diff --git a/stand/efi/loader/Makefile b/stand/efi/loader/Makefile
index b3395bdfdf53..946ea0937de0 100644
--- a/stand/efi/loader/Makefile
+++ b/stand/efi/loader/Makefile
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ CFLAGS+=	-DEFI_STAGING_SIZE=${EFI_STAGING_SIZE}
 CFLAGS+= -DEFI_SECUREBOOT
 .endif
 
-NEWVERSWHAT=	"EFI loader" ${MACHINE}
+NEWVERSWHAT?=	"EFI loader" ${MACHINE}
 VERSION_FILE=	${.CURDIR}/../loader/version
 HELP_FILENAME=	loader.help.efi