A New Purpose

After retiring from active duty, farming gave Brandon a renewed purpose.

Brandon and Lauren Breaux own Cockeyed Farms in southern Louisiana. Brandon’s nickname, the Cockeyed Farmer, originated when Brandon was medically retired from the Army due to Gulf War syndrome.

Growing in the Wild

Brandon and Lauren first discovered elderberries growing in the wild on their property. After additional research, they decided to grow elderberries on their farm full-time.

In the spring of 2018, Cockeyed Farms became the first commercial American elderberry farm in Louisiana. They grow, harvest, batch, bottle and distribute premium, small batch American elderberry, blueberry and honey products. First South Farm Credit proudly partners with Cockeyed Farms to help them succeed in agriculture.

Brandon and Lauren are committed to utilizing sustainable growing practices and are working toward an organic certification.

Helping Other Veterans Succeed in Ag

Farm Credit works with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to help ease the transition to civilian life and help veterans succeed in agriculture. FVC supports Brandon and other veterans with financial and marketing resources and a network of experienced farmer veterans.

The Breaux family is committed to helping other veterans succeed in agriculture and are actively involved in their local FVC chapter, where Brandon and Lauren both serve in leadership roles.

In 2022, Cockeyed Farms became Homegrown by Heroes certified. This label differentiates veteran-produced products in competitive markets and gives veterans an opportunity to tell their story to customers. Farm Credit proudly partners with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to run this program.