Retired Army Colonel, Joe Ricker is the first recipient of AFBF’s Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence

The American Farm Bureau has named retired Army Colonel Joe Ricker as the first recipient of its “Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, recognizing him not only for his service to our country and his involvement in agriculture and his community.

Joe spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on his time in the Army, his agricultural experience, and what winning this award means to him.

Related Stories
Kate Johnson didn’t set out to become an expert on all things cheese—but today, this FarmHER is the owner/founder of The Art of Cheese School where she teaches chefs at every level.
Cristen Clark knows a thing or two about exactly what her blog title says: Food and Swine. Learn more about a day in her life.
The Colorado ranch where Elin operates her business just happens to be the same ranch where she spent her summers as a child.
Growing up as a sixth-generation Iowa FarmHER, Lexi Marek’s first passion is her pigs. She started showing pigs at livestock shows early on at the young age of five.
Meet RanchHER Renee Strickland of Strickland Ranch and Exporting. Headquartered in Myakka City, Florida, Strickland and her husband export cattle around the world.
Veterans from as far back as the Second World War were joined in the procession by law enforcement officers, firefighters, Civil War re-enactors, and an assortment of colorful and enthusiastic supporters for the 2016 Veterans Day parade in Nashville, TN.
farmher shannon latham in with a class of children infront of a school bus 12277608-g.png
Shannon Latham
See how FarmHER Shannon Latham grew a kids 4H project into a thriving seasonal pumpkin patch in rural Iowa.
Back in 2016, for the very first time, five of the six student leaders chosen as National FFA Officers were Future FarmHERs.
Ten years ago, FarmHER Jen Welch started a homestead on a single acre in Buena Vista, Colorado. The original idea was to grow food for her growing family.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.