Indiana

The Veteran Farmer Conference is scheduled for Shipshewana, Indiana, on July 11-12, 2025, and invites military veterans and their caregivers from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan to take part. This is the first time the conference will be held in Shipshewana, and it's being organized in collaboration with Veterans IN Farming, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), Michigan State University Extension, and other regional partners committed to supporting veterans in agriculture.

The event begins on Friday, July 11 with focused workshops on farm business planning and mental health in agriculture. These sessions are designed to offer practical tools and support for veterans and service providers.

On Saturday, July 12, the main conference will feature a full day of education, networking, and hands-on learning. Workshop topics include beekeeping for beginners, sustainable farming practices, adaptive agricultural technology, farm funding, and planning resources. A dedicated exhibitor area will be open throughout the day on Saturday, allowing service providers to connect directly with attendees and share valuable programs and tools.

For more information about the Veteran Farmer Conference or to reserve exhibitor space, visit vetsinfarming.wildapricot.org.

Veterans IN Farming has launched a new podcast, now available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. Each episode runs 15 to 20 minutes and highlights products, services, funding opportunities, and veteran farmer stories from across the region. Organizations with a resource or project to share on the podcast can reach out to Joe Ricker to learn more about being a guest.

Submitted by Joe Ricker and Kate Bowen

Staff Changes and Recognition

Darin Chapman will be coordinating the Indiana AgVets Certification and Internship Program, a partner with Indiana AgrAbility that focuses on promoting resources and internships to military veterans pursuing a career in agriculture. He is an Air Force veteran and farmer/property manager with experience in farming, timber, hunting contracts, honeybees, pastured pork, and poultry. Darin has a background in sustainable and diversified farming methods, having implemented NRCS EQIP grants successfully. He is also an Armed to Farm graduate and an Indiana AgVets participant. Darin says, "I am honored to work with Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation and AgrAbility to provide agricultural training and career opportunities for our military veterans." His contact information is:
Darin Chapman
AgVets Coordinator
Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation
500 West Main Street
Mitchell, IN 47446
(812) 878-0733
dchapman@hoosieruplands.org