Oklahoma Farmer Veteran Coalition

19/09/2026

Good morning everyone,

There has been a date change for the requested volunteer opportunity in October.

Please, if you can volunteer reach out as soon as possible to [email protected]

All the best,
Kate

09/09/2026

Volunteer Leadership Opportunity

Members of the Oklahoma Farmer Veterans Coalition have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by serving as mentors, leaders, and ambassadors for agriculture. Their experience in military service, farming, leadership, and community engagement provides students with authentic examples of perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, and service.
Volunteer Leadership Opportunities include:
* Leading or assisting with agricultural STEM learning stations.
* Mentoring students during hands-on activities.
* Guiding student groups between educational stations.
* Encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
* Sharing experiences in agriculture, leadership, and community service.
* Supporting student safety throughout the outdoor learning environment.
* Assisting faculty, presenters, and community partners with event logistics.
Volunteer orientation, activity assignments, and event materials will be provided before the event. No previous teaching experience requires only a willingness to inspire the next generation.

We are looking for 50 volunteers on October 22 in the Tulsa area to assist with grades Kindergarten through Seventh. If this is of interest to you please email with at [email protected] Subject Line: Stem Volunteer.

All the best,
Kate
Oklahoma President
*squash pic for attention *

04/09/2026

Good afternoon everyone,

I received an email about a possible opportunity for folks interested.

“OKLAS 2027 CALL FOR SPEAKERS
DUE SEPT 7th!
We're doing something new this year- we are opening a Call for Speakers to hear what wonderful ideas for sessions our members have! If you have a topic you would like to present on as a speaker session or workshop, please fill out the application below by September 7th.”

The Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative was established to strengthen and grow the capacity of Oklahoma's local agriculture.

02/09/2026

Good evening everyone! It is September which means we get to honor another one of our members as our Member Spotlight. Please check out our website for more on how he was successful in the scholarship funding process through FVC!

Gilbert Randall Chapa aka “Randy” 10 years with the Oklahoma Army National Guard Enlisted as a Combat Medic (Old School 91B) with 179th Infantry in Stillwater. Attended Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood and AIT at Ft. Sam Houston. After 4 years enlisted, I attended and successfully completed the extended Officer Candidate School Program. Commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer (13A) with the 160th Field Artillery in Chandler. Resigned as a 1LT. I intended to get back in but life happened. As a civilian, I have served as a full-time Law Enforcement Officer for 32 years. My decision to start farming was a therapeutic decision in the beginning. I needed something to focus on other than my career(s). As many of you may also know, talking to my animals, driving my tractor in circles, and spending time outdoors is the most healing experience. Mostly because my animals simply listen without judgment. They take you as you are, at your best or your worst. We currently have chickens, goats, mini donkeys, and mini horse. We also have five Great Pyrenees LGD’s. We are still figuring out the best way to grow tomatoes and squash. We intend to add cattle and/or pigs at some point.

https://farmvetco.org/my-profile/uid/108/

01/09/2026

Perhaps we can all learn something or continue to share our own knowledge with the wildfires we continue to see.

During the Disaster: Protecting Lives, Making Good Decisions, and Staying Safe Webinar
September 9, 2026 @ 12pm CST

Join us for webinar 2 of our Standing Strong: Disaster Preparedness, Response, Relief & Recovery, a four-part webinar series built specifically for Farmer Veterans! Joining us is Tommy Bass, Extension Specialist at Montana State University.

During this presentation, Tommy will discuss the continuum of agri-food emergency and disaster preparedness from continental and national scales to local communities and individual farms and ranches. He will focus on community engagement and the importance of having farmer representation on local emergency preparedness committees (LEPCs).

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W1USbxbKSOKXtRBF5G33BQ

29/08/2026

I was out of town for work, did anyone attend the Women in Ag conference? If so, post what you learned and any photos you took below!

More coming soon!
All the best,
Kate

09/08/2026

Well that was fun 👀 it took me a bit with technical difficulties but after 54 pages, six emails and a partridge in a pear tree, I have emailed everyone on the roster to see if you are still interested in being part of the crew. I now have 159 unread emails in the inbox of rejections, “I’ve moved” or “I’m no longer interested”.

If you did not get an email and you are on the roster please send me an email at [email protected]

For those no longer interested, what can we do to bring the interest back? (Picture of my judgmental goat for attention)

05/08/2026

There is an upcoming USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar Series August 11&12. This is a free series for Native American Military veterans and transitioning service members. It is hosted through zoom so you do need to register ahead of time.

A free webinar series for Native American military veterans and transitioning service members on how USDA can help veterans prepare for a career in production agriculture. This event will provide information about USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs and resources for the military community.Th...

29/07/2026

If you go to our farmvetco.org site, Oklahoma chapter, then to albums you will see our first Member Spotlight! For August 2026 we have selected Rowdy Red Ranch Natalie Heim! Please head over and check out her story!

All the best,
Kate, Chapter President

https://farmvetco.org/my-profile/uid/108/

29/07/2026

Good evening everyone,

The annual Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference has been announced. This year it will be October 25-27, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia at the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center.

Please see the link for additional information.
All the best,
Kate, Chapter President

(Link takes you to 2026 but the image shows 2025, sorry for the inconvenience)

October 25-27, 2026 | Williamsburg, Virginia The Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference is the largest national annual gathering of the agriculture and military communities and features three days of education, distinguished speakers, guest panels, networking, a farm tour, camaraderie and much more.