National AgrAbility Project

NAP Veteran Outreach Coordinator Joe Ricker led a veteran farmer conference in Shipshewana, IN, that brought together military veterans, beginning farmers, and a collaborative team of organizations for a two-day event focused on agricultural education, community building, and veteran support in July.

A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bill Field, director of the National AgrAbility Project, who spoke about the critical role of adaptive technology and support networks for farmers with disabilities. The conference also featured mental health training sessions, addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning into agriculture and highlighting resources to support their well-being.

Hands-on demonstrations were a key part of the event. Goat therapy sessions offered stress relief and connection for attendees, while Dr. Adam Ingrao showcased adaptive equipment for beekeeping designed to make apiary work more accessible for farmers with mobility limitations or injuries.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of Veterans IN Farming, Farmer Veteran Coalition chapters from Illinois and Ohio, Michigan State University Extension, Hoosier Uplands, Heroes to Hives, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, At Ease Orchard, and the National AgrAbility Project.

"This conference showed how powerful it is when veterans, farmers, and organizations work side by side," said Joe Ricker, founder and president of Veterans IN Farming. "As a veteran myself, my passion is helping other veterans find purpose and build meaningful livelihoods through agriculture."

With workshops on regenerative agriculture, business planning, livestock management, and marketing farm products, plus a dedicated youth program and family-friendly activities, the conference offered a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience for farmers at every stage of their journey.

Submitted by Joe Ricker and Kate Bowen

The AgrAbility/Extension check-in will be held on Wednesday, August 20, at 3 p.m. Eastern. Join the call to share updates, questions, and camaraderie. Email Samantha at wolfesa4@msu.edu with any questions.

https://msu.zoom.us/j/2114672813?pwd=RjJhRE1KQzlCMmJ4eTJJRHZWMXVnUT09
Meeting ID: 211 467 2813
Passcode: 922439

Submitted by Samantha Wolfe

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