National AgrAbility Project

AgrAbility Clients and FSA: In 2011, Charley Jordan successfully applied for, and attained, a farm ownership loan with FSA. This loan allowed him to purchase 20 acres and start raising longhorn cattle. Throughout the process, Charley said his local FSA never gave up on him. "When I applied for my loan, the funding was under the 2008 Farm Bill. My loan manager, Patrick, never gave up on me. He helped me work through the paperwork." A few years ago, when flooding occurred in Montgomery County, TN, where Charley lives, FSA helped him with his flooded and damaged pasture and fence. Through the ECP (Emergency Conservation Program), he was reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.

The local FSA office is supportive in other ways too. They have helped support Charley in his mission to reach out to other veterans and service members. When Charley hosted a farmer veteran workshop, they not only supported him, but presented as well. Due to Mr. Jordan's success, he earned the title Most Improved Beginning Small Farmer Award at the Tennessee Small Farm Expo in 2016. FSA has helped Charley more than he ever imagined. It is not uncommon to find Mr. Jordan in the Montgomery County FSA office every few weeks checking in on other ways to apply for financing or just to visit. "They have been real good to me and allowed me to expand my farm operation and increase my cow herd." With this in mind, Charley continues to advocate for veterans in agriculture and the help FSA has provided him.

Submitted by Katherine Prasuhn