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.
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.