Indiana is home to a vibrant array of birds, making it an exceptional place for birdwatching enthusiasts. Whether you're wanting to identify birds on your farm, or figure out how to keep your poultry safe from migrating birds, there are excellent resources available to enhance your birding experience.
Recently, Courtney Schmidt, Purdue Extension Educator for Agriculture & Natural Resources and Health & Human Sciences, shared valuable insights and resources about birdwatching in Indiana. Here’s what you need to know:
Indiana DNR Interpretive Naturalist Chandler Sonafrank offers engaging guidance on birdwatching in the state. His insights help bird enthusiasts better identify and appreciate the diverse species found throughout Indiana. Watch the full session here:
Birdwatching in Indiana with Chandler Sonafrank
Having reliable field guides or apps makes bird identification easier and more enjoyable:
Sibley Bird Guides: One of the most respected bird identification resources, perfect for birders of all skill levels. Visit the Sibley Guides website.
Merlin Bird ID App: Developed by Cornell Labs, this intuitive app helps identify birds by their calls and visual characteristics, tailored specifically for your location. Download the Merlin Bird ID App.
Bird health and safety are important for birdwatchers and poultry owners alike. For the latest updates on avian flu in Indiana, check the Indiana Board of Animal Health:
Indiana Board of Animal Health Bird Flu Updates
Indiana native plants provide essential habitats for local bird species. Participating in native plant sales and educational programs offered through your local Extension office supports local ecosystems and encourages bird-friendly environments.
(Please note that we are verifying this as we test this program out with one of our veteran farms. We will update it as soon as we have additional information.)
When service members return to civilian life, they bring valuable skills and experiences with them. To further support their transition, Indiana offers a law that grants honorably discharged veterans a free license to vend, hawk, or peddle goods. Although this legislation dates back to the Mexican–American War era, its modern application continues to deliver tangible benefits today.
Dating back to the mid-19th century, when returning soldiers from conflicts such as the Mexican–American War encountered significant challenges during their transition to civilian life, Indiana implemented measures to support their reintegration. The original “peddlers permit” allowed veterans to launch small ventures without incurring licensing fees—a model that has evolved into the practical benefit available today.
Indiana Code Title 25, Article 25, Chapter 2, Section 25‑25‑2‑1 remains a key resource for veteran farmers. Under this law, any veteran holding an honorable discharge is entitled to a vending license without the standard fee. For those looking to market farm products—be it fresh produce, artisanal goods, or other agricultural merchandise—the process is straightforward:
Documentation: Present your certificate and discharge papers.
Submission: Submit these documents to your local county auditor.
Issuance: Receive a fee-free license authorizing you to vend, hawk, or peddle goods throughout your county.
Sec. 1. (a) This section applies to: (1) any veteran described in IC 10-17-5-2 or IC 10-17-5-1 (before their repeal); or (2) any other veteran to whom this chapter applies because of the provisions of any other statute; who holds an honorable discharge from such service issued by the proper authorities. Such a person shall be entitled to a license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in any county, city, or town in Indiana without the payment of any fee for the license. Upon the presentation of the person's certificate and papers of discharge, properly executed, to the auditor of any county and proving the person's identity as the person named in the person's certificate of honorable discharge, the auditor shall issue to the former soldier or sailor a free license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in the county and in all cities and towns in the county. A fee may not be charged to the holder of the license by the auditor, by the authorities of any city or town in the county, or by any other officer. The license shall be full and complete authority to vend, hawk, and peddle without the payment of any sum of money. (b) A person who acquires a license under this section is subject to all county, city, or town regulations and ordinances concerning vendors, hawkers, or peddlers, except for those provisions requiring payment of money for obtaining a license. Formerly: Acts 1895, c.121, s.1; Acts 1899, c.42, s.1. As amended by Acts 1979, P.L.247, SEC.1; Acts 1980, P.L.38, SEC.16; P.L.16-1983, SEC.17; P.L.2-2003, SEC.66; P.L.42-2020, SEC.16.
Sec. 1. (a) This section applies to: (1) any veteran described in IC 10-17-5-2 or IC 10-17-5-1 (before their repeal); or (2) any other veteran to whom this chapter applies because of the provisions of any other statute; who holds an honorable discharge from such service issued by the proper authorities. Such a person shall be entitled to a license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in any county, city, or town in Indiana without the payment of any fee for the license. Upon the presentation of the person's certificate and papers of discharge, properly executed, to the auditor of any county and proving the person's identity as the person named in the person's certificate of honorable discharge, the auditor shall issue to the former soldier or sailor a free license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in the county and in all cities and towns in the county. A fee may not be charged to the holder of the license by the auditor, by the authorities of any city or town in the county, or by any other officer. The license shall be full and complete authority to vend, hawk, and peddle without the payment of any sum of money.
(b) A person who acquires a license under this section is subject to all county, city, or town regulations and ordinances concerning vendors, hawkers, or peddlers, except for those provisions requiring payment of money for obtaining a license.
Formerly: Acts 1895, c.121, s.1; Acts 1899, c.42, s.1. As amended by Acts 1979, P.L.247, SEC.1; Acts 1980, P.L.38, SEC.16; P.L.16-1983, SEC.17; P.L.2-2003, SEC.66; P.L.42-2020, SEC.16.
This statute allows veteran farmers to focus on expanding their enterprises while meeting local regulatory requirements—without the added burden of licensing fees.
Enhanced Business Opportunities: Eliminating licensing fees reduces startup costs, enabling reinvestment in farm operations and local market initiatives.
Financial Efficiency: Fewer administrative expenses mean more resources can be allocated to production, equipment, and market expansion.
Local Economic Impact: Veteran-operated ventures contribute to robust local food systems and regional commerce, strengthening community ties.
Ongoing Recognition: This provision continues to acknowledge the service of veterans by offering tangible support in their civilian endeavors.
To secure your fee-free vending license, submit your honorable discharge papers to your local county auditor—not the county clerk.
Do you know a veteran who could benefit from this law? Share this article and help spread the word about Indiana’s commitment to supporting our returning heroes!
We’re excited to announce that our latest Veterans IN Farming Podcast episode is now live and ready for you to listen to on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify! In this 15 minute episode, we sit down with two exceptional guests—Olivia, a Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, and Aubree, a Precision Ag Specialist with the same organizations—to discuss how innovative programs in conservation and technology are supporting veteran farmers across the country.
In today’s fast-paced discussion, Olivia and Aubree share their personal journeys into their fields, explaining what sparked their passion for conservation and precision agriculture. They provide an in-depth look at the vital work their organizations are doing to help veteran farmers access cost-share opportunities, implement sustainable practices, and adopt precision agricultural tools that are not only beneficial for large-scale operations but also accessible to small, diversified farms.
Our guests delve into practical strategies and programs tailored specifically for veteran farmers—from conservation initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and support healthy farm ecosystems, to the latest in Precision Ag technology that helps streamline operations and boost productivity. They also offer actionable advice on integrating data-driven decision-making into daily farming practices, ensuring that even those new to these concepts can get started on the path toward sustainable success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts who are making a real difference in the lives of veteran farmers. Click here to listen on YouTube.
For those passionate about Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage—especially if you own a historic barn or appreciate the legacy of Hoosier farming—the Indiana Barn Foundation is hosting its annual barn tour in LaGrange County on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
This self-guided driving tour offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand the enduring beauty of Indiana’s historic post-and-beam barns—once numbering over 30,000 across the state and now disappearing at an alarming rate. Tickets for the tour will go on sale later this summer, so be sure to watch for updates if you’re interested in exploring these iconic structures up close.
Indiana’s historic barns are much more than simple agricultural buildings; they are symbols of the ingenuity, perseverance, and craftsmanship of generations of Hoosier farmers. In 2013, preservation advocates led by Mauri Williamson—a Purdue administrator deeply moved by the legacy of Indiana’s rural communities—came together to launch the Indiana Barn Foundation. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to protecting these irreplaceable landmarks through educational programs, workshops, and funding initiatives.
During the LaGrange County barn tour, participants will have the chance to drive along scenic routes to view beautifully restored barns, appreciate traditional construction techniques, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of these structures from local historians and veteran farmers. The event is designed to answer a question many people have: “Where can I see these beautiful barns up close?”
In addition to the tour, the Indiana Barn Foundation offers valuable financial support for barn preservation through its Barn Preservation Grant Fund. Applications for 2025 are now being accepted, and this matching-grant program is designed to help barn owners repair and maintain their historic structures. Under the program, up to $2,500 per project is available from IBF funds, and recipients are required to match that amount—whether through cash contributions, additional grants, loans, or in-kind contributions such as donated labor. With this matching support, each project could potentially secure $5,000 or more in total funding. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria, and the IBF Board of Directors will select two projects annually. Approved projects must be completed within one year of receiving the grant.
Barn owners can also take advantage of another important incentive: the Indiana Heritage Barn Tax Deduction. This tax deduction encourages the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic barns by reducing the property tax burden. To qualify, a barn must have been constructed before 1950, retain sufficient historical integrity in its design, materials, and construction, and be built as a mortise and tenon barn—employing traditional heavy wooden timbers joined with wood-pegged joinery. Barn owners should contact their County Assessor’s office to determine if their barn qualifies as a “heritage barn.” Once eligibility is confirmed, they must complete State Form 55706 (R/6-16) and have it processed by the County Auditor. Applications must be submitted by December 31 of the year for which the deduction is sought, with a postmark on or before January 5 of the following year.
There are even more barn-related activities planned. On Friday, September 12, before the official barn tour begins at 10:00 AM on Saturday, you can participate in additional events such as a "Make Your Own Barn Quilt" class and tours of an historic Polygonal Brown Swiss Dairy Barn and the Stutzman Dairy Farm. Tickets for these activities will be available for pre-purchase or on site. Overnight lodging is available in Shipshewana, and evening live concerts are planned at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, adding a festive atmosphere to a day of barn appreciation.
Another annual event to keep on your radar is the Indiana Barn Foundation’s Forum and Annual Meeting, scheduled for July in Hamilton County (the exact date is pending between the 12th and 19th). This event is open to all interested parties and features speakers on a range of topics relevant to barn owners and enthusiasts—from preservation techniques and funding strategies to innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture.
For more information on the LaGrange County Barn Tour in the heart of Indiana Amish Country, contact the Shipshewana/LaGrange County Visitors Center at 260.760.4008 or visit www.VisitShipshewana.org for a free travel guide and trip planning assistance.
If you own a historic barn or are passionate about the preservation of Indiana’s agricultural heritage, these events and programs from the Indiana Barn Foundation provide invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of Hoosier farming. For more information on event registration, grant applications, and the Heritage Barn Tax Deduction, please visit the Indiana Barn Foundation’s website or contact their event coordinator.
For more information on event registration, grant applications, and the Heritage Barn Tax Deduction, please visit the Indiana Barn Foundation’s website or contact their event coordinator.
For beginning farmers, March is the perfect time to start seeds indoors and get a head start on the growing season. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, starting your own seeds allows you to control growing conditions, save money on transplants, and produce healthier, more resilient plants. But it’s not as simple as just tossing seeds in the soil—timing, light, and care all make a difference.
Here’s what you need to know to get your seedlings off to a strong start, plus answers to some of the most common seed-starting issues.
Some crops can be direct-seeded into the ground once the weather warms up, but others—like tomatoes, peppers, and many herbs—need a longer growing season than what your local climate allows. Starting seeds indoors lets you bypass unpredictable weather, extend your growing season, and produce stronger, healthier transplants.
This approach is especially useful if you live in a short-season climate or if you want to maximize early production for market sales. It also gives you more control over what varieties you grow, which is especially important for organic or heirloom producers.
Setting up a successful seed-starting system doesn’t require an expensive greenhouse, but it does take a little planning. Here’s what you’ll need:
One of the biggest mistakes new growers make is starting seeds too early. If plants sit indoors too long, they can become leggy, rootbound, or stunted before they’re ready for transplanting.
Here’s a general guideline for when to start different crops:
To find your last frost date, check the USDA planting zone map or use a resource like Farmers’ Almanac.
Even experienced growers run into issues when starting seeds indoors. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
If seeds aren’t sprouting, it’s usually due to temperature, moisture, or seed viability issues.
✔ Check soil temperature – Most seeds need 65-75°F to germinate. A cold room or basement might be too chilly. Using a heat mat can help. ✔ Keep soil evenly moist – Seeds need consistent moisture but shouldn’t sit in soggy soil. Covering trays with a humidity dome can help. ✔ Use fresh seeds – Old seeds lose viability. If they’re more than two years old, do a germination test before planting.
Leggy seedlings happen when there’s not enough light or too much warmth.
✔ Provide strong, direct light – Keep grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings and adjust as plants grow. ✔ Increase air circulation – A small oscillating fan strengthens stems and prevents disease. ✔ Avoid over-fertilizing – Too much nitrogen can make plants grow too fast without strong stems.
Wilting or sudden collapse is often caused by overwatering or damping off, a fungal disease.
✔ Use well-draining seed-starting mix – Avoid heavy, compacted soil. ✔ Water from the bottom – Fill a tray under seedlings instead of watering overhead. ✔ Improve airflow – A small fan reduces humidity and prevents fungal growth.
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, poor drainage, or transplant stress.
✔ Feed with a diluted organic fertilizer – Once seedlings have their first true leaves, feed lightly every 7-10 days. ✔ Ensure trays drain properly – If soil stays soggy, roots can’t absorb nutrients. ✔ Harden off seedlings before transplanting – Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting in the field.
Before moving your seedlings outdoors, they need to adjust to real sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations. This process is called hardening off and should be done over 7-10 days:
Starting seeds indoors is a simple, cost-effective way to get a jump on the season and improve success rates for crops. For beginning farmers, it’s a great way to gain confidence in managing crops before investing in large-scale production.
If you’re part of Veterans IN Farming, consider sharing your seed-starting success (or struggles!) with the community. Learning from each other’s experiences is one of the best ways to improve your farm operation.
Got questions? Reach out through Veterans IN Farming—via email or Facebook we’re here to help!
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!