Veterans IN Farming members who are interested in beekeeping, conservation practices, and pollinator-friendly farming should check out Pollinator Partnership (P2). Their website is packed with educational resources on beekeeping, habitat management, and Farm Bill conservation programs that offer technical and financial assistance to farmers. They have also launched a new webinar library, making it easier than ever to learn about sustainable practices that benefit both pollinators and your farm's productivity.
Through their Working for Wildlife video and blog series, Pollinator Partnership explores Farm Bill programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—two funding opportunities that can help veteran farmers improve soil health, create pollinator-friendly habitats, and enhance land management practices. Their Partner Biologist Program connects farmers with conservation specialists who can offer personalized guidance on how to implement these practices.
To explore their beekeeping resources and conservation assistance, visit pollinator.org/nrcs-regional-partner-biologists or www.farmers.gov. If you're looking for expert advice on pollinator-friendly farming, fill out their assistance request form on their website!
Link to their Resource Library:
https://www.pollinator.org/learning-center
Register for a free webinar series for military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture.
This webinar series is designed to provide information with different topics being explored each day about USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs and resources for the military community.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Thursday, February 13, 2025
New FSA Farm Loan Program changes, with Amanda Robertson
More Info and Registration details at the USDA link below:
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_EPumLRw6ShSbvKAzJ8rjCg#/registration
Some of the programs listed below offer financial assistance, while others provide education, training, or business development support. While we do not directly endorse or have affiliations with all of these organizations, we encourage you to explore the many opportunities available to help start or grow your farm business.
Nearly all grant applications will want to see a Business Plan and it's good to be prepared.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, which may be based on factors such as location, type of business, or agricultural focus. Some are designed specifically for farmers, while others are open to veteran-owned small businesses. To learn more, visit the program websites linked below. If you need help navigating the application process, feel free to reach out to Joe Ricker for assistance.
As a farmer—whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years—having a solid business plan is essential. With several farm grant opportunities on the horizon, now is the time to get your plan in order so you can apply for funding and set your farm up for long-term success.
At Veterans IN Farming, we work with a mix of beginning farmers and seasoned agricultural entrepreneurs. No matter where you are in your journey, strategic planning is key to achieving your goals and building a business that works for you.
Before writing your business plan, take a step back and think about your vision for your farm. The answers to these questions will shape how you plan your business and what resources you need.
These questions matter because farming can be structured in many ways—from a small side business to a full-scale operation. Knowing what you truly want helps you design a business model that aligns with your lifestyle and financial needs.
A business plan isn’t just for banks and grant applications—it’s a roadmap for your success. Whether you’re seeking funding, making big investments, or setting long-term goals, a well-developed plan helps you:
✅ Clarify Your Vision – Define what you want your farm to be and how you will achieve it. ✅ Plan for Profitability – Understand how your farm will generate income and sustain itself. ✅ Identify Risks and Challenges – Avoid common pitfalls that cause farms to struggle. ✅ Secure Funding – Lenders and grant programs often require a formal plan. ✅ Create a Workable Schedule – Design a farm operation that matches your lifestyle.
Veterans IN Farming wants to help you build a business that works for you, not one that overwhelms you. Proper planning can mean the difference between struggling year-round and having a sustainable, rewarding farm business.
A strong farm business plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should cover these essential areas:
Having these sections prepared will put you ahead when applying for grants or loans. More importantly, it gives you a clear picture of how your farm can succeed.
Several upcoming grants will be shared on our Veterans IN Farming social media pages, and having your business plan ready will make the application process much smoother.
Grants often require:
Even if you aren’t applying for grants right now, having a business plan in place means you’re prepared when opportunities arise.
If you’re working on your farm business plan and need guidance, Joe Ricker is available to review your plan and connect you with resources. This includes:
We want to help your farm dream succeed, and proper planning is the first step.
Whether you’re homesteading, running a side business, or building a full-scale farm, your business plan should reflect your goals, work-life balance, and financial needs.
Stay tuned for grant announcements on our social media pages, and if you need support, reach out to Joe Ricker for guidance on writing a strong business plan.
For beginning farmers and homesteaders, season extension is one of the most valuable ways to improve yields, increase income, and provide fresh food for longer periods of the year. One of the simplest and most cost-effective tools for this is a cold frame—a low-tech structure that traps heat and protects plants from frost.
Whether you’re looking to start seeds earlier in spring, grow greens through the winter, or protect tender plants in the fall, a cold frame is an easy solution that doesn’t require expensive equipment or heating costs. Even better, you can build one with materials you may already have on hand.
A cold frame is a simple, unheated greenhouse that uses solar energy and insulation to create a warmer microclimate for plants. Traditionally, it’s a bottomless box with a transparent lid that allows sunlight in while trapping heat and shielding plants from wind and frost.
A well-built cold frame can: ✅ Extend the growing season by several weeks in spring and fall ✅ Allow you to start seeds earlier for transplants ✅ Provide a protected space for overwintering hardy greens ✅ Reduce the need for artificial heating or expensive season extension tools
Cold frames work especially well for Indiana farmers in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6b, where spring and fall frosts can shorten the growing window.
Building a cold frame doesn’t have to be expensive. With repurposed materials and simple tools, you can create an effective structure for little to no cost.
One of the easiest ways to build a cold frame is to use an old window or glass door as the top cover.
Materials Needed:
How to Build:
✅ Cost Estimate: $0 - $25 if using salvaged materials
For a quick, portable option, large clear plastic storage totes work well as mini cold frames for individual plants or seedlings.
How to Use:
✅ Cost Estimate: $5 - $20 per tote
For a more flexible, tunnel-style structure, a PVC hoop cold frame is a great option for covering multiple garden rows.
✅ Cost Estimate: $20 - $50, depending on materials
If you have access to straw or hay bales, they make excellent insulated cold frames that hold in heat and protect plants from wind.
✅ Cost Estimate: $10 - $30 (if purchasing straw bales)
For new farmers looking to maximize their growing potential without expensive infrastructure, cold frames offer:
Whether you’re growing food for your family, selling at a farmers’ market, or experimenting with season extension, cold frames provide an affordable, effective way to improve production.
Cold frames are a simple yet powerful tool for Indiana farmers looking to extend their growing season without significant costs. Whether you build one from scrap materials, repurpose a plastic tote, or create a larger PVC hoop structure, the benefits of frost protection, early seed starting, and season extension are well worth the effort.
By incorporating cold frames into your farm or homestead, you can grow more food, reduce losses from late frosts, and enjoy fresh greens even in the colder months.
If you're interested in learning more about low-cost season extension techniques, Veterans IN Farming offers workshops and resources to help you make the most of your growing space. Stay tuned for upcoming events and classes!
Many native plants—including wildflowers, trees, and grasses—require a period of cold before they will germinate. This process, called cold stratification, mimics natural winter conditions that break seed dormancy. Without it, many seeds will not sprout, leading to frustration for beginning farmers and gardeners.
For Indiana farmers in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6b, understanding how to stratify seeds is key to successfully growing native plants that support pollinators, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity.
Indiana experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers, creating conditions where many native plant seeds naturally undergo stratification. In the wild, seeds drop in the fall, spend the winter buried in soil, and germinate when temperatures rise in the spring. When growing native plants from seed, replicating this process ensures strong germination rates.
Some common Indiana native plants that require cold stratification include:
For farmers working to establish pollinator-friendly plantings, wildlife habitat, or native pastures, cold stratification is an important tool for successful seed germination.
There are several ways to stratify seeds, depending on your goals and planting schedule.
For small-scale seed starting, refrigeration is an effective way to break dormancy.
This method allows for controlled germination timing and is ideal for farmers planning nursery starts or transplanting seedlings in the spring.
For a more natural approach, the milk jug method creates a miniature greenhouse effect.
This method requires minimal effort and works well for native wildflowers and perennials.
For large-scale plantings, sowing seeds directly into the soil in fall allows them to undergo stratification naturally. This works best for native grasses, meadows, and hedgerows. However, unpredictable winter conditions may affect germination rates, making controlled stratification methods preferable for more delicate species.
For farmers interested in native plant propagation, pollinator support, or conservation plantings, cold stratification is essential. Native plants are well-adapted to Indiana’s climate and provide long-term benefits such as:
For those interested in learning hands-on stratification techniques, a free workshop will be held at the IU Campus Farm in Bloomington.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Location: IU Campus Farm, 451 N Pete Ellis Dr, Bloomington, IN 47408
Biologist Mary Welz from the Indiana Pollinator Partnership will demonstrate the milk jug method and discuss best practices for growing native plants.
What to Bring: A clean, empty ½ to 1-gallon plastic milk or water jug. Additional materials, including soil, will be provided.
RSVP by February 17th to receive further details.
For questions or directions, contact Christina at (765) 621-2924.
This workshop is a great opportunity for beginning farmers to practice cold stratification techniques, connect with experts, and prepare for a successful growing season.
For Indiana farmers looking to establish native plantings, improve pollinator habitat, or enhance biodiversity, cold stratification is a valuable technique. Whether using refrigeration, winter sowing, or direct fall planting, understanding how to break seed dormancy will lead to higher germination rates and stronger plant growth.
Attending the Cold Stratification Workshop is an excellent way to get started, meet fellow growers, and learn from experienced conservationists. We hope to see you there!
As a young officer in the Army, I learned that the key to success in building something new—whether it’s an organization, a project, or a unit—is “irreversible momentum.” I feel like we’re almost there. With the awards, accolades, and strong partnerships we’ve built in 2024, Veterans IN Farming is gaining real traction.
Our January conference brought together over 70 members, educators, and sponsors to learn about programs and opportunities specifically for veterans in agriculture. It wasn’t just an educational event—it strengthened friendships, built camaraderie, and reinforced our shared mission.
Our focus in 2025 is to mentor and develop veteran farmers in Indiana through the AgriVet Challenge. We have some major players helping us make this a reality, including the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and Indiana Farm Bureau.
As I mentioned at the conference (and in our YouTube video), this isn’t about simply “giving out” money to the best farm. It’s about nurturing both the veteran and the farm into a viable business—one that can stand up to professional review and get the boost it needs to succeed. We want you to be part of this journey!
I recently had the honor of attending the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in San Antonio, TX, where I was reminded just how many veterans are part of AFBF’s membership. I had the chance to talk with many of them, and I was especially grateful for the opportunity to meet AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
President Duvall is not only an outstanding leader, but also a military dad—his son is a Black Hawk pilot! We had a great discussion about farm bill policy, the challenges veterans face in starting farms, and how veteran farming nonprofits can collaborate with AFBF to support new farmers. He is a strong advocate for veterans in agriculture, and I look forward to future opportunities to work together.
AFBF is not just an insurance provider—they are a powerful voice for farmers. I can’t encourage you enough to join Indiana Farm Bureau (IFB). But don’t just join—participate.
IFB is always looking for new members, and they have leadership opportunities that connect you to your community. I know it can feel intimidating—there’s a perception that IFB is built for large-scale, generational farmers. That’s more myth than truth. There is space for veteran farmers, beginning farmers, and small-scale producers to have a voice.
We’re always looking for members to step into leadership roles. If you’re interested in hosting a VIF conference or workshop in your region or on your farm, we’d love to support you. It’s a rewarding effort that won’t cost you anything.
If you’re interested, email me at joericker@ateaseorchard.com or ricker2@purdue.edu—let’s make it happen.
I’m incredibly excited for 2025—this is the year we’ll finally give out funding to veteran farmers. Mark your calendars for May 9th at The Brookshire in Carmel for our major fundraiser. The more we raise, the more we can give!
Thank you for being part of this mission. Let’s keep building this momentum—together.
- Joe Ricker President, Veterans IN Farming
Starting your own farm or homestead is an exciting journey, but it also comes with important responsibilities—especially when it comes to business planning and financial record keeping. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your operation, having a solid financial foundation is key to long-term success.
Good business planning and financial literacy help you make informed decisions, track your progress, and stay prepared for opportunities that come your way. If you plan to work with the USDA or apply for grants and loans, you’ll often be required to provide detailed financial records and a clear business plan. Having this information organized can make the application process smoother and increase your chances of securing funding.
Define Your Goals Start by outlining your short-term and long-term goals. Are you focusing on self-sufficiency, selling at farmers markets, or expanding into larger-scale production? Having clear goals helps guide your planning.
Create a Business Plan A solid business plan should include:
A mission statement
Market research
Production plans
Financial projections
Marketing strategies
Writing down your plan helps you stay focused and makes it easier to present your farm as a serious business to potential lenders or partners.
Seek Out Resources Programs like Boots to Business, which will be offered at the Veterans IN Farming Conference this weekend, provide valuable insights into starting and managing your farm business. These programs can guide you through the planning process and equip you with practical tools.
Keeping good records is crucial for tracking expenses, measuring profitability, and ensuring compliance with tax and loan requirements. Some essential records to maintain include:
Income and Expenses: Track all sales and purchases related to your farm.
Receipts and Invoices: Keep copies of all transactions for accurate reporting.
Inventory Records: Document what you produce, sell, and use on the farm.
Tax Documents: Stay organized to simplify tax filing and meet IRS requirements.
A farm business has unique financial needs, so it’s important to work with professionals who understand agriculture. Seek out a tax professional and accountant with expertise and experience in farm businesses. They can help with tax strategies, deductions, and financial planning tailored to your operation.
Building a successful farm starts with strong financial habits. Taking the time to develop a business plan and maintain accurate records will set you up for growth and resilience. Whether you're applying for USDA programs or simply want to track your farm’s progress, financial literacy is a critical skill for every farmer and homesteader.
If you're ready to take the next step, be sure to attend the Boots to Business course at the Veterans IN Farming Conference this weekend to sharpen your skills and gain valuable insights.
Stay tuned to our social media for more updates and resources!
Turkeys can be a rewarding addition to your farm or homestead. They’re not only a source of delicious meat for your table or market, but they also have curious, entertaining personalities that can bring a lot of joy to your daily routine. If you’re just getting started, here’s what you need to know to raise healthy and happy turkeys.
Your turkey-raising journey often begins with a trip to the post office to pick up a box of day-old poults shipped from the hatchery. The hatchery ensures they are safely packed in a ventilated box with bedding for their journey. When you pick them up, inspect the poults to ensure they look active and healthy. Once you get home, transfer them carefully to a pre-warmed brooder to help them adjust to their new environment. Turkeys are very fragile during their first few weeks, so it’s important to check on your poults every few hours to ensure they are thriving and to minimize losses.
Before ordering your poults, consider how many turkeys you’re ready to raise. Starting with 6-12 birds is manageable for beginners, but you can adjust based on your goals and space. You’ll also need to decide whether to pay extra for all-female turkeys (hens). Hens tend to have fewer issues with fighting compared to toms, especially as they grow, so this might be worth the investment if you’re looking for a more peaceful flock.
You’ll also need to decide whether to raise heritage breeds or broad-breasted whites. Heritage breeds are hardy, can reproduce naturally, and are well-suited for pasture-based systems. They take longer to grow but often have richer flavors. Broad-breasted whites, on the other hand, grow quickly and produce larger birds, making them ideal for meat production. However, if you plan to take your turkeys to a processor, check in advance if they charge extra for birds with dark or brown feathers, as these often take longer to process.
If you’ll be processing your own turkeys, ensure that your equipment can handle them. Your plucker and scalder need to accommodate larger birds, and your kill cones should be appropriately sized for turkeys.
Young poults need a warm, secure brooder to thrive. Start with a temperature of 95°F and lower it by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered and ready to transition outside. Make sure your brooder is draft-free, has clean bedding, and provides enough space for the poults to move around comfortably.
As your turkeys grow, they’ll need a dedicated turkey coop. A well-ventilated shelter with roosting bars and secure fencing is essential to protect them from predators and provide a safe space at night. If you plan to pasture your turkeys, portable electrified fencing is a great option to rotate their grazing area and keep them active and healthy.
You might hear conflicting advice about whether turkeys and chickens should be kept apart due to the risk of blackhead disease, which can be transmitted between the species. While some farmers don’t see it as a major concern, it’s always a good idea to follow basic biosecurity practices. Keeping different flocks separated can help reduce the spread of disease and ensure the health of all your birds.
Raising turkeys can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it’s a manageable and rewarding experience. Start small, invest in quality housing and equipment, and take the time to learn as you go. Remember, you’re not just raising turkeys—you’re building a farm and a future. If you’re ready to dive in, Veterans IN Farming is here to support you every step of the way. Join our Poultry Processing session at Conference. Farm ON!
Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to pose a significant threat to poultry health. For layer flock owners in Indiana, staying informed and proactive is critical to preventing outbreaks. With robust biosecurity measures and careful flock management, you can minimize risks and support your birds’ well-being.
As of December 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 remains a concern in the United States. Indiana has experienced outbreaks affecting both commercial and backyard flocks, with monitoring and updates provided by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH). Staying updated on local cases is essential for safeguarding your birds.
The foundation of any AI prevention strategy lies in maintaining excellent flock health through the following practices:
In addition to these practices, certain poultry products may offer supplemental support in combating avian influenza. Products containing natural ingredients like oregano and garlic, such as Orego-Stim, are commercially formulated to enhance poultry health. These products leverage the antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of herbs and may contribute to reducing disease risk when used as part of an overall management plan.
Certain practices and operations are at higher risk for AI outbreaks, including:
Ammonia buildup from manure can compromise flock health, weakening respiratory systems and making birds more susceptible to diseases like AI. Regular coop cleaning, proper ventilation, and absorbent bedding (such as wood shavings or straw) help maintain air quality.
Be vigilant for signs of avian influenza, which include:
If you observe these symptoms, contact the Indiana State Board of Animal Health or the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline at 866-536-7593 immediately.
By combining strong biosecurity practices, high-quality nutrition, clean water, and natural poultry products, you can create a healthier environment for your flock. While no single measure guarantees immunity, these efforts significantly reduce the risk of avian influenza and other diseases.
For the latest updates on AI in Indiana and practical resources, consult the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and USDA's "Defend the Flock" program. With the right precautions, you can protect your layers and ensure their productivity year-round.