Joe Ricker celebrated with Veteran Farmer Award

By Andi Anderson

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), with support from Farm Credit, has awarded its inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to retired Army Col.

Joe Ricker of Indiana. This new award recognizes veterans or active service members who excel in farming or agriculture while positively impacting their communities. Ricker, the first recipient, exemplifies these qualities through his work and dedication.

After a 30-year Army career, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and a final post in Pentagon logistics, Ricker retired in 2022 and turned his attention to farming. He founded At Ease Orchard, a nonprofit that introduces veterans, first responders, and their families to farming activities like beekeeping.

Additionally, he launched Veterans IN Farming, a program providing training and support to help Indiana veterans succeed in agriculture. Ricker also works with Heroes to Hives, an initiative by Michigan Food & Farming Systems that uses beekeeping to support veterans’ financial and personal well-being.

Ricker has also served as the veteran outreach coordinator for the National AgrAbility Project, which supports agricultural workers with disabilities. AFBF President Zippy Duvall praised Ricker’s contributions, stating, “We’re proud to elevate and celebrate Col. Joe Ricker for his past service to our country and current involvement in agriculture and local communities. We greatly appreciate the sacrifices of veterans so we can enjoy the freedoms we have in our country, and I’m delighted to highlight their contributions to agriculture, too.”

Skills Ricker acquired in the military—risk assessment, strategic planning, and patience—have helped him transition smoothly into agriculture.

His training classes for veterans include beekeeping and other farm-related skills and offer access to mental health resources and support. Ricker hopes these efforts will have a lasting positive impact on veterans' lives.

The award includes a $10,000 prize, which Ricker plans to use to expand his beekeeping training and enhance outreach programs for veterans.

He will officially receive the award at the AFBF’s 2025 Convention in January in San Antonio, Texas. This honor underscores the growing recognition of veterans’ unique contributions to both agriculture and their communities.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic