There’s no shortage of advice online about farming.
Buy this tractor. Build this barn. Get these animals. Install this fencing. Start this business model. Scale quickly. Diversify immediately.
For many beginning farmers, especially veterans transitioning into agriculture, it can quickly become overwhelming — and expensive.
One of the most common conversations we hear from beginning producers is some version of: “I wish I had slowed down before spending money on that.”
Agriculture has always required hard work, patience, and problem solving, but modern farming also comes with constant pressure to scale up quickly and invest heavily from the start. Equipment, infrastructure, livestock, land improvements, and marketing all compete for attention and resources.
The truth is that many successful farms were not built overnight. They were built one project, one season, and one lesson at a time.
That idea is part of the reason we are launching:
VetFarm Network Live is a new monthly virtual gathering hosted by the American VetFarm Network, a program of At Ease Orchard.
These sessions are designed to be practical, welcoming, and conversational — a place for veterans and their caregivers/spouses interested in farming and homesteading to ask questions, hear real experiences, learn about resources, and connect with others exploring agriculture.
This is not intended to feel like a formal webinar or lecture series.
Instead, VetFarm Network Live is meant to create space for honest conversations around farming, beginning agriculture, homesteading, and rural entrepreneurship. Some participants may already be farming full-time. Others may still be exploring whether agriculture is the right fit for their future.
Both are welcome.
Our first session will focus on:
We’ll discuss:
The session will be hosted live on Zoom and will not be recorded, allowing participants to ask questions and participate more openly and casually.
As the American VetFarm Network grows, we also plan to continue developing:
In March 2026, the network hosted its first major in-person gathering in Indiana with strong participation from veterans, beginning farmers, agricultural educators, and partner organizations. We look forward to continuing to grow those connections nationally through both in-person and virtual opportunities.
VetFarm Network Live What Beginning Farmers Usually Overspend On
Thursday, June 11, 2026 7:00 PM Eastern Hosted Live on Zoom
Registration required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYTb3Ej0QieMcRvmc0vTqA
Questions? kate@ateaseorchard.com
Hosted by the American VetFarm Network, a program of At Ease Orchard.
This work is supported by the 2501 Program, project award no. GRANT14203436, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
Veterans In Farming welcomed more than 110 attendees to Indianapolis for the 2026 State Meeting, including 59 veteran farmers, along with caregivers, beginning farmers, agricultural professionals, and partner organizations committed to strengthening opportunities in agriculture for those who have served.
This year’s meeting brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, educators, and partners. Attendees heard remarks from Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Don Lamb, gained perspective from regenerative agriculture author John Klar, and learned from specialists representing Purdue Extension, National AgrAbility Project, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, USDA NRCS, Hoosier Uplands / Indiana AgVets, Indy Warrior Partnership, Solace Operations Group, and other valued partners.
Across approximately 17 educational sessions, members explored a wide range of practical agricultural topics, including: • farm business planning and profitability • USDA conservation and cost share opportunities • regenerative agriculture and resilient production systems • permaculture and gardening systems • cut flower production and specialty crop opportunities • beekeeping and pollinator education • forestry and woodlot management • profitable livestock systems for smaller acreages • food preservation and value added opportunities • veteran peer to peer learning and shared experience
The meeting also created valuable time for veteran producers to connect directly with one another, exchange ideas, build relationships, and continue conversations around opportunities and challenges facing today’s farms.
Veterans In Farming continues to hear strong interest from members in: • more hands on workshops and demonstrations • additional farm tours • practical business education and enterprise planning • livestock production and grazing systems • regenerative agriculture practices • direct to consumer marketing opportunities • USDA program navigation and conservation resources • more frequent opportunities for veteran producers to connect year round
That feedback matters and will help shape future programming.
Veterans In Farming is committed to building educational opportunities that are useful, relevant, and grounded in the realities of operating a farm business today. We appreciate everyone who attended, shared their knowledge, and helped make this year’s State Meeting such a strong success.
If you attended and have ideas for next year’s meeting, we would love to hear from you.
Veterans In Farming is excited to spotlight a new opportunity for veteran producers looking to grow their farm business, connect directly with customers, and become part of a growing local food community.
The Veterans In Farming Open Farmers Market, hosted at VFW Post 6978 in New Whiteland, Indiana, creates a welcoming space for veteran farmers, homesteaders, and agricultural entrepreneurs to market their products while building meaningful community connections.
For many small farms, access to reliable markets is one of the most important pieces of long term success. Opportunities like this allow veteran producers to sell locally, test new products, strengthen their brand, and build direct relationships with customers who value fresh, locally produced goods.
The market is located at:
215 N US Highway 31 New Whiteland, Indiana 46184
Market Schedule Thursday evenings | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Every other Saturday | 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Veterans In Farming member John Antill is helping lead this effort and welcomes interest from veteran producers who may want to participate, connect, or learn more.
For vendor or market information: John Antill 256-541-1229
As we prepare for the upcoming Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting, we’re looking forward to starting the weekend with a relaxed and welcoming evening.
On Friday, March 27, attendees are invited to join us for a casual Welcome Gathering at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. This informal evening is designed to give people a chance to connect ahead of a full day of programming.
Whether you’re traveling in from across the state or just arriving from nearby, the Welcome Gathering offers an opportunity to settle in, meet fellow attendees, and begin building connections before the meeting officially begins.
This gathering is intentionally low-key. There is no formal program or agenda—just time to visit, catch up with familiar faces, and meet others who share an interest in agriculture, food systems, and rural communities. For many, these conversations are just as valuable as the sessions themselves.
Light appetizers will be available, and the hotel bar will offer beverages for purchase. Guests are welcome to stop by at any point during the evening, making it easy to participate regardless of travel schedules.
Events like this help set the tone for the State Meeting by creating space for meaningful, peer-to-peer connection. Whether you’re a veteran farmer, beginning grower, first responder, or simply exploring agriculture, we hope you’ll join us.
We look forward to welcoming you in Indianapolis and kicking off a strong and connected weekend together.
Many veteran farmers are doing great work producing high-quality food and agricultural products—but building a successful farm business also means figuring out marketing, pricing, and how to reach the right customers.
That’s where a new program called Next Acre: Veteran Farm Business Accelerator comes in.
We’re excited to share some great news with the Veterans IN Farming community. A new program called Next Acre: Veteran Farm Business Accelerator is launching to help veteran and rural-owned agricultural businesses strengthen and expand their direct-to-consumer sales. joericker@ateaseorchard.com 262-388-1261
Facilitated by At Ease Orchard, the Next Acre program will provide training and technical assistance designed to help farmers grow stronger, more sustainable farm businesses. The program will focus on helping producers expand their marketing strategies and reach more customers through direct-to-consumer sales channels.
For many veteran farmers, selling directly to customers—through farmers markets, farm stands, online sales, and other direct marketing channels—can be a powerful way to grow a farm business. However, navigating these markets often requires new skills in branding, pricing, and business strategy.
The Next Acre program will provide practical support in areas such as:
Brand development and farm storytelling
Pricing strategies and value-added products
Understanding customers and target markets
Expanding direct-to-consumer sales channels
Strategic farm business planning
This initiative is supported through the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The FMPP program supports projects that help farmers develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.
We’re excited about what this opportunity could mean for veteran farmers and rural agricultural entrepreneurs and look forward to sharing more details as the program develops.
To learn more about the Next Acre program, visit:
https://www.ateaseorchard.org/Next-Acre
Veterans IN Farming is excited to announce our upcoming Quarterly Member Muster, a virtual gathering for our members to stay connected, engaged, and informed about the work we’re doing across Indiana.
As a growing organization, our mission is to reach and serve as many Indiana veterans as possible. This meeting is an important opportunity for members to hear about upcoming events, ask questions about the year ahead, and provide input that will help shape the programs and support we offer to veterans in agriculture.
Date: February 17, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time Platform: Zoom (members-only)
To ensure a safe and secure meeting environment, advance registration is required. The Zoom link will not be posted publicly on Facebook or our website. This precaution helps protect our members and prevents unauthorized access.
Register through the link in our January 29th membership email. If you didn't receive it please let us know AND update your contact details through this website's portal "log in" section.
Once you register, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting. Meeting reminders will also be shared on the Veterans IN Farming Facebook page leading up to the event.
Learn about upcoming events: Stay up-to-date on opportunities to engage, volunteer, and participate.
Ask questions about the year ahead: Get clarity on programs, initiatives, and resources available to members.
Engage with your community: Help shape the direction of our organization and connect with fellow veterans in agriculture.
We encourage all members to attend and be active participants in building a strong, supportive community for Indiana veterans in farming. Your engagement makes a difference — and together, we can continue to grow our impact across the state.
Veterans from Indiana and beyond are invited to join us at the 22nd Annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference, February 26–28, 2026, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
This conference is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical knowledge, connect with fellow veterans, and explore resources designed to support beginning farmers.
Why Attend?
Scholarships Available: First-time attendees, including those traveling from out of state, can apply for scholarships that cover the full cost of registration. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
Hands-On Learning & Networking: The conference offers workshops and sessions to help small farms transition from commodity production to food production for community and local markets. Gain insights on farm production, marketing, and business operations while meeting nonprofit partners, USDA programs, and other veteran farmers.
Special Events: Participate in the Friday Night Mixer, Nonprofit Roundtable, AgrAbility Information sessions, and visit the Winter Blues Farmers Market on Saturday, February 28, from Noon–5 p.m., showcasing local West Virginia products like fresh vegetables, meats, maple syrup, and more. The market is free and open to the public.
Conference Goals: Attendees will gain reliable, tested knowledge on current trends, essential farming skills, and strategies for building a successful small farm enterprise. The conference also encourages local production, processing, and marketing to strengthen regional food systems.
Collaborating Hosts & Partners: We are thrilled to be working with Mission Beelieve, West Virginia State University Extension, At Ease Orchard, and the National AgrAbility Project to bring sessions specific to veterans to life. Their expertise and support make this an incredible opportunity for veteran farmers to learn, connect, and grow.
The drive from Indianapolis is about 6 hours, making it a doable trip for those looking to expand their farming knowledge and connect with other veteran farmers.
Military Veterans Contact:
Phone: 304-293-2715
Email: Lisa.Lagana@mail.wvu.edu
https://extension.wvu.edu/conferences/small-farm-conference
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!