From Field to Market: “Next Acre” Fuels Veteran and Rural Ag Business Growth

Central Indiana’s At Ease Orchard Announces “Next Acre,” a Free Business Accelerator Program for Veteran and Rural-Owned Agricultural Entrepreneurs

At Ease Orchard is proud to announce the launch of Next Acre, a free business accelerator program designed to help veteran and rural-owned agricultural small businesses strengthen operations and expand their direct-to-consumer sales. 

The 10 session free program, supported through the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by agricultural entrepreneurs, particularly those led by military veterans. Through a combination of hands-on training, mentorship, and strategic support, participants will gain the confidence and tools needed to grow sustainable, profitable, and customer-focused agriculture enterprises.

“Farmers and producers in rural areas often face barriers to reaching broader markets,” said Joseph Ricker, Retired Army Colonel and At Ease Orchard Founder and Executive Director. “Next Acre is about equipping these business owners—especially veterans—with practical skills and support systems to tell their farm story, increase profitability, and build lasting customer relationships.” 

Next Acre participants receive: 

• Expert-led branding, marketing, and e-commerce training  
• A hand-selected one-on-one mentor  
• Guidance on scaling direct-to-consumer sales channels such as farmers markets, small on-site farm stores, CSA programs, and online platforms 
• Developing value-add products to expand into new direct-to-consumer markets 
• Access to a network of peers and partners in agriculture and food systems 
• And a strategic growth plan tailored to their enterprise 

Next Acre is designed for farmers who are ready to take their business to the next level.  

The program reflects At Ease Orchard’s ongoing commitment to supporting resilient rural economies and empowering those who have served their country to succeed in agricultural entrepreneurship. 

Applications for the Next Acre program are now open, with the inaugural cohort set to begin in mid-May 2026. Eligible applicants include veteran-owned and rural-based agricultural businesses within Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee seeking to grow their direct-to-consumer market reach and operational capacity. 

For more information or to apply, visit ateaseorchard.org/Next-Acre 

About At Ease Orchard 

At Ease Orchard is a mission-driven agricultural non-profit dedicated to serving those who have served while strengthening rural communities through agriculture. Rooted in a commitment to service, the organization cultivates community, resilience, and opportunity by equipping veterans and rural entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive. 

Through a blend of hands-on experiences and accessible online education, At Ease Orchard provides pathways for veterans to reconnect with purpose, build new skills, and transition successfully into agricultural and small business ventures. Its programs foster a strong sense of peer support and shared mission—creating an environment where participants grow not only their businesses, but also their confidence and sense of belonging.