Elizabeth Riffle "Liz" is an exemplary candidate for the Veteran of the Year® or Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award due to her remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture, her commitment to community stewardship, and her extensive service as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran. As the owner of Riffle Farms, located in the hills of Preston County, West Virginia, Liz has pioneered practices in regenerative agriculture while raising grass-fed and finished bison, making significant strides in ecological farming.
Together with her husband, Jimmie Riffle, also a Navy veteran, Liz exemplifies the values of dedication and service not only to their country but also to their community. Riffle Farms is notable for being the first large-scale commercial bison operation in West Virginia and for innovatively field harvesting animals for state-certified commercial sale. This achievement underscores her trailblazing role in the local agricultural sector and showcases her commitment to responsible farming practices.
Liz's involvement with the Holistic Management Agricultural Movement, in partnership with The Savory Institute, reflects her dedication to educating others about sustainable farming methods. As a Savory Accredited Professional, she teaches holistic management practices across the country, empowering other farmers and communities to adopt regenerative techniques that benefit both the environment and local economies.
Additionally, her initiative, The Honest Carnivore - A WV Meat Collective, further emphasizes her commitment to transparency in the food system and supports local producers by providing ethically sourced meat. Her love for animals and the natural community drives her commitment to change the current meat processing system.
In summary, Elizabeth Riffle's entrepreneurial spirit, exemplary service as a veteran, and impactful contributions to sustainable agriculture and community engagement make her an ideal candidate for the VOY Award, representing the essence of resilience and commitment to positive change.
Riffle Farms LLC
My time working with Wounded Warriors forever changed me. It taught me not to take life for granted—and to live fully, not just for myself, but for those who never got that chance. I made a conscious decision to step off the beaten path, to follow my dreams with everything I had. As an empath, I’ve always felt called to help—people, animals, the land. The military gave me the courage and discipline to pursue a radically different life: running a regenerative bison farm and launching a meat co-op rooted in transparency and ethical practices. My husband, also a retired Navy officer, has supported this vision with his steady, reasoned approach. Together, we’ve built something meaningful—something that honors our service and our shared values. This isn’t just a business; it’s a way of life born from purpose, resilience, and the will to do good.
Liz Riffle is a U.S. Navy veteran and founder of Riffle Farms and Riffle Farms Market & Co-op, leading the way in ethical, field-harvested bison and regenerative agriculture. After six years of service as a Navy Nurse Corps officer—supporting Wounded Warriors and leading care teams across the country—Liz turned her focus to building a vertically integrated, veteran-owned farm business. Through her farm store in Norfolk, VA, she connects consumers with nutrient-dense, local meats and educates the public on food transparency. Liz serves on the boards of the Eastern Bison Association and the Farmer Veteran Coalition, where she advocates for veteran entrepreneurs and resilient food systems. With a master’s in education and a commitment to sustainable land stewardship, Liz brings military values of honor, courage, and commitment to everything she grows and builds.
