A Midwest nonprofit is launching a new effort called Next Acre aimed at helping veteran farmers and rural entrepreneurs grow their agricultural businesses, tapping into federal support to expand access to direct-to-consumer markets.
“It’s really taking people to the next level. So ,they have their property, they have their acre, you know, we want to take them to the next one, and the next one, and the next one,” says Joe Ricker, a retired Army colonel and the founder and executive director of At Ease Orchard—a non-profit organization based in Hancock County, Indiana, that helps military veterans build successful careers in farming and beekeeping.
Ricker has announced the rollout of Next Acre, a 10-session business accelerator designed to provide free training, mentorship and strategic guidance to agricultural producers seeking to strengthen operations and boost sales. The program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Farmers Market Promotion Program, administered by the agency’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
The initiative targets a persistent challenge for small and mid-sized farms: connecting with customers beyond local markets. Organizers say the program will focus on practical skills such as branding, pricing strategies, customer segmentation and expanding sales channels, including farmers markets, farm stores, community-supported agriculture programs and online platforms.
“Farmers and producers in rural areas often face barriers to reaching broader markets,” said Ricker. “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.”
Participants will receive one-on-one mentorship, access to a network of agricultural peers and partners, and assistance developing customized growth plans tailored to their operations and market opportunities. The program also emphasizes the development of value-added products — a strategy increasingly used by small farms to diversify revenue and improve margins.
The accelerator is open to veteran-owned and rural-based agricultural businesses across seven states: Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Ricker said the inaugural cohort is scheduled to begin in mid-May.
The launch reflects a broader push to strengthen rural economies while supporting veterans transitioning into agriculture — a sector that has drawn increasing interest from former service members seeking new careers and community ties.
At Ease Orchard, a mission-driven nonprofit, has focused its work on helping veterans build agricultural enterprises through hands-on training and peer support. With Next Acre, the organization is expanding that mission to include a more structured pathway for scaling farm businesses in an evolving marketplace.
To sign up for this free training program, email Nicole: Nicole@ateaseorchard.com.
For more information, visit AtEaseOrchard.org/Next-Acre.
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