Abbie Earp is FVC’s Program Coordinator, making sure the Fellowship Fund and Homegrown By Heroes programs run smoothly.
Abbie grew up in East Texas. Her family lives near Canton and has been involved in agriculture for generations. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business. She was very involved on campus in the Agriculture Business Club, Lumberjack Marching Band, and other organizations.
Abbie has grown to love beef cattle. She and her husband, Cullen, a petroleum electrician, are building a house and preparing to start their own cattle operation on land that has been in her family since 1886. In fact, her family founded the community of Whitton southwest of Canton.
Cullen has worked on several cattle and horse ranches in Texas and has owned livestock. They were married in October 2022.
Abbie joined Farmer Veteran Coalition in January 2022 as a Veteran Service Provider. A year later she moved to programs.
Abbie, whose grandfather is an Army veteran, says getting to truly help farmer veterans is the most fulfilling part of her job.
“There are very few funding opportunities out there specifically for farmers or ranchers who are veterans,” she said. “Throughout my career at FVC, it has been a joy to get to watch as these veterans begin their agriculture career and develop their businesses, whether that be calling our support center, preparing their business plan for the fellowship fund grant, starting their business, receiving the HBH label, etc.
“I have met some of the most influential people in my life through this job. I have had mornings where I come in, drink my coffee, and talk on the phone with a Vietnam veteran who just wants to talk about agriculture and share new ideas with me that they have learned through the years.
“I learn something every single day, and getting to be a part of FVC where we get to give back to these veterans after their service to our country is a privilege.”
In her spare time, Abbie loves working with animals, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
