Veterans seeking to transition into agriculture will gather in downtown Indianapolis this weekend for a statewide conference aimed at helping them launch and grow farming operations, organizers said.
The Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting, scheduled for Saturday at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, is expected to draw a broad mix of participants, including military veterans, first responders, homesteaders and experienced producers from across the Midwest.
The event is organized by Veterans IN Farming, a nonprofit focused on supporting veterans entering agriculture.
“There’s just so much in agriculture that fits into the military—and it gives veterans an opportunity to spread their wings and try something new,” said Joe Ricker, a retired U.S. Army colonel who leads the organization.
The daylong conference will feature a series of educational sessions designed to support farmers at every stage, from beginners to those looking to expand or diversify. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are scheduled to outline federal resources available to veteran farmers, while other sessions will cover topics ranging from sustainable agriculture to specialty crop production.
Among the offerings are seminars on cut flower production, forest and woodlot management led by a forester from Purdue University, and sustainable farming practices supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Organizers say the variety reflects the diverse opportunities available within modern agriculture.
Ricker, who is also a beekeeper, said the conference will include a session dedicated to beekeeping, which he described as particularly beneficial for veterans seeking focus and structure.
State agriculture officials are also expected to participate. Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, is slated to deliver opening remarks on the future of agriculture in Indiana and the role veterans can play in the sector.
An afternoon session hosted by Dr. Bill Field of Purdue University and Indiana AgrAbility will focus on resources for farmers with disabilities, including veterans adapting to life after service.
Organizers emphasized that the event is open to the public, not just veterans, and is intended to foster broader community engagement around agriculture. Registration fees vary, with discounted rates for veterans and free admission for children under 16.
For more information—and to register for the Veterans IN Farming State Meeting, visit VetsINFarming.com.
If you have additional questions, please e-mail Joe Ricker at joericker@ateaseorchard.com.
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