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Illinois becomes 10th state to form Farmer Veteran Coalition

Illinois is the tenth state to form a farmer veteran coalition to connect veterans interested in farming careers.

Amy Hess has served more than 22 years in the US military and is the newly named Vice President of Illinois’ coalition.

She tells Brownfield transitioning back to civilian life was difficult.

“We can be the most successful person in the military and then when that is gone from us, we have time find something as meaningful and as purposeful.”

She says it is easier to connect with agriculture and farmers because they have similar values.

“Integrity, loyalty, dedication to the mission and excessively long work days but you don’t feel the fatigue when you are working for the greater good.”

She encourages Illinois veterans to join the coalition and says everyone in the farming community can help.

“We have a lot of younger veterans that would like to go into the field but don’t have the connections. So, especially seasoned farmers, we need your wisdom.”

Brownfield interviewed Hess at the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Chicago.