Farmer Veteran Coalition grants support veterans building agriculture careers

Veterans and active-duty military members are using Farmer Veteran Coalition grants to expand agricultural businesses, with 122 recipients nationwide receiving support through the coalition’s Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund.

In California, seven Farm Credit organizations supported grants for veterans including Kellen LeMasters, Joshua Donecker and Lavelle Lemonier. Their projects range from alternative farming and pomegranate production to accessible raised garden beds.

LeMasters, a former Army Apache helicopter pilot, plans to use his grant for portable electric fencing and soil testing as he explores rotational grazing on conserved land in Napa Valley. His longer-term plans include creating opportunities for row crops and specialty crops while expanding access for first-generation farmers.

Donecker, an Army lieutenant colonel, farms with his family at Owl Creek Farms near Hemet. The 40-acre operation includes about 2,500 pomegranate trees, along with lavender, blackberries and horses. He plans to use his grant for small equipment and storage as the farm considers future expansion.

Lemonier, who served with the 82nd Airborne in Iraq, builds mobile raised garden beds designed to make gardening more accessible. His Garden to Go units measure 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep, with an adaptive model featuring adjustable-height support legs. He used his grant for power tools.

“Maybe even more important than the amount are the resources that are available through the coalition,” Lemonier said, citing training, seminars and networking opportunities.

Fellowship Fund awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are paid to third-party vendors for equipment and other identified needs. Nearly $4 million has been awarded to more than 930 veterans since 2011.