Continuing Service: A Veteran Turns to Agriculture to Help Others

Joe Ricker, a man of many titles including colonel, veterans outreach coordinator, nonprofit founder, farm owner, consultant and beekeeper, has consistently dedicated himself to helping service members thrive. His collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a key factor in his work. "Make a plan, stick to the plan, and USDA will have your back and help you," he said. This support includes Monshi "Ram" Ramdass, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison, who has facilitated connections between Joe, disabled veterans and the resources they need.

Joe decided to focus on agriculture when he retired from the Army in 2022. For the last several years, he has been the veteran outreach coordinator (VOC) for AgrAbility, which is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is estimated that at least 634,000 people in the U.S. farm/ranch population have a disability. For more than 30 years, the AgrAbility Program has empowered farmers, ranchers and disabled agricultural workers to continue their work and enhance their quality of life.

Joe has significant personal experience in farming and was recognized as a 2023 Indiana State Fair Featured Farmer. He has tapped into many USDA services like the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. He also founded At Ease Orchard, a nonprofit focused on introducing veterans, first responders and their family members to beekeeping and other farm activities. At Ease Orchard offers various types of support to veteran farmers. This includes a specialized library, expert mentorship, insightful blogs, dynamic events, and practical workshops, all designed to empower veteran farmers. Based in Indiana, they serve as a hub for regenerative agriculture and beekeeping, where they cultivate an orchard, hold workshops, and organize regional events focused on sustainable farming practices.

Joe Ricker's mission is clear: to help veterans transition to agriculture and unlock skills, satisfaction and meaning post-service. "Veterans have given themselves to this nation and have a service mentality," he said. "They want to continue to serve their communities, just in a different way, with agriculture."

Learn more about the USDA employment, education and entrepreneurship resources available to veterans at usda.gov/veterans.