We’re adding something extra to this year’s Veteran Farmer Golf Fundraiser at Back 9 Golf and Entertainment in Indianapolis on Friday, November 7, 2025.
The top player of the day will take home two tickets to the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans home game on Sunday, November 30, 2025. This prize package is valued at $600 and includes great seats to cheer on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Scores are kept electronically, and everyone who plays is automatically entered. The event supports At Ease Orchard and Veterans IN Farming, two programs that help Indiana veterans through agriculture with workshops, events, and online learning.
You don’t have to be a veteran or even a golfer to come out and be part of the day. It’s open to everyone and a great way to support the veteran farming community in Indiana.
Back 9 Golf and Entertainment, 1415 Drover St, Indianapolis, IN 46221 Registration: 1:00 PM ️ Play Begins: 1:30 PM Awards and Prizes: 3:30 PM
Register or become a sponsor here: https://charitygolftoday.com/event?e=24366&ce=5a3239
At Veterans IN Farming, we’re always looking to share opportunities that help veterans and transitioning service members build meaningful agricultural careers. One outstanding initiative doing just that is the Tennessee AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand (TN AgVOLs) Program.
TN AgVOLs connects veterans and service members with disabilities to farms across Tennessee for hands-on internships that provide real-world experience, mentorship, and practical agricultural training. Each participant is matched with a host farm or agribusiness that fits their skills and interests—whether that’s livestock, specialty crops, or mixed operations.
The program is made possible through a partnership of Tennessee agricultural organizations, including the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Homegrown by Heroes program. Together, these partners ensure that veterans entering agriculture have the technical assistance, education, and support they need to succeed.
Run by Dr. An Peischel, a nationally recognized goat expert with more than 40 years of experience, Goats Unlimited is a Kiko meat goat operation focused on breeding, meat production, and sustainable land management. Interns gain experience in animal husbandry, nutrition, artificial insemination, and pasture management, along with exposure to the business side of livestock production.
Owned by veteran farmer Charley Jordan, Jordan Farms is a floriculture business specializing in a wide range of cut flowers. Interns learn about horticultural production, equipment operation, agribusiness management, and market preparation—ideal for those interested in specialty crops or agritourism.
Louise Bluffs Farm is a veteran-owned cow/calf and hay operation run by Jed White. With more than a decade of experience in livestock production, White provides training in commercial beef operations, forage management, hay production, equipment maintenance, and overall farm management.
These internships offer veterans an opportunity to explore farming as a potential career path, gain practical experience, and build relationships with experienced mentors who understand both military service and the agricultural lifestyle.
If you know a veteran or transitioning service member who would like to learn more, please share the TN AgVOLs program website with them.
We’re excited to invite you to our Veterans IN Farming Golf Outing at Back 9 Golf and Entertainment on November 7th! This event is a fundraiser for our AgriVet Challenge farmer grant program and a wonderful opportunity for veterans in farming to come together, connect, and meet other members of our community.
A special thank you to our sponsors: RTS Law, MidWest Remodeling, and Farm Credit MidAmerica. Your support helps us continue to provide resources and opportunities for veteran farmers.
We know this is a busy time of year with harvest, but we hope you can join us. No golf experience? No problem! Back 9 is similar to Top Golf, so whether it’s your first time holding a club or you’ve played before, everyone is welcome. Even if you don’t want to play a round, you can still join us to network, meet other veterans, and enjoy the day.
Sign up today to join us and support the AgriVet Challenge!
Click here for ticket information and sign up!
Porter Farm is a legacy farm donated by Army Veteran Harold Porter and his wife, Esther, a local schoolteacher. In 2019, in their honor, we opened our first Veteran Incubator Farm at 4680 West US Highway 36 in Danville, IN. This small-scale, diversified farm helps veterans start or grow a farm business while providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to resources. The farm includes 18 large raised beds, a 30x96 hoophouse, fenced pasture with a run-in barn, vegetable production areas, established berry bushes, pollinator gardens, beehives, and chicken coops. Housing is available on-site at a reduced rent of $750/month plus utilities, with each house offering roughly 1,100 sq ft (2 bedrooms, 1 bath).
The incubator program offers a 2-3 year opportunity to live on the farm and put ideas and business plans into action. While farm and educational resources are provided, the program is best suited for self-directed veterans with a vision and plan for their farm business. If someone is still developing their idea, we can help connect them with local resources to get started.
Porter Farm operates in partnership with Veterans IN Farming and the Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation Department, with support from grants and local partners.
The 2026 Incubator Farm application is now live! If you know a veteran who may be interested in this opportunity, please share our new website with them to learn more and apply.
Farmers and ranchers have a unique perspective when it comes to improving agricultural systems. Whether it’s finding ways to reduce off-farm inputs, limit erosion, create more time for family and community, strengthen marketing skills, or enhance overall livelihoods, there are resources available to help.
One such resource is the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE) Program, which currently has several grant opportunities open.
We recently spoke with Lais McCartney, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Purdue Extension Hancock County and Indiana SARE State Coordinator, on the VetFarm Network Podcast. Lais shared insights into the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program, which has been supporting farmers and ranchers pursuing agricultural sustainability since 1992.
The Farmer Rancher Grant Program is designed for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers themselves. Grants can be awarded as:
Individual grants – up to $15,000 Team grants – up to $30,000 for two or more farmers or ranchers working together
Projects may run for up to 23 months, and around 40 projects are funded each year. These grants support producers working to:
Beyond funding, these grants emphasize outreach and networking, helping farmers and ranchers share results and maximize the impact of their work. The program uses an online application system, with grant decisions made by the NCR-SARE Administrative Council. If you’re curious about past projects or looking for inspiration, you can explore previously funded grants here: https://projects.sare.org/search-projects/
For veterans and other farmers interested in applying, this program offers a fantastic opportunity to explore innovative solutions directly on the farm. You can hear more about it in our podcast episode with Lais McCartney — https://youtu.be/ZCsFTP91bvQ?si=42rB4Yt37MDj3-oq
SARE grants are a great way to test new ideas, improve sustainability, and build a stronger, more resilient farm business. If you’ve been considering a project to make your farm more sustainable, now is a perfect time to learn more and explore the application process
Indiana businesses thrive on relationships, reputation, and real community impact. Our Veteran Farm Golf Fundraiser at Back 9 brings all three together in a single afternoon. This is an event designed to be enjoyable for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Meaningful local visibility. Your business brand logo appears on venue screens and event signage in front of Indiana professionals, veterans, and community leaders.
Relationship-building built in. Many sponsor tiers include golfer spots—a turnkey way to host clients, reward employees, or bring your leadership team together in a relaxed setting.
Authentic corporate citizenship. Your support fuels practical outcomes for Indiana veterans starting and growing farm businesses. It’s a tangible way to align your company with workforce development, small-business growth, food systems, and veteran success.
Proceeds benefit At Ease Orchard and Veterans IN Farming, Indiana-based programs that help veterans translate military skills into agricultural careers. Your sponsorship helps provide:
Veteran Farmer Business Grants (seed funding for essentials and growth)
Hands-on workshops and on-farm training across the state
Annual conferences and peer networks that drive long-term business success
Back 9’s tech-enabled bays make it easy for first-timers and fun for regulars. It’s social, casual, and perfect for conversation—an ideal atmosphere for client hosting, team morale, and community connection. Families are welcome to participate as well!
Local brand exposure to an Indiana audience
Client & team hospitality via included golfer spots
Direct impact for veteran farmers in our community
Sponsor: Choose the package that best fits your goals. (Custom options available—let’s tailor placement and perks to your needs.)
Play: Bring clients or colleagues for an easy, memorable afternoon.
Support: Can’t attend? Consider underwriting veteran participant spots or making a contribution.
Ready to get involved or customize a package?Click here for more information!
This fall, At Ease Orchard is proud to host the Veteran Farm Golf Fundraiser at Back Nine Golf & Entertainment in Indianapolis. The event takes place on Thursday, November 7, 2025, and promises to be a fun, engaging, and impactful day that brings together community members, businesses, and supporters—all in the name of helping Indiana veterans succeed in farming.
Unlike traditional golf outings, this event takes place indoors at Back Nine, a modern golf and entertainment venue featuring state-of-the-art putting greens and simulator technology. Players of all skill levels can join in, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the very first time. The format is accessible, fun, and competitive—perfect for individuals, families, and businesses looking to enjoy a unique afternoon while supporting a meaningful cause.
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2025
Location: Back Nine Golf & Entertainment, Indianapolis
Schedule:
1:00 PM – Registration & Networking
1:30 PM – Play Begins
3:30 PM – Awards & Closing
Play in the Tournament: Register as a team or individual and enjoy an afternoon of golf, community, and camaraderie.
Sponsor the Event: Businesses and organizations can showcase their commitment to supporting veterans with logo placement on Back Nine’s large venue screens, recognition during the event, and visibility among participants and community partners.
Bring the Family: With its fun, tech-driven format, this event is designed to be welcoming and engaging for everyone—not just golfers.
Reserve your spot, register your team, or explore sponsorship opportunities today. Together, we can give veterans the tools and resources they need to thrive in agriculture.
Register or Sponsor Here
Transitioning from military service to farming is a rewarding path for many veterans here in Indiana. The discipline, awareness, and work ethic you built in uniform carry over well to agriculture. But farming also brings a new set of risks, and one of the most serious is the Power Take-Off (PTO).
PTOs are vital for running implements like mowers, augers, and balers. They transfer the tractor’s engine power to these tools, making modern farming possible. At the same time, PTO shafts are one of the most common sources of severe farm accidents. For new farmers—especially those building operations in Indiana—it is essential to learn how to work safely with PTO equipment.
A Power Take-Off (PTO) is a rotating shaft, typically located at the rear of a tractor, that delivers power to implements. Standard PTOs usually operate at 540 revolutions per minute (RPM), but some tractors also offer 540/1000 RPM dual-speed options for heavier equipment.
At either speed, a PTO spins with enough force to catch clothing, hair, or shoelaces in an instant. At 540 RPM, that means nine rotations every second; at 1000 RPM, it’s more than sixteen rotations per second. That leaves virtually no time to react if you’re too close.
For a clear explanation of PTO speeds and power transfer, watch this helpful overview: Demystifying Tractor PTO Speeds.
High Risk of Entanglement: A PTO shaft can pull in fabric or cords faster than you can move away.
Severe Injuries: Accidents often result in broken bones, amputations, or even fatalities.
Preventable Hazards: Most PTO injuries occur during routine work and could be avoided with safe practices.
Keep Shields in Place Always make sure PTO master shields and driveline guards are installed and intact. Do not operate equipment without them.
Dress for Safety Wear snug-fitting clothing, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling drawstrings or jewelry.
Shut Off Before Servicing Always disengage the PTO, shut off the tractor, and remove the key before clearing or adjusting equipment.
Never Step Over a PTO Walk around a running shaft—never step across it, even if you’re in a hurry.
Maintain Equipment Regularly inspect PTO shafts, splines, and shields for wear or damage. Replace guards immediately if they are cracked or missing.
Stay Alert Fatigue, distractions, or rushing a job are major risk factors. Slow down and work deliberately.
Shields & Guards
Master shield and driveline guards are in place and undamaged.
Clothing & Gear
Wear fitted clothing; avoid loose sleeves, drawstrings, or jewelry.
Tie back long hair; wear sturdy boots.
Pre-Operation Check
PTO shaft connections are secure.
No visible cracks, bends, or missing parts.
Area around tractor and implement is clear of people, tools, and animals.
During Operation
Never step over a running shaft.
Keep children, family, and bystanders away from moving parts.
Stay alert—avoid rushing or distractions.
When Stopping or Servicing
Disengage PTO.
Shut off the engine.
Remove the key and wait until everything fully stops.
Maintenance
Inspect PTO components regularly.
Replace worn or damaged shields immediately.
Grease and maintain driveline as recommended by the manufacturer.
For veterans with service-connected injuries, operating tractors and connecting implements can be physically demanding. Indiana AgrAbility, in partnership with Purdue Extension, has worked with many farmers to provide adaptive technology solutions. These range from hydraulic lift-assist hitches to modified PTO shields that make attaching and operating equipment safer and more manageable.
If you need support adapting equipment to fit your abilities, Indiana AgrAbility can help you explore solutions that keep you farming safely and effectively.
Military service instills discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to follow procedures—skills that directly apply to farming. Practicing PTO safety every day protects not only yourself but also your family, employees, and community.
As Indiana’s veteran farming network continues to grow, safety knowledge like this helps strengthen your operation and ensures a long, healthy career in agriculture.
Purdue Extension offers Farm Safety & Health programs with training and materials specific to Indiana producers.
Indiana AgrAbility Project provides individualized assistance and adaptive technology for farmers with disabilities. Learn more at Indiana AgrAbility.
At Ease Orchard invites you to explore the art and process of honey harvesting this September. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the harvest from our on-site hives or process their own ready-to-harvest frames under guided instruction.
About At Ease Orchard Located just south of Anderson, Indiana, At Ease Orchard is a 10-acre educational farm operated by veteran Joe Ricker. The farm features apple orchards, high tunnels, goats, honey bees, raspberries, and poultry, and serves as a learning hub for veterans and first responders interested in agriculture. Joe’s mission is to educate and empower participants, providing practical, hands-on experience while showcasing sustainable practices and the opportunities available through NRCS and USDA programs.
Event Details
Dates: September 14 and September 27
Time: 9:00 AM start
Location: At Ease Orchard, Wilkinson, IN
Participants are welcome to process their own honey frames; please bring a food-safe 5-gallon bucket.
Adaptive Accommodations At Ease Orchard is committed to accessibility. Adaptive equipment and accommodations are available to ensure all participants can engage fully in the honey harvest experience. Please indicate any specific needs during registration.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities Attendees will receive step-by-step guidance on harvesting, handling, and processing honey. This event also provides insight into sustainable agriculture practices and small-scale farm management, supporting veterans and first responders as they explore agricultural opportunities.
RegistrationReserve your spot today!
Contact Information and Questions
Chris: (765) 621-2924
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.