Veteran Farmer Helps Other Military Retirees Continue Service Through Agriculture

After 22 years of service, Ret. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Rutter of South Carolina didn't so much retire as he repurposed his mission, now helping fellow retired veterans and their families build a life of purpose through agriculture.

"When they leave the military, we find that a lot of veterans still have that desire to serve something bigger than themselves. And we find agriculture is a very good fit for that desire to serve because you're now serving your community by feeding it," Rutter explained.

Project Victory Gardens

Drawing on his extensive experience in strategic planning, personnel development and training operations, Rutter co-founded the nonprofit Project Victory Gardens, dedicated to cultivating resiliency, healing and renewed purpose among veterans through agritherapy, animal therapy and agricultural education. By connecting veterans with meaningful agricultural opportunities, Project Victory Gardens fosters community and taps into the drive and sense of mission that defined their military service.

There is comfort in caring for the land and animals and raising food, according to Rutter.

"Agriculture is very therapeutic. If you're out on a farm, it's very hard to have a bad day if you're bottle feeding a baby goat or you're messing with piglets," he said.

Farmer Bootcamp

Rutter also developed Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally recognized training program for veterans interested in learning about agriculture. The two- or four-day programs are offered across South Carolina and draw veterans from as far away as Arizona. Bootcamp provides high-impact training on business planning, land access, funding opportunities, soil health, marketing and regulation compliance. Participants in the Bootcamp become a cohort-based peer support network, critical to service members transitioning out of the military and into farming.

The Department of Defense recognized Bootcamp's immense benefits, designating it as a DoD SkillBridge-approved internship, allowing transitioning service members to complete immersive agricultural training anywhere in South Carolina during their final months of military service. Rutter has coordinated more than 60 internships, with many of the participants launching their own farm businesses or continuing training.

South Carolina Farmer Veteran Coalition

Rutter's leadership extends to being the founding president of the South Carolina Farmer Veteran Coalition, a trusted resource for education, advocacy and peer support for more than 4,500 veteran farmers across the state.

Rutter's Ranch

Rutter's own farm, Rutter's Ranch, which he cofounded alongside his wife, Kara, who is also a veteran, is thriving. They specialize in Mangalitsa pork charcuterie, heritage breed turkeys, hydroponic herbs and seasonal produce. The Rutters' business model is focused on regenerative practices, culinary innovation and community connection. In addition, under Matt's direction, the farm is expanding its agritourism offerings to include farm-to-table dinners, on-farm education and collaborative events with other veteran-led farms.

Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence

For all of the efforts described here - and many more - Rutter is the second recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence presented by AFBF with support from Farm Credit. He plans to use part of the $10,000 cash prize for the award to establish an educational weekly "coffee and chores" program for veterans across the state.

AFBF will present Rutter with the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence at the organization's 2026 Convention in January, in Anaheim, California.