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Veterans • First Responders • Sustainable Agriculture • Resilience

Helping veterans, first responders, and their families find their next mission in agriculture.

At Ease Orchard works at the intersection of military service, sustainable agriculture, farm business development, and rural resilience. We support military veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families as they build practical skills, explore agriculture, strengthen farm businesses, and reconnect with land, food, and community.

What began in Indiana has grown into a broader effort to educate, connect, and support veterans and first responders through regional events, peer-to-peer learning, farm business and marketing education, adaptive agriculture referrals, and partnerships with organizations serving veterans, farmers, and rural communities.

Sustainable Agriculture Hands-on learning and support for those exploring farming, ranching, beekeeping, livestock, crops, and land-based skills.
Farm Business & Marketing Training and technical assistance to help producers strengthen sales, pricing, customer outreach, branding, and business growth.
Farmer Resilience Peer connection, trusted referrals, adaptive agriculture support, and community for the whole farmer, not just the farm.
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Our Programs

Choose the pathway that fits where you are.

At Ease Orchard supports veterans, first responders, families, and agricultural entrepreneurs through practical programs rooted in sustainable agriculture, farm business development, peer connection, and hands-on learning.

American VetFarm Network

Veteran agriculture education, peer learning, events, and resource navigation for those exploring or building a path in farming.

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Next Acre

Farm business and marketing support for veteran and rural agricultural businesses growing their markets and customer reach.

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Veterans IN Farming

Indiana-based farm experiences, events, and partner connections for veterans and families interested in agriculture.

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Beekeeping & Farm-Based Learning

Hands-on learning rooted in beekeeping, agriculture, practical skills, and meaningful connection to the land.

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Resilience & Adaptive Agriculture

Supporting the whole farmer, not just the farm.

Farming can offer purpose, structure, and connection, but it can also bring physical demands, isolation, financial pressure, and long seasons of uncertainty.

At Ease Orchard helps veterans and their families find practical support through trusted referrals, peer-to-peer farmer connection, in-person events, and resource navigation.

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.

Adaptive Agriculture

Helping disabled veteran farmers connect with organizations that understand assistive technology, farm accessibility, and adaptive tools.

Farmer-to-Farmer Support

Creating space for veterans to learn from other farmers, ask practical questions, and build relationships with people who understand the work.

Mental Wellness & Rural Resilience

Reducing isolation through connection, events, referrals, and community support for veterans navigating agriculture and rural life.

Featured Stories

Veteran agriculture in action.

Learn more about the people, partnerships, and conversations shaping At Ease Orchard’s work with veterans, sustainable agriculture, farm-based learning, and rural resilience.

Fridays on the Farm: Easing the Way for Fellow Veterans

USDA Farmers.gov featured Ret. Col. Joe Ricker, At Ease Orchard, and Veterans IN Farming in a story about helping veterans connect with agriculture, hands-on learning, and community.

Read the USDA Article

Meet Joe Ricker and the Story Behind At Ease Orchard

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

We are stronger when we serve together.

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.

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