Northwest Farm Credit Services, a financial services cooperative that supports rural communities and agriculture, actively supports military veterans who are interested in agriculture. Northwest FCS recognizes that veterans are vital to the success of rural communities and supports veterans though beginning producer programs, career preparation workshops, internship and employment opportunities, partnerships with area colleges, and sponsorship of various programs.
Aaron Fisher of Snoqualmie, Wash., and William Hulings of Spokane, Wash., both veterans with an interest in agriculture, traveled with the Northwest FCS delegation to Washington, D.C. Fisher is an Army veteran and Northwest FCS intern studying management information systems at Washington State University. Hulings is an intern with the Vets on the Farm program, in a partnership between Northwest FCS and the Spokane Conservation District. Hulings, a Navy veteran, is studying greenhouse technology at Spokane Community College. The group visited many congressional offices including those of House members Suzan DelBene, Dan Newhouse and Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
“It is our honor to support veterans like Aaron and Will as they explore agriculture through internships and employment,” said Mandy Minnick, Northwest FCS Washington president. “From helping share their stories to offering programs assisting them as they begin their careers in agriculture, Northwest Farm Credit Services thanks them for their service to our country and looks forward to working with them as they begin feeding the world.”
Nationally, Farm Credit hosted an event on Capitol Hill on June 2 to showcase the contributions of farmer veterans. The event was presented by Farm Credit in collaboration with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.
Veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities, and food production offers purpose, opportunity and physical and psychological benefits to those veterans. At a time when post-9/11 veterans are experiencing a 7.2 percent unemployment rate (compared to the national average of 5.4 percent), agriculture can be a meaningful solution for veterans returning home and looking to provide for their families.