Five New York Farmer Veterans Honored in FVC National America 250 Celebration Directory
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America 250 is the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, honoring our shared history and the people shaping our future. Farmer Veteran Coalition is proud to participate by spotlighting the service, leadership, and continued impact of veterans in agriculture through its America 250 Celebration Directory, an online showcase recognizing veteran members who continue to serve their communities through farming and ranching. The directory highlights each member’s military service, agricultural focus, and story, along with short videos so you can meet the veterans behind the food, fiber, and stewardship that strengthens America.
Five New York farmer veterans were selected for this national recognition. Sorry for the delay in getting this in front of you. Better late than never.
New York’s five (each name links to their FVC America 250 profile, each farm links to their Facebook page):
Brittni Abriel served in the Vermont National Guard and now runs Henrieka Farm Center, LLC in Berne, raising Katahdin meat sheep and running small scale CSAs. The farm also hosts farm school programs that bring kids in to learn alongside the lambs and vegetables.
Justin Butts is a Navy veteran who owns Black Wind Farm in Berne, a 105 acre regenerative livestock operation that doubles as a farm to table culinary education center.
Michael Ortman is a Marine Corps veteran carrying on Ortman Dairy LLC in Brasher Falls, a family operation his grandfather started in 1977. Michael now runs it with dairy, beef, pork, and cropping.
Donald Scott served in the Army and raises grass fed British White Park and Scottish Highland cattle at Crooked Creek Cattle Farm in Middleport, land he bought after years working in a power plant.
Shane Thomson, also Army, runs The Thomson Family Farm in Harpersfield, feeding a blended family of six kids with local produce and meat.
Congratulations to all five, check out their profiles, follow their journeys on Facebook, and support our own.
