Generations Before Corporations: Why Small Farms Still Matter

Today, as I scrolled through a news report by freelance journalist Claire Carlson in Minnesota, I was struck by a stark reality. A mega dairy outside Morristown plans to triple its size—growing from 7,800 cows to an astonishing 19,000. This expansion, unchecked and unbalanced, threatens the very fabric of rural life.

In that moment, I felt a surge of purpose—this is why we founded the Veterans & Young Farmers Alliance. Our small family farms are not just businesses; they are lifelines, connecting us to the land, to each other, and to generations past and future. Without them, our rural communities wither—our food security crumbles, and the heritage of small-town America fades.

Through VYFA, we are building a bridge for the next generation. Our farm readiness assessments identify gaps, align farmers with funding, and give them the resources they need to thrive. This is not just a fight for survival; it is a fight for the soul of rural America. Join us. Together, we can ensure that generations always come before corporations—and that family farms have a future.