Army veteran-turned-farmer shares story

INDIAN MOUND, Tenn. — Charley Jordan retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2017, after more than 28 years of service.

His job title changed from aviator to farmer. He found success in the agriculture industry after starting Jordan Farms, a fresh-cut flower farm in Tennessee.

Being a farmer has been therapeutic for him — but not without its own stress.

“This is how I mitigate stress as a farmer veteran,” Jordan said during a webinar hosted by AgrAbility. “Find your agricultural purpose, motivation and direction.

“Find what you love in agriculture. You may not find it right away. I know I didn’t. I started out with horses in 2001 when I bought this farm. I looked to cattle next, from 2008 to 2019.

“My mindset was always the military way. I’ve taken that and used it to my advantage. I run my operation just like I ran my missions.”

Stress Mitigation

Jordan shared seven ways that veterans-turned-farmers can mitigate stress:

1. Find your agricultural purpose, motivation and direction.

2. Educate yourself on all aspects of your operation — the farm and the business.

3. Create a business plan for your operation.

4. Start small and grow from there.

5. Face adversity head on — don’t procrastinate.

6. Remember that Mother Nature has the last word.

7. Don’t give up.

Peer Support

Andrea Bjornestad, associate professor at South Dakota State University, shared data that the U.S. Department of Agriculture released in 2020.

“More than 1 in 10 producers has served or is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces,” she said. “This accounted for 11% of the country’s producers.

“When you’re working with others in an agricultural setting, there can be increased socialization and peer support. They may feel connected to their land or livestock.

“They may have improved self-perception, including increased self-esteem and self-confidence. They may also have an increase in energy and increased concentration and task completion.”

For resources, visit www.agrability.org.