By Andi Anderson
The newly established Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recognizes veterans who excel in farming and agriculture while positively impacting their communities. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), supported by Farm Credit, has presented the first award to retired Army Col. Joe Ricker of Wilkinson, Indiana.
With a military background of 30 years, including roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and a logistics post at the Pentagon, Ricker retired in 2022 and devoted himself to farming and veteran support initiatives.
Ricker founded At Ease Orchard, a nonprofit offering veterans, first responders, and their families a chance to learn beekeeping and engage in various farm activities. He also established Veterans IN Farming, a program dedicated to providing Indiana’s veterans with training and support for agricultural careers.
Ricker collaborates with Michigan Food & Farming Systems’ Heroes to Hives, a project using beekeeping to promote financial and personal well-being for veterans. Additionally, he has served as the veteran outreach coordinator for the National AgrAbility Project, which aids agricultural workers with disabilities in maintaining employment.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall praised Ricker’s contributions to both the military and agriculture, stating, “We’re proud to celebrate Col. Joe Ricker for his past service to our country and current involvement in agriculture and local communities.”
Duvall emphasized the importance of veterans’ contributions to farming, highlighting the valuable skills they bring from military service.
Ricker shared that skills like risk assessment, planning, and patience have helped him successfully transition into farming.
His classes in beekeeping for veterans also provide informal support, offering resources for mental health and personal wellness. “If I save one [person] from hurting themselves, I feel my work is worth it,” Ricker said.
With the $10,000 cash prize awarded to him, Ricker plans to expand his training programs in beekeeping and strengthen outreach to other veterans. He will officially receive the award at AFBF’s 2025 Convention in January in San Antonio.
The Utah Farm Bureau also recognized veteran farmer Mackenzie Curtis of Summit County, Utah, for his dedication to agriculture. Curtis and his wife Sarah raise sheep, goats, and alfalfa and have started a 4-H Sheep Club in their community.
Curtis served eight years in the Army, and the Utah Farm Bureau expressed gratitude for his service and commitment to agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, General