Joe Ricker’s journey: Farming, service and giving back

Now in its second year, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence honors a veteran or service member for outstanding contributions to agriculture and local communities.

It’s a great time to catch up with retired Army Col. Joe Ricker of Indiana, the award’s first recipient, who was recognized at AFBF’s 2025 convention in January.

Ricker’s At Ease Orchard is a nonprofit that introduces veterans, first responders and their family members to beekeeping and other farm activities, offering both healing and on-farm learning.

Earlier this summer, he hosted an educational honey tasting activity at the Indiana State Fair, at Indiana Farm Bureau’s popular “Taste From Indiana Farms” event, which features free food and drink samples that contain ingredients produced by farmers in the state.

Visitors sampled flavored honey sticks from Ricker’s farm and were challenged to identify the nectar source for each, such as buckwheat, goldenrod, wildflowers and more.

During the beekeeping season, Ricker offers hands-on training at the farm. Participants learn practical beekeeping skills in a supportive environment, guided by experienced mentors who understand both agriculture and life after military service.

September events at the farm will include how to build a compost pile, lavender harvest and pruning, and open honey harvest.

These harvest events give newcomers a chance to observe hive processing, while experienced beekeepers can bring their own frames and use the farm’s equipment to extract honey.

“Farming is more than a skill — it’s a way for veterans to rebuild, reconnect and move forward,” Ricker said. “We offer veterans the tools they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond.”

Gleaning events this fall at the farm will provide veterans and others the opportunity to collect vegetables left behind after harvest, for donation to local food pantries and their own use, if needed.

On the digital front, Ricker recently launched the VetFarm Network Podcast, which shares inspiring stories, practical tips and expert advice for anyone interested in agriculture, whether they’re just starting out or already seasoned in the field.

The cash prize Ricker received as the first Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence honoree was beneficial in creating these and other new initiatives.

But what matters most to him is the growing awareness of At Ease Orchard’s mission — to stand by those who served — and the strengthened ties with Farm Bureau, both in Indiana and nationwide.

Veteran Farmer Award

AFBF, with support from Farm Credit, will present the next Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence in January. The honoree will receive $10,000 plus travel expenses to attend the AFBF Convention set for Jan. 9-14 in Anaheim, California.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/Veteran-Farmer-Award.

Cyndie Shearing is a director of communications at the American Farm Bureau Federation.