Veterans • Agriculture • Resilience • Food Systems
At Ease Orchard is a nonprofit working at the intersection of military service, agriculture, food systems, and rural resilience. We support veterans, first responders, caregivers, and families as they build skills, explore farming, strengthen agricultural businesses, and reconnect with land, food, and community.
What began in Indiana has grown into a broader effort to educate, connect, and support veteran farmers across the country through regional events, peer-to-peer learning, producer support, adaptive agriculture referrals, and partnerships with organizations serving veterans and rural communities.
Our Programs
At Ease Orchard’s programs meet people at different points in the agricultural journey — from first exposure to hands-on farm-based learning, to national veteran farmer education, to business growth and market development.
A national program helping military veterans explore farming, ranching, conservation, and regenerative agriculture through education, peer learning, events, and practical resource navigation.
Learn moreA veteran farm business accelerator helping veteran and rural-owned agricultural businesses strengthen direct-to-consumer sales, develop growth plans, improve pricing, tell their farm story, and reach new customers.
Learn moreIndiana-based learning opportunities, farm experiences, events, and partner connections for veterans and families interested in agriculture, beekeeping, conservation, and land-based skills.
Learn moreHands-on education that introduces participants to beekeeping, agriculture, and farm-based skills while building confidence, connection, and practical experience on the land.
Learn moreResilience & Adaptive Agriculture
Farming can be purposeful and grounding work, but it can also be physically demanding, isolating, and stressful. At Ease Orchard helps veteran farmers and their families connect with practical support, trusted referrals, peer-to-peer learning, and in-person community events that strengthen resilience on and off the farm.
We help disabled veteran farmers identify questions, explore options, and connect with organizations that understand adaptive equipment, farm accessibility, and assistive technology.
Through farmer-to-farmer conversations, veteran networks, and shared learning spaces, we help participants connect with people who understand both agriculture and service.
We recognize the pressures that can come with farming, transition, disability, and rural life. Our role is to build connection, reduce isolation, and help veterans find appropriate resources and trusted support.
At Ease Orchard is not a crisis service or medical provider. We focus on education, referrals, peer connection, and community-based support. If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Featured Stories
Learn more about the people, partnerships, and national conversations shaping At Ease Orchard’s work with veterans, agriculture, conservation, and community resilience.
Featured by USDA Farmers.gov
USDA Farmers.gov featured Ret. Col. Joe Ricker, At Ease Orchard, and Veterans IN Farming in a story about helping veterans connect with agriculture, conservation, hands-on learning, and community.
Read the USDA ArticleFeatured Video
This Farm Bureau feature shares more about Joe’s vision, At Ease Orchard’s roots, and the work of helping veterans find purpose, connection, and practical pathways through agriculture.
If the video does not load, watch it on YouTube .
Join Us
At Ease Orchard welcomes veterans, farmers, volunteers, educators, food system leaders, veteran-serving organizations, funders, and community partners who want to help grow meaningful pathways in agriculture.
If you are looking for support, want to collaborate, have knowledge to share, or believe in helping veterans strengthen farms, families, and rural communities, we would be honored to connect.