Tennessee Farm Gives Back to Military Families

Shane Burchfiel doesn’t just grow corn, he grows community. As Vice Chairman of the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board and a full-time farmer in Dyer County, Shane works side-by-side with his dad, Malcolm, a retired Air Force pilot, farming 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat. 

This Veterans Day, we caught up with Shane to talk about the 2025 harvest, how his family’s military background has shaped the farm, and how they’re giving back by hosting outdoor experiences for active-duty military and their families through Special Ops Xcursions. 

Harvest Recap

Shane described this year’s harvest as “a year of extremes.” It was one of the more challenging seasons they’ve faced in over a decade, swinging from very wet conditions in the spring to drought in the summer. This accelerated harvest, with the Burchfiel’s wrapping up two weeks earlier than usual. 

The corn crop was hit hardest by the weather swings, but soybeans fared better overall with solid yields. Despite the setbacks, “we made it through,” Shane says. “It’s not a record-setting year, but we’ll be okay.” 

Shane Burchfiel and his dad Malcolm.

Military Values on the Farm

Shane’s dad, Malcolm, served ten years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force before coming back to Tennessee to start the farm and raise their family. Farming was always a part of the plan. “He always said he wanted to do two things in life: fly planes and farm,” Shane said. “And he did both.”

While Shane says his dad may be a man of few words, his military service has left a lasting philosophy on the farm in how challenges are approached. “He’s probably the most laid-back person I know,” Shane said. “Even if he’s over the moon happy or facing a tough situation, his demeanor is always steady.”

That calm and steady presence has served them well through the years. Shane described his dad, thanks to his military influence, as someone who’s always planning and strategizing. “He’s taught me to work on the problem that’s in front of you. Don’t stress about tomorrow or dwell on yesterday. Just stay grounded and get through today.” 

It’s a philosophy also rooted in the Burchfiel family’s Christian faith - pulling from Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Special Ops Xcursions

The Burchfiel’s connection to military service doesn’t stop at their family history. Over the past decade, Shane has volunteered with Special Ops Xcursions (SOX), a nonprofit that serves active-duty special operations forces and their families by hosting outdoor retreats. 

Shane says it all started with a Facebook post. SOX co-founder and high school friend Scott Graves was looking for a place in Northwest Tennessee to take a unit turkey hunting. Shane messaged him and offered his farm, and that simple exchange led to a partnership and mission that has continued to grow.  

Since then, Burchfiel Farms has welcomed numerous special forces service members and their families for duck and turkey hunts, fishing, and outdoor activities designed to help them relax, recharge, and connect with nature. “It’s our way of showing appreciation and admiration for their selfless service,” Shane said. “These men and women have one of the hardest jobs there is. Giving them a peaceful place to regroup, sometimes with their team, sometimes with their family, is the least we can do.” 

Scott Graves, co-founder of Special Ops Xcursions, shared that the organization holds over 200 events annually nationwide and hosted more than 4,000 guests in 2025 alone. For many special ops service members, life at home is brief, often just a few months between deployments and intense training schedules. “They’re gone eight to ten months out of the year,” Scott said. “These retreats are a chance for them to relax, rejuvenate, and rebuild resilience. For many, they’ve chosen God and country over hobbies, and a hunting retreat is a rare chance to check something off their bucket list.”

Mini Ag Days

Special Ops Xcursions events on the farm have evolved to include more than just outdoor sports. In September, the Burchfiel’s partnered with Scott to host their first mini “Ag Day” for military families, welcoming 30 Gold Star families for a full day on the farm. 

Guests had the opportunity to fish, participate in clay shooting, watch dog demonstrations, and interact with farm equipment and animals. “It was a day for them to come out, relax, and forget about the cares of the world, even for just a little while.”

The concept builds on Shane’s past involvement with Dyer County Farm Bureau’s Ag Days for fifth graders, extending that experience to military kids who may never have set foot on a farm before. “They’re like any other kids,” he said. “Most of them think food comes from the grocery store. We want to show them where it starts.” By learning about crops, equipment, and animals, Shane hopes to give them a hands-on experience in agriculture. 

There are also “Man Camps” hosted by SOX on the Burchfiel farm, giving fathers the chance to teach their kids practical skills like how to change a tire or safely jump a battery. These camps aim to make dads heroes in their kids’ eyes, especially when deployments keep them apart.

Tennessee Corn is proud to feature farmers like Shane and his family, who are living out their values on the farm and beyond. We honor not only those who have served, but also those who continue to serve in new ways. If you have acreage and are interested in volunteering, contact SOX to learn more about how you can support active-duty military and their families.