At Ease Orchard, located in Wilkinson, Indiana, empowers veterans with agricultural training, resources, and community support, fostering sustainable farming practices and enhancing well-being through hands-on learning and collaborative networks.
At Ease Orchard empowers military veterans and their caregivers by reconnecting them with the land and with one another. Through hands-on training, practical resources, and a strong support network, the organization helps veterans turn farming into a pathway for healing, resilience, and renewed purpose.
Believing that farming is more than a skill—it’s a way to rebuild, reconnect, and move forward—At Ease Orchard cultivates sustainability, self-reliance, and community, equipping veterans with the tools they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond.
Rooted in Service
At Ease Orchard began with a simple mission: to stand by those who’ve served. What started in Indiana has grown into a national network of veterans learning, growing, and leading in agriculture. Today, the organization supports veteran and first-responder families across the country as they find direction, strength, and fulfillment in the meaningful work of farming.
What “At Ease” Means
“At Ease” is a familiar phrase in military life—a command that signals rest after duty and discipline. For At Ease Orchard, it represents something deeper: a place where veterans can breathe, heal, and rediscover purpose through farming and beekeeping. It’s where the next mission begins—on their terms, in their own time, with support every step of the way.
Resource Collaboration
At Ease Orchard is proud to partner with Justin Ruger—founder of Accessible Beekeeping—who specializes in making beekeeping inclusive for individuals of all abilities. Despite personal challenges that include a traumatic brain injury and stroke, Justin continues to innovate by developing adaptive equipment and training methods for new and disabled beekeepers.
The Resident Beekeeper
While Justin’s expertise shapes our resource collection, At Ease Orchard also benefits from the hands-on knowledge of founder Joe Ricker, who manages their on-site apiary. By combining Justin’s passion for inclusivity with Joe’s practical experience, we ensure veterans, first responders, and anyone interested can enjoy the calming, community-focused nature of beekeeping.
Events
At Ease Orchard hosts a variety of events at its home farm in Indiana and across the country. In addition to in-person events, At Ease Orchard offers monthly virtual sessions on topics ranging from sustainable agriculture to conversations with other veteran-serving nonprofits.
