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.