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National Support • Veterans • First Responders • Families • Agriculture

Agricultural education, support, and connection for veterans, first responders, and their families.

At Ease Orchard is a national-serving nonprofit connecting veterans, service members, first responders, caregivers, and their families with agricultural education, farm business support, one-on-one assistance, peer learning, and trusted resources.

From someone exploring agriculture for the first time to an established producer working through a farm business, accessibility, production, or wellbeing challenge, our programs connect people with education, one-on-one support, agricultural resources, peer learning, and trusted partners. We work across the country with farmers, veteran-serving organizations, universities, Extension, government agencies, and agricultural service providers to strengthen referrals and expand access to agriculture.

Explore At Ease Orchard

There are several ways to take the next step.

Learn more about our programs, find ways to participate, or stay connected with upcoming opportunities and resources. The site is organized so you can explore what is most relevant to you without needing to know exactly where to start.

Explore Our Programs

Learn about the different ways At Ease Orchard serves veterans, first responders, families, farmers, and agricultural partners through education, support, and hands-on opportunities.

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Get Involved

Attend an event, participate in a training, connect as a partner, volunteer, or find another way to take part in the work of At Ease Orchard.

See Ways to Participate

Stay Connected

Keep up with new programs, events, agricultural resources, grant-supported projects, and opportunities to learn or collaborate with At Ease Orchard.

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A National Network, Built Through Partnership

Connecting people with the right expertise, wherever they are.

At Ease Orchard works across state lines with agricultural organizations, veteran-serving nonprofits, universities, Extension programs, government agencies, farmers, and subject-matter experts. This network helps connect people with resources and expertise that may not exist in their own community.

  • Farm business and agricultural education
  • Adaptive agriculture and accessibility referrals
  • Farm stress, wellbeing, and caregiver resources
  • Peer learning and trusted partner connections
  • Collaboration with organizations serving veterans and farmers

Want to learn more?

Explore the site, learn about current programs and projects, or stay connected for upcoming events and opportunities. At Ease Orchard works across agriculture, education, farm business, resilience, and veteran and first responder support.

Upcoming events

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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