ranch

Motorcycle Ride, Greenhouse Grand Opening, and Free Pond Concert Come Together on June 13

RIDGEWAY, Va. — June 13, 2026 — Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch will host a unique community celebration featuring three major events in one day: The AmVet Post 35 “Kickstands UP for Veterans” Motorcycle Ride, the Grand Opening of the Veterans Healing & Growing Greenhouse, and a free family-friendly Pond Concert featuring FREE ADMISSION, 3 bands, resource vendors and concessions. The "TRIFECTA" event will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Infinity Acres Ranch at 136 Joppa Rd, Ridgeway and is expected to bring together veterans, families, community organizations, and supporters from across the region. Gates open at 3:00 pm and music begins at 4pm. Bring chairs & blankets.

The day begins with the Kickstands UP for Veterans Motorcycle Ride hosted in partnership with AmVets Post 35. Registration opens at noon at the AmVets Post in Collinsville, with riders departing at 2:00 p.m. and arriving at Infinity Acres Ranch at approximately 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the ride will support veteran-focused programming and community outreach efforts. The ride will feature door prizes and a 50/50 raffle organized by AmVets.

Upon arrival at the ranch, attendees will celebrate the official grand opening of the Veterans Healing & Growing Greenhouse, a collaborative project developed with support from the Virginia Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Breaking Ground. The greenhouse utilizes innovative aeroponic growing technology and will provide veterans with opportunities for therapeutic engagement, agricultural education, peer support, and community service through the production of fresh vegetables and herbs.

"The Veterans Healing & Growing Greenhouse is much more than a greenhouse," said Laura Steere, Executive Director of Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch. "It represents a place where veterans can reconnect with purpose, build relationships, learn new skills, and experience the healing benefits of nature, agriculture, and community."

The greenhouse initiative was created to address challenges frequently faced by veterans, including social isolation, stress, and barriers to accessing meaningful community engagement. Produce grown in the greenhouse will help support local veterans, community food programs, and nonprofit partners throughout the region. Funding through the United Way and the Harvest Foundation along with local organizations and volunteers has brought this project to life.

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the celebration continues with the Infinity Acres Ranch Pond Concert, a free outdoor music event featuring three bands, open mic opportunities, food and beverage vendors, and opportunities for visitors to meet some of the ranch's educational animals. The concert runs through 10:00 p.m. and is designed as a family-friendly gathering that welcomes all ages.

"Our goal has always been to bring people together," said Rick Steere, Co-Founder of Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch. "Whether someone comes to support veterans, enjoy great music, learn about the greenhouse, or simply spend time with family and friends, we want them to leave feeling connected to something positive."

Community members are encouraged to attend any or all portions of the day's activities. Admission to the greenhouse grand opening and pond concert is free. Donations to support the nonprofit's educational, disability support, and veteran programs will be gratefully accepted.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media interviews, visit www.InfinityAcres.org or contact Laura Steere at [email protected] or 276-358-2378.

About Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch

Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization located in Ridgeway, Virginia. Since 2012, the organization has provided animal-assisted educational experiences, community outreach programs, services for individuals with disabilities, veteran wellness initiatives, youth programming, and agricultural learning opportunities. Through its mission of connecting people, animals, agriculture, and community, Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch serves thousands of individuals annually across Southside Virginia and surrounding regions.

Discover animal fun at Infinity Acres Ranch! Visit today & learn through hands-on adventures. Book your tour now!

05/08/2026

To Ag Caucus of the Virginia legislature:

Virginia farms are facing severe drought conditions across many parts of the Commonwealth, with farmers dealing with failing crops, poor hay production, dry topsoil, and growing financial pressure.

USDA has designated 24 Virginia localities as drought disaster areas due to severe drought conditions, including Dinwiddie, Brunswick, Greensville, and Southampton. While emergency loan programs are available, many family farms need additional support and practical assistance to help them weather this crisis.

Beyond crop losses, livestock producers are also facing rising feed costs and reduced hay supplies heading into winter. Even after rainfall returns, restoring groundwater, ponds, and soil moisture can take significant time for many farming communities.

This is an important moment for Virginia’s leaders to work together in support of agriculture and rural communities.

Some meaningful steps could include:

• Declaring a statewide agricultural drought emergency
• Creating drought relief grants in addition to loan programs
• Sending mobile assistance teams into affected rural counties
• Easing certain tax penalties and accelerating emergency water access approvals for farms

This impacts more than agriculture alone. Farms support truck drivers, equipment dealers, feed stores, small businesses, schools, churches, and entire rural communities throughout Virginia.

Virginia’s farming families are resilient, but they should not have to face challenges of this magnitude alone. Continued public awareness, coordinated leadership, and timely support can make a difference for the people and communities who help feed the Commonwealth.

Delegate Michael J. Webert
Delegate Virgil Thornton, Sr.
Delores Oates for Delegate
Friends of Carolyn Campbell

04/22/2026

Dear Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia Members,

I am reaching out to ask for your support for several Southside Virginia farming families in the Chatham and Callands area who are facing a critical labor shortage this spring.

Due to delays in federal processing for H-2A workers, two Virginia farms urgently need able-bodied workers to assist with transplanting to***co during the last week of April and first week of May. These producers are willing to pay for the help—they simply need people who are able and willing to work.

The farms in need are:

Briar View Farms – Callands, VA
Contact: Robert Mills
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 434-441-0272

D. Moore Farms – Chatham, VA
Contact: Stephanie Cornnell
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 703-586-3212

To***co remains an important part of Virginia agriculture and the economy, particularly in Southside Virginia. Virginia is one of the nation’s leading to***co-producing states, and to***co continues to support thousands of farm families, seasonal workers, processors, transportation companies, and rural communities. Missing the narrow planting window can have a devastating effect on an entire year’s crop and on the livelihood of these families.

Many of these farmers were also impacted by Hurricane Helene, making this year especially difficult. The need is immediate, and a few extra hands during this short planting window could make a significant difference.

Farmer Veteran Coalition has always stood for veterans helping feed and strengthen our communities through agriculture. Supporting these farms aligns directly with our mission of service, teamwork, and helping fellow farmers in times of need. Veterans understand hard work, resilience, and showing up when others need help most. This is an opportunity to put those values into action for fellow Virginia farmers.

If you, your family members, or anyone in your network may be able to help for a day or more during the last week of April or first week of May, please reach out directly to Stephanie or Robert.

Thank you for considering this request and for all you do to support Virginia agriculture and our veteran farming community.

Sincerely,

Chris Jacobson
President, Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia

Delegate Michael J. Webert
Delegate Virgil Thornton, Sr.
Delores Oates for Delegate
Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch
Amvets Post 35
National Center for Healthy Veterans
Veterans Garden of Augusta
Breaking Ground
Karl’s Farm
Buckroe Commons
4Js Farm and Brewery
Fauquier County Agricultural Development
American Legion Post 42, Martinsville, Virginia
WTKR News 3
Mill Swamp Indian Horses
Chester Street Tavern
Able Forces Foundation
Joe Griffith, Phoebus Neighborhood Commissioner

03/28/2026

🚜 FVC VA Team at Infinity Acres Ranch for the Veteran’s Healing & Growing Greenhouse Raising! 🇺🇸

This weekend, the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia (FVC VA) team — including Thru w/ Therapy veterans and farmer who are also proud FVC VA members — traveled to Infinity Acres Ranch in Ridgeway, Henry County, VA, to help build a dedicated healing and growing greenhouse for veterans.

A big thank you to Greater Tabernacles of Praise of Stuart and Amvets Post 35 for stepping up to provide Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner for all volunteers this weekend!

Volunteers and supporters worked hard framing the greenhouse, with real progress visible in the steel structure taking shape under the Virginia sky. The energy is strong as veterans and community members come together with tools, skills, and heart.

Huge thanks to Infinity Acres Ranch and all sponsors making this possible: Smith Maintenance, Farmer Veteran Coalition Virginia, Thru w/ Therapy, AMVETS, and more.
We’re not just raising a greenhouse — we’re building healing, purpose, vocational skills in agriculture, and a stronger veteran farming community in Virginia 🎶🥬🫡🇺🇸

Farmer Veteran Coalition

03/08/2026

Veterans back in the field—this time growing food. 🌱🇺🇸

Something exciting is taking root in Hampton Roads.

Using Agria’s natural, chemical-free growing system, FVC VA members are producing strawberries and more—just like nature intended. 🍓🥒🌶️

The Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia (FVC VA) is collaborating with Agria and founder William Layton to help veterans break into agriculture, starting at a greenhouse in Virginia Beach.

Even better—our first FVC VA member veterans and associate members from the Peninsula (Hampton & Yorktown) are already hard at work in the greenhouse helping launch this crop startup.

As Agria grows, the plan is to bring more FVC VA-member veteran labor into the operation, creating real opportunities for veterans in agriculture.

Real work. Real crops. Real opportunities for veterans—right here in our community. 🌱

Start-up Team:
FVC VA member veterans:
Ian Lyons, USA
Steve Hill, USN

FVC VA associate members:
Ray Bruce, former dairy farmer
Austin Hill, apprentice Agria farmer

Threeridge Organics
Mayor Jimmy Gray
Farmer Veteran Coalition
Hampton VA Medical Center
Hampton, VA - Gov
NASA Langley Research Center

02/26/2026

🇺🇸🌾 Virginia Selected for 2026 Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference!

We’re proud to share that the 2026 Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference is coming to Virginia on October 25–27, 2026!

On behalf of FVC of Virginia, sincere thanks to FVC National for selecting the Commonwealth. We’re honored and excited to showcase Virginia’s deep agricultural roots and strong veteran community.

Special appreciation to 4Js Farm and Brewery for helping craft a winning proposal. While we were unable to make the initial Fauquier County venue work due to capacity limitations, we remain actively engaged with FVC National to secure a location that reflects the scale and energy of this important gathering.

Virginia is uniquely positioned for this event:
• One of the most diverse agricultural states in the nation
• A vibrant and growing veteran farmer network
• Strong land-grant and extension partnerships
• Proximity to national policy leadership
• A culture where service and stewardship run deep

We look forward to welcoming Farmer Veterans from across the country and demonstrating why Virginia is fertile ground for innovation, sustainability, and veteran-led agriculture.

Stay tuned for venue updates — and we’ll see you in October 2026!

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference

We are excited to officially announce that the 2026 Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference will be in Virginia! The conference will be held on October 25-27, 2026, with additional details to be announced soon.

This year's theme, Scaling Sustainably: Practical Innovation for Small & Mid-Sized Veteran Farms, will focus on actionable strategies and forward-thinking solutions to help Farmer Veterans expand responsibly and profitably.

We are currently seeking speakers to present during our breakout sessions, covering topics that are important to the Farmer Veteran community. For those interested, apply here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5211131

The deadline to apply to be a speaker is April 15th.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates about this year's conference: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/ckVmos5

For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

01/05/2026

Hope all are well for 2026!

The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund application is NOW OPEN!

The Fellowship Fund program is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to Veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

The application will be open from January 5, 2026 until February 17, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the FVC website here: https://farmvetco.org/fvfellowship/

For any questions, please email [email protected].

12/24/2025

Dear Farmer Veteran Coalition Family,

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I want to thank each of you - our Farmer Veterans, partners, and supporters - for the incredible work and spirit you’ve brought to this year. I hope the days ahead bring safe travels, peaceful moments with family and friends, and a deep sense of gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together. Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire me and strengthen our mission in countless ways. Wishing you a warm, joyful Christmas and a hopeful, prosperous New Year.

With appreciation,
Jeanette Lombardo, CEO
Farmer Veteran Coalition