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Veterans IN Farming

Indiana State Meeting 2026

March 28, 2026

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 


Conference Format

Morning Sessions

Short-format educational presentations (under one hour) offering a wide variety of topics to choose from.

Afternoon Workshops

Longer, in-depth workshops designed for hands-on learning and deeper exploration of the most requested topics.

Networking, Lunch & Expo

Connect with fellow Indiana farmers, meet vendors and sponsors, and build relationships within the veteran agriculture community.

Session Topics Include

  • USDA / NRCS Resources for Beginning Veteran Farmers

  • Selling Flowers

  • SARE Resources (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)

  • Forest & Woodlot Management

  • Beginning Beekeeping

  • Garden Planning

  • Permaculture

  • Gardening on Less Than an Acre / Small Spaces

  • Resilient & Profitable Animals for Small Properties

  • Grant Planning, Writing & Business Planning

  • Food Preservation (with taste testing)

  • Regenerative Farming

  • AgrAbility

  • Veteran Farmer Panel


About the State Meeting

The Veterans IN Farming Indiana State Meeting is a full-day, in-person conference bringing together veteran farmers, first responders, homesteaders, beginning farmers, and experienced producers from across Indiana and the Midwest.

Now in its third year, the State Meeting is designed to support attendees at every stage of their agricultural journey — from those just getting started to long-time farmers looking to expand, diversify, or strengthen their operations.

This event blends practical education, hands-on workshops, and peer-to-peer networking with access to trusted agricultural resources, businesses, and service providers.

Who Should Attend?

  • Veteran farmers and military families

  • First responders interested in agriculture or homesteading

  • Beginning farmers and homesteaders

  • Established farmers seeking new ideas or diversification

  • Small-scale, regenerative, and land-limited producers

  • Agricultural businesses and service providers

  • Bring the family!

You do not need to be a veteran to attend. All are welcome.

Registration & Pricing

Veterans and one caregiver: $20 total
(Includes meals)

Standard Registration

Non-Veteran Attendees: $120 per person
(Includes all meals and full conference access)

  • Children under 16 attend free (please notify us for meal planning)

Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities

Vendor Expo Booth — $50

  • Sell your products and engage directly with attendees

  • Includes one lunch meal ticket

  • Power access available upon request

  • Location & Accommodations

    Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
    31 West Ohio Street
    Indianapolis, IN 46204

    Discounted hotel rooms are available using our conference link.
    Room discount code expires March 6, 2026.

    Accommodation costs are the responsibility of the attendee.


Sponsorship Packages Available!

Interested in sponsoring, tabling, or exhibiting? Have a raffle ticket item to donate?

Email joericker@ateaseorchard.com 



Featured Speaker: John Klar — Farmer & Author

John Klar is a hands-on farmer, attorney, and author with decades of experience raising sheep and beef cattle using regenerative, pasture-based systems. Known for his practical, efficient approach to farming, he demonstrates how to build resilient, productive farms while restoring soil health, strengthening local food systems, and supporting small-scale agriculture.

In 2016, John Klar challenged the Vermont Department of Agriculture over restrictive on-farm slaughter laws, advocating for policies that protect small farmers, support consumers, and ensure responsible animal care. This effort reflects his commitment to practical, hands-on solutions that help small farms thrive.

Upcoming Books

John has two upcoming books that explore challenges and opportunities for family farms and food systems:

The Coming Food Crisis
This book examines pressures on family farms and local food production, highlighting strategies for maintaining farm independence, resilient operations, and strong community food systems.

Welcome to the Revolution
Drawing on grassroots experience in agriculture and community organizing, this book explores how farmers and rural communities are creating innovative solutions to strengthen local food systems, health, and resilience.

John’s presentations are designed to provide practical, real-world guidance for veterans, first responders, beginning farmers, and long-time producers looking to thrive on their farms while supporting resilient, local food systems.



Accessibility & Nondiscrimination

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you require accommodations to attend, please contact Emily Kring at ekring@purdue.edu by March 13, 2026.

USDA AgVets Funding Disclaimer

This program is supported by the USDA’s AgVets program, which provides funding to enhance agricultural opportunities for military veterans through hands-on training, education, and career pathways in agriculture.


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