05/26/2026
🫡 It’s said that NAVY stands for “never again volunteer yourself,” and I’ll admit that I was hesitant to commit to this endeavor. But I figured it wouldn’t be too difficult to set up a small photo display; so, I volunteered for that.
☕️ Then, to alleviate some anxiety and meet folks ahead of time, I went to Coffee and Chores at Lafleur's Farm (who would host our local-est tour stop) where, upon revealing that I grew bottle gourds and was trying my hand at birdhouses, I was met with insistence — just shy of being voluntold, really 😉 — that I needed to have those ready, too. I didn’t volunteer *out loud* for that, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. So I tried, and, much to my surprise, it was pretty dang successful! I’m grateful for the friendly nudge and enthusiastic encouragement!!
✔️ I needed to get our social media going.
✔️ I needed branding and at least enough t-shirts for us.
✔️ I needed a display and decor (thank goodness we already had potted herbs!).
😮💨 It was A LOT. It got done.
And I’m so glad I volunteered myself — and that hubs tagged along, too (he was given an out, but he didn’t take it). The weather kind of sucked, but who better to embrace the suck with than military sisters and brothers. The camaraderie and friendly competition (Go Navy! Beat Army!) is one of a kind. And it really is the connection — to the land, to ourselves, and to each other — that is the most meaningful part of all of it. Thank you for including us!!
I might even volunteer myself again next year. 😅
That's a wrap on the inaugural Farms of the Brave Ag+Art Tour—and we are overwhelmed with gratitude. 🌱🎨
Over 4 days, 14 veteran farms opened their gates. Vendors set up in the rain and stayed. And 500 of you showed up—some driving hours, some discovering veteran agriculture for the first time, all of you choosing to spend part of your Memorial Day weekend on the land with the people who grow your food.
That means everything to us.
This tour was never just about farm visits. It was about connection—to the land, to the hands that work it, to the stories that live here. From Gullah history on St. Helena Island to heritage breeds in the Upstate, from Lowcountry fields to Midlands pastures, you met the faces behind veteran agriculture in South Carolina.
To our farms: thank you for your trust. Opening your gates to strangers takes courage, and you did it with generosity and grace.
To our vendors: you stood in the rain. That says everything.
To our visitors: you showed up. Year one is real because of you.
See you next year. 🐾🌿
