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Veterans often find themselves at a crossroads after service, seeking a new purpose and direction. For many, the transition to civilian life is a struggle, a journey from the structured, mission-driven world of the military to an unfamiliar landscape of routines and roles. But some, like the founders of At Ease Orchard and its associated farms, have found that farming offers a unique pathway to healing, connection, and purpose.
After years of service, the daily hustle of military life can leave a void when the uniform is hung up for the last time. Joe Ricker, owner of At Ease Orchard says, “There was an intensity and a busyness...I need to fill that gap at the same pace.” For him, the rhythm of farming—tending to crops, caring for animals—was a natural extension of the dedication he once applied to serving his country. Farming, he discovered, filled that gap, offering not only a new challenge but a continuation of his sense of duty.
At Ease Orchard, Jack’s Farm, and other affiliated properties are more than just places to grow crops; they are sanctuaries where veterans can learn new skills, build camaraderie, and, importantly, rediscover a sense of purpose. "Farming gives you something more responsible to take care of," Rickers said. "Some people won’t get up for themselves, but they’ll get up to take care of a goat or a beehive." For veterans, accustomed to caring for their fellow soldiers, this responsibility offers a reason to rise each morning.
Michelle Broyhill, a former military police officer turned farmer, witnessed firsthand the transformative power of farming. Partnering with her friend, Miranda, a combat medic who struggled after returning home, Michelle found that working the land provided a sense of peace and direction that conventional therapies had not. They began sharing their produce with their community, even organizing mini farmer’s markets for fellow veterans. "It’s needed," Michelle explained. "It brought a sense of peace and purpose to her...it solidifies the fact that there's still a group effort to get things done."
Veteran farms like these aim to do more than grow crops; they nurture hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of community. The farms provide opportunities for hands-on learning, where veterans teach each other as much as they learn from the land. They participate in programs like AgrAbility, which helps farmers adapt after injury or aging, and work with organizations like Hoosier Uplands to offer stipends for veterans who want to learn the ropes of farming. These initiatives allow veterans to explore agriculture without the pressure of immediate success, helping them determine whether farming is truly right for them.
The veterans behind these efforts dream of expanding their impact. They envision a future where veteran-run farms thrive not just in Indiana, but nationwide. “In the next three years, I'd like to see more veteran farms in Indiana,” one leader shared. “In five to ten years, you have a sustainable process outside of Indiana.” They hope to create more spaces where veterans can work the land, attend classes, or simply find a community that understands their struggles and strengths.
In their pursuit, these veterans don’t just grow food—they grow hope. They are building a network that supports each other through the challenges of farming and life. They are creating a space where, as one veteran put it, "the world is a better place when they leave it." This is their new mission: to heal through the soil, to plant seeds of resilience, and to ensure that every veteran has a place to find their purpose once more.
For more information on AgrAbility and the AgVet grant with Hoosier Upland visit:
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