Register in advance: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FLZzs1TQTKSfQPezjHdHA
Conference Recap: President Ricker will share member feedback and key takeaways from our recent multi-state Veteran Farmer Conference, along with a look at upcoming events on the horizon.
Unveiling the AgriVet Challenge: We are proud to announce the launch of our new AgriVet Challenge, an in-house grant program dedicated to investing in Indiana military veterans in agriculture.
Thanks to your support and fundraising efforts—including this year’s IDVA Golf Outing—we have $17,000 to award through the AgriVet Challenge!
During the meeting, we’ll review the application process and award criteria. If you’re interested in applying, or if you are a veteran service provider who works with potential applicants, you won’t want to miss this session.
Veteran Farm Applications & Local Conference Updates: Hear what’s coming up for veteran farmers across Indiana and how to get involved.
Whether you’re a veteran farmer, an ag service provider, or an advocate for veteran agriculture, this meeting will be packed with valuable information and opportunities.
Date: Monday, September 16 Time: 6 PM EST Where: Online Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FLZzs1TQTKSfQPezjHdHA
For questions or to request an invitation, email joericker@ateaseorchard.com.
Veterans IN Farming is partnering with Promise Keeper Farms for a hands-on lavender harvest and pruning workshop this September. Promise Keeper Farms, located in Churubusco, Indiana, is a thriving lavender farm and distillery run by the Geiger family. Now entering their fifth growing season, the Geigers have built a flourishing operation that blends farming tradition with specialty crop innovation.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). Participants will learn directly from Andy, a combat veteran and third-generation farmer who many may recognize from our tree pruning workshops or the recent Veterans IN Farming Conference, and from Chrissy, who has spent countless hours researching and perfecting their lavender operation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in the lavender pruning and harvesting process and gain practical insight into the many benefits and uses of this versatile plant.
When lavender is distilled, it produces two products: essential oil and hydrosol. Hydrosol is the aromatic water left after distillation. It is gentle, versatile, and commonly used in skincare, room sprays, and natural cleaning. Promise Keeper Farms focuses on producing high-quality lavender hydrosol that captures the soothing scent of the plant in a form that is easy to use every day.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) Location: Promise Keeper Farms, 4805 S 400 E-57, Churubusco, IN 46723
Snacks and drinks will be provided during the event.
Advance registration is recommended to reserve your spot. For more information or to register, visit: https://vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org/event-6256425
At the recent Veterans IN Farming Conference in Shipshewana, Nifty Hoops announced a new offering for honorably discharged U.S. military veterans. The Michigan-based company, known for building tough, American-made high tunnels, is now extending a savings opportunity to veterans purchasing any of their tunnel models, including those approved through NRCS.
High tunnels are unheated greenhouse structures used to extend the growing season and protect crops from unpredictable weather. With a tunnel in place, you can plant earlier in the spring, harvest later into the fall, and shield your crops from wind, heavy rain, hail, and frost. That added control helps farmers deliver steady, high-quality produce to their families and communities.
Nifty Hoops builds each tunnel with galvanized American steel and includes features designed to make growing easier—like strong, easy-to-manage covering systems and ventilation that keeps air moving and temperatures stable. Their team offers quick, professional installation and serves farmers across the country.
These tunnels qualify for USDA cost share through the NRCS High Tunnel Initiative, and the veteran savings can be used whether or not NRCS funding is involved.
“We have worked with so many veterans who are building meaningful lives in agriculture,” said Tomm Becker, CEO of Nifty Hoops. “They are serving their communities in a whole new way by growing food, caring for land, and rebuilding local food systems. We are honored to support them.”
Getting Started Honorably discharged veterans who are interested in purchasing a tunnel can contact Nifty Hoops through their website at www.niftyhoops.com. You will be asked to provide proof of military service before placing your order.
If you are planning to apply for NRCS funding and need help figuring out your next steps, our team at Veterans IN Farming is here to support you. We have a helpful webinar about NRCS programs available by clicking here.
FarmON!
We’re pleased to share that the full schedule for the Veteran Farmer Conference in July is now available.
This year’s conference offers a wide range of workshops and sessions led by agriculture professors, experienced farmers, and industry professionals. We’re proud to bring together speakers who are deeply committed to supporting veteran farmers and strengthening the agricultural community.
The event will take place in Shipshewana, Indiana, and we’re excited about the knowledge-sharing, connections, and practical insights that will come out of these two full days.
Take a look at the full lineup of Friday and Saturday sessions below. Whether you’re new to farming or have years of experience, we hope you’ll find something meaningful to support your next steps in agriculture.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is a great time to do so. We look forward to seeing you there.
While summer may seem early to think about wreaths and gift boxes, now is exactly the right time to start planning for the fall and holiday market season. If you're growing herbs, flowers, or produce, your future inventory is already in the field—it just needs a little foresight and preparation to become a value-added product that sells.
Whether you sell online, at pop-up markets, or through local fairs and gift shows, fall and winter markets offer a seasonal opportunity to turn the fruits of your farm into meaningful, profitable gifts.
If you’re already growing cut flowers, drying a portion of your harvest is one of the easiest ways to create holiday-ready products. Flowers like gomphrena, strawflower, yarrow, statice, and lavender retain color and texture when properly dried.
Use them to make:
Herb and flower wreaths
Dried floral bundles or mini bouquets
Botanical ornaments or kitchen decor
These make beautiful, shippable items that require no refrigeration and hold value well into winter.
Herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, mint, calendula, tulsi, and lavender can be harvested in summer, dried, and blended into custom teas. Teas are lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to brand beautifully with good labeling and simple packaging.
Packaged in small tins, kraft bags, or glass jars with a handwritten or printed tag, these are great stocking stuffers or bundled gift sets. Include ingredient lists, steeping instructions, and proper food labeling to ensure they’re compliant and clear for customers.
If you’re already preserving food for home use, consider setting aside a batch for market prep. Dehydrated items like tomatoes, peppers, garlic, zucchini, apples, or herbs can be packaged for gifting. Snack mixes, soup kits, and dried veggie toppings are all marketable ideas.
For those raising meat and working in or with an inspected kitchen, dehydrated jerky or snack sticks also offer excellent holiday sale potential.
Just be sure to follow local food safety and labeling regulations—especially for shelf-stable, higher-risk products. If you’re unsure, reach out to your extension office or a trusted food business resource.
Dried flowers, herbs, citrus peels, and even spice accents can be blended into fragrant sachets or loose potpourri mixes. Package in small jars, muslin bags, or compostable pouches. Consider themes like:
“Winter Hearth”
“Summertime Fresh”
“Citrus & Herb Drawer Fresheners”
Potpourri can be a good use of floral or herb extras that aren’t quite food grade but still visually and aromatically appealing. Boosting their scent-power with high quality essential oils can also help.
If you enjoy making things with your hands, consider assembling a small line of botanical gifts: succulent pots, mini terrariums, bulb kits, or even “grow your own herb garden” boxes with seeds and instructions.
These can be sold locally or offered through online pre-orders in November and December. Beyond local markets consider online Marketplaces like Etsy.
No matter how small your business, your products must be properly labeled. Each state has its own rules, but some require:
Your name and address
Ingredients list in descending order by weight
Net weight or volume
Allergen warnings, if applicable
A statement if made in an unlicensed home kitchen (for cottage food items)
Good labels aren’t just about compliance—they’re part of your story. Clean, attractive packaging and well-written descriptions help customers trust your product and connect with your farm. If you aren't tech-savvy try online services like VistaPrint, Canva, or search custom labels on Etsy.
One of the biggest challenges new producers face is pricing and inventory planning. That’s why we’re offering a Business Planning Course at our upcoming July conference (July 11–12 in Indiana). This session will help you:
Price your products profitably
Estimate how much inventory you need
Plan for supplies and packaging
Whether you're just testing a few new ideas or ready to scale your product line, this session will help you prepare thoughtfully and legally for the busy fall season ahead.
The best time to plan for the holidays is while your crops are still growing. A few hours of prep in July and August can lead to meaningful income in November and December—without scrambling at the last minute.
And whether you're creating herbal teas, spice mixes, botanical gifts, or dried floral wreaths, remember: the personal touch is part of the value. Good stories, clear labels, and practical planning are what turn homegrown products into cherished gifts.
We’ve got big updates to share with our members, and we’re inviting you to join us for our Quarterly Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00 PM (ET) via Zoom.
This meeting is for Veterans IN Farming members only, and Zoom access info will be sent directly to your inbox through our May newsletter. Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it—we don’t want you to miss out.
AgriVet Challenge Launch Learn about new funding opportunities available through At Ease Orchard to help Veterans IN Farming members grow their farm businesses.
Multi-State Conference Preview Get the scoop on our upcoming July veterans-in-agriculture conference, featuring:
Dr. Adam Ingrao from Heroes to Hives
In-person networking with veteran farmers from Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio
Hands-on learning in beekeeping, conservation, and farm development
Community Updates + Announcements
This is a great chance to hear what’s happening, ask questions, and connect with fellow veteran farmers.
Versatile gear that earns its keep day in and day out.
On a small farm, the best tools are the ones that show up for multiple jobs. Whether you're managing livestock, fencing, water, or infrastructure, space and budget are always limited—so everything needs to work harder.
Here’s a list of tried-and-true tools and gear that regularly prove their value across a range of small farm operations.
1. Post Driver and Puller If you’re rotating animals or managing temporary fencing, a manual post driver is essential for t-posts and step-ins. A t-post puller—or a high-lift jack with a chain—makes teardown efficient and prevents injury.
2. Cordless Drill or Impact Driver Used constantly for building chicken tractors, hanging gates, installing fencing hardware, or making field repairs. Attachments like a wire brush, scrubber, or mixing paddle make it even more versatile. Keep a spare charged battery on hand.
3. Propane Torch (Weed Torch) Used for burning weeds along electric fence lines (carefully!), clearing garden beds without tilling, sterilizing metal tools, or thawing pipes in winter. A straightforward tool with wide utility—just practice standard fire safety. Great for making holes in garden weed mats.
4. Heavy-Duty Garden Cart or Wagon Look for one with steel sides and pneumatic tires. Useful for moving feed, crates, bedding, tools, firewood, fencing gear, or harvested produce. Removable sides convert it to a flatbed for larger or awkward loads.
5. Multi-Tool (e.g., Leatherman, Gerber) A reliable multi-tool can handle small repairs on the fly—tightening, cutting, prying—without heading back to the barn.
6. IBC Totes for Mobile Watering Where water lines aren’t available—especially in silvopasture, mobile poultry systems, or leased ground—repurposed IBC totes are a smart solution. Mounted on a trailer or truck bed, they allow you to gravity-feed or pump water into troughs or buckets. Look for used foodsafe ones that can be deep cleaned and used on the farm.
7. Five-Gallon Buckets Ubiquitous for a reason. Use them for carrying feed, water, tools, compost, harvested produce, or fencing supplies. Flip one upside-down for a seat or step stool. They’re stackable, cheap, and indispensable. Look for foodsafe ones that are leftover from restaurants.
8. Tough Storage Totes or Contractor Boxes Essential for organizing gear—whether it’s vet first aid kits, seed, mineral supplements, or fencing tools. Whether you use contractor boxes or old military totes, sturdy containers help keep gear dry, organized, and mobile.
9. Basic Horse or Fence Repair Kit Keep a small grab-and-go kit in your truck, UTV, or barn that includes:
Pliers or fencing tool
Extra insulators
Fence tester (Premier1 has a good one)
Splice sleeves or wire
Zip ties and gloves
Final Thoughts A good farm tool doesn’t sit on a shelf—it’s the one you reach for again and again, no matter the job. The tools above aren’t specialty items—they’re the kind of gear that saves time, prevents frustration, and adapts to whatever the day throws at you.
If you have a piece of gear or a system that’s made your work more efficient, let us know. We’re always looking to share practical solutions from the field.
After a long winter, spring brings back fresh greens, longer days, and—if you keep hens—a steady supply of eggs. This simple skillet recipe is a great way to use what’s on hand. It works as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a hearty breakfast, especially when paired with toast, potatoes, or seasonal vegetables.
This isn’t fancy. It’s just solid, real food—and it comes together in under 20 minutes.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
4 fresh eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2–3 cups fresh spinach or other spring greens (kale, chard, or dandelion greens all work well)
1 garlic clove, minced (or a few wild ramps if you forage them)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated cheese, leftover cooked sausage, or diced potatoes
Instructions:
Heat olive oil or butter/ghee in a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the well washed greens and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Make four small wells in the greens and crack an egg into each.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the whites are set but yolks are still soft—about 4–5 minutes.
Season with real salt and pepper. Add cheese or sausage if using.
Serve straight from the skillet with toast, fried potatoes, or roasted asparagus.
If you raise your own hens—or buy from someone local who does—you’re already ahead in terms of nutrition. Compared to conventional store-bought eggs, pastured eggs have been shown to contain:
Up to twice as much vitamin E
More omega-3 fatty acids
Less cholesterol and saturated fat
Higher levels of vitamin A, D, and beta carotene
These nutritional advantages come from hens having access to forage, insects, and sunlight—all part of a more natural diet and environment.
(Source: Mother Earth News Egg Testing Project, 2007; USDA data)
Dandelion greens are an excellent spring substitute for spinach or kale. They’re often one of the first edible plants to appear in Indiana and can be found growing in gardens, fields, and around barns.
Harvest young leaves from clean, unsprayed areas. Avoid roadsides or treated lawns. Rinse thoroughly and chop before cooking.
Dandelion greens are rich in:
Vitamin K, A, and C
Calcium, iron, and potassium
Antioxidants that support digestion and liver health
They pair naturally with garlic and eggs and offer a slightly earthy, mineral-rich flavor. They will be very bitter if they're harvested too late.
Ticks are an everyday reality for farmers, especially in spring, summer, and fall when fieldwork and livestock management bring you into close contact with tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are serious health threats, and cases have been increasing in Indiana. Prevention and daily awareness are essential for anyone working outdoors.
While Indiana has over a dozen tick species, three are most relevant to farmers:
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): Most active from April to July, this species can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): Found primarily in southern Indiana, active from March through fall. It can carry ehrlichiosis and is linked to Alpha-gal Syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): Also known as the deer tick, it’s active during any warm period year-round and is the main vector for Lyme disease in Indiana. It isn't killed by most winter temperatures even when it feels frigid!
For more information, see the Harrison County Health Department’s Tick Brochure (PDF).
Protecting yourself from tick bites starts with a routine:
Permethrin-treated clothing is one of the most effective defenses. Products like Sawyer’s Permethrin Spray can be applied to boots, pants, shirts, and outerwear. Once dry, the treatment remains effective through several washes.
Picaridin and DEET-based repellents are also effective when applied to exposed skin. Look for at least 20% concentration for extended protection.
Essential oil sprays (using oils like cedarwood, geranium, or eucalyptus) may offer some short-term protection, especially for low-risk areas, but they should not be used as your only repellent strategy as they are effective for about an hour.
Daily tick checks should be a part of your routine—especially after evening chores. Check behind the knees, at the waistband, under the arms, around the ears, and along the scalp. Any work clothes should be thrown right in the washer/dryer, or into the dryer by itself for a hot tumble.
If you find an embedded tick, consider sending it for testing through TickReport.com, a diagnostic lab that can identify the tick and test it for multiple pathogens.
We also recommend having a tick bite kit available in your home, vehicle, and barn. Include fine-tipped tweezers, antiseptic wipes, a small container or sealed bag for saving the tick, and a don't forget to mark on your phone's calendar when incident occurred to track bites.
Ticks do not only affect humans. Livestock such as cattle, goats, and horses can become tick hosts, bringing ticks closer to workspaces, gates, and buildings. Regular grooming and parasite checks are a good addition to your management routine, especially for animals on pasture or near wooded areas. Speak with your veterinarian about a tick prevention plan that fits your species and operation.
Some poultry can reduce tick pressure. Chickens, turkeys, and ducks will consume ticks opportunistically, though they may not keep populations under control alone. Guinea fowl are known to be more aggressive tick hunters, but they come with significant drawbacks: they are loud, wander extensively, and tend to roost on rooftops—especially standing seam metal roofs. For farms with neighbors or sensitive buildings, guineas may not be a good fit.
Another option for reducing tick populations around your farmstead is the use of tick tubes. These cardboard tubes are filled with permethrin-treated cotton that mice use for nesting. When ticks feed on the treated mice, they die—interrupting the tick life cycle. A trusted product is Thermacell Tick Control Tubes, which are widely available or can be made as a DIY solution.
Tick-borne diseases often begin with subtle, non-specific symptoms—joint pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, or memory issues. The classic “bullseye rash” of Lyme disease only appears in a small percentage of cases. Infections like ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can develop quickly and may become severe if not treated early.
For updated information on symptoms, co-infections, and treatment protocols, go to LymeDisease.org, a well-regarded nonprofit that offers evidence-based resources and patient advocacy.
If you believe you’ve been exposed, speak with a Lyme Literate doctor. For livestock concerns, reach out to your veterinarian to develop a prevention or treatment plan. Don't forget about your pets too!
Farming in Indiana means working in tick territory. With daily prevention habits, routine livestock checks, and access to the right resources, you can reduce the risk of long-term illness for both you and your animals.
This article is not intended as medical or veterinary advice. Please consult your doctor or veterinarian to create a personalized plan based on your health, livestock species, and property conditions.
Starting a farm takes a serious investment—time, money, and energy. For those just getting started, it’s easy to feel like you have more questions than answers. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are people and programs across Indiana who understand what you’re working toward and can help along the way.
Whether you're farming full time, part time, or still exploring your options, here are several trusted resources that can help you take your next step.
This July, the Veteran Farmer Conference in Shipshewana brings together farmers from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois for a full weekend of education and connection. The sessions cover business planning, sustainable farming practices, and practical tools for both beginning and experienced farmers. If you’re still deciding whether to scale up or keep your farm as a side venture or hobby, this event can help you clarify your goals and build your network.
Event details and registration are available at: vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org/Conference
Most counties in Indiana have a local chapter of Indiana Farm Bureau, which is worth connecting with early on. While known for policy work and insurance, local chapters often provide workshops, small grants, and events that bring the community together. County-level staff can also help answer questions or connect you with someone who’s been farming in your area for a long time.
Purdue Extension is a valuable source of science-based guidance on everything from soil testing to pest management. Their educators know Indiana’s climate and growing conditions and can help troubleshoot issues or walk you through best practices for livestock, produce, and more.
Your local Soil and Water Conservation District office is also a good place to go when you’re thinking about land management or applying for programs through NRCS. They can often help with project planning, grazing advice, and pointing you toward funding options.
If you’re dealing with an injury, disability, or physical limitation, AgrAbility works with farmers to develop adaptive tools, adjust infrastructure, and help you continue working safely. They understand the toll this work can take and are known for helping farmers find real, workable solutions that keep them doing the work they love.
This season, we’ll be offering a High Tunnel Build Day where you can learn how to construct one of these season-extending structures from start to finish. It’s a chance to ask questions, meet other veterans in agriculture, and see if a tunnel is something that might work on your land. No construction experience is required—just a willingness to show up and learn. Full event details are posted at: vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org/Events