Joe Ricker– Veteran– Bee Keeping & Outreach

Joe is a recently retired Army Colonel who specialized in

Logistics and Information Management. His 30 years in the military brought him

to Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other countries. He developed not only a drive

to get the mission done, but a desire to help people. After two tours in the

Pentagon and meeting the AgrAbility Veteran team in 2016 at a workshop he

decided that agriculture was going to be his focus in retirement and helping

Veterans is his passion.

He is the founder of At Ease Orchard, a non-profit that is focused

on getting Veterans, First Responders and their family members into Beekeeping

and other farm activities. Over the past two years At Ease Orchard has provided

over 20 hives, mentorship, and training to their beneficiaries. He also manages

his property with 250 apple trees as well as 8 beehives. Joe is also the

Secretary of the Farmer Veteran Coalition Indiana Chapter.

Joe is currently the Veteran Outreach Coordinator for AgrAbility

where he mentors Veterans on Veteran specific resources and provides guidance

to dozens of Veterans every month on pursuing their passion on getting into

Agriculture.