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.