Home
Agriculture

Business

Indiana Grown Holiday Box highlights local businesses for the second year

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 28, 2024) – Today, Indiana Grown has announced the contents of the 2024 Indiana Grown Holiday Box, the perfect gift for your friends and family this holiday season. This year's gift box will showcase a variety of products from Indiana Grown members located across the state including coffees, sweet treats and body care items. Indiana Grown is a statewide initiative housed within the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to highlight local products and artisan goods.

“The Indiana Grown Holiday Box is a great way to support local businesses and share a taste of the Hoosier State with your loved ones during the season of giving,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Inside this box, there is certainty something for everyone.”

Each box includes:

Coffee Samplers - JavAroma Roasters - Mitchell, IN
Blueberry Lemon Granola - Perkins' Good Earth Farm - DeMotte, IN
Snack Sticks - Pig's Tale Charcuterie - Indianapolis, IN
Hoosier Style Popcorn - Poptique - Columbia City, IN
Honey Lotion Bar - Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive - Fishers, IN
Pretzels - Tell City Pretzels - Jasper, IN
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans - Simply Jill's - Lebanon, IN
Spice Mixes - SPICEKICK- Carmel, IN
Travel Sized Holiday Scented Lotions - The Lotion Company - Muncie, IN

“We are honored to be highlighting these small businesses through the second annual Indiana Grown Holiday Box” said Caroline Patrick, director of Indiana Grown. “The opportunity to continue highlighting local products throughout Indiana especially during the holiday season is an honor.”

The 2024 Indiana Grown Holiday Box is limited to 390 boxes. Click here to place your order.

Learn more about Indiana Grown at indianagrown.org.

Purdue Extension & Indiana Forage Council Hosting Virtual Forage Quality Virtual Seminar

Purdue Extension and Indiana Forage Council are hosting a free “Understanding Forage Quality Virtual Seminar” on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Participants may view the seminar from their own device by registering at purdue.ag/hayquality or at one of the viewing locations.

The Washington County Extension Office (806 Martinsburg Rd., Ste. 104, Salem) is a viewing location. RSVP’s are appreciated, but not required to Purdue Extension-Washington County at 812-883-4601 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN–09) has joined a letter to House Leadership supporting the full reauthorization of the Farm Bill by the end of the 118th Congress.

Farmers are currently operating under policies put in place in 2018. Six years later, these outdated policies restrict the growth of our nation’s agricultural community. Production expenses have increased by roughly 30% since 2018, while 2024 inflation-adjusted net cash farm income projections are the worst in 15 years. Many farmers cannot afford to wait another year for updated provisions to address the challenges they face, especially those growing major row crops.

In late May, the House Committee on Agriculture introduced the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders at listening sessions and town hall events across the country. The bill also included input from the entire Republican Conference and included over 2,600 priorities submitted to the committee by members of Congress.

In their letter supporting the reauthorization of a 5-year Farm Bill, the Members reaffirm their commitment to advancing a bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America. Congresswoman Houchin is dedicated to finding a solution for American farmers.

“Reauthorizing the Farm Bill is critical to supporting our farmers and keeping our agricultural economy strong,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “I will continue to fight for policies that uplift our rural communities and that ensure our farmers and producers have the support they need to succeed.”

Business

Purdue Extension Hosting BQA Trainings

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) trainings will take place throughout Indiana to help producers either renew or earn a certification, good for three years.

The trainings are free. Only one person from each operation is required to be certified to ensure the entire operation follows BQA standards. However, everyone who handles and manages cattle are encouraged to become BQA certified.

Those unable to attend a session can also earn the certification online at www.BQA.org.

Producers only need to attend one meeting to become certified.

BQA Trainings will be held in Washington County on Tuesday, October 29 and Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Washington County Government Building (806 Martinsburg Rd.) in Salem, IN. RSVP’s are appreciated, but not required to Purdue Extension-Washington County at 812-883-4601 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BQA is a nationally coordinated, state-implemented program that provides information to beef producers and consumers on how common-sense husbandry techniques can be paired with scientific knowledge to raise cattle. Its programs include best practices around ensuring end-product safety and wholesomeness, protecting herd health and animal well-being, and good recordkeeping.

Over 100 Indiana FFA members from across the state will be competing at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo next week in a variety of Career and Leadership Development Events, the Agriscience Fair and Agricultural Proficiency Awards.

“I am always impressed with the talent, leadership and work ethic of Indiana FFA members,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Best of luck to each Indiana FFA member competing on the national stage at the 97^th National FFA Convention & Expo right here in Indianapolis."

Students will be competing in career development events such as Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry, Agronomy, Livestock Evaluation and Parliamentary Procedure. Others will be competing in leadership development events such as Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Agricultural Issues Forum and Creed Speaking.

The National FFA Agriscience Fair is an additional key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo. Individuals or teams conduct scientific research projects pertaining to the agriculture industry in their state in one of six categories: animal systems, environmental services/natural resource systems, food products and processing systems, plant systems, power, structural and technical systems or social science.

“Hats off to all of the Indiana FFA members who have qualified to compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo. The level of dedication and commitment to make it to such a high level is no doubt also thanks to the FFA advisors, parents and community supporting these young leaders and ag professionals,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “Each student has certainly already made their home state proud, and we look forward to celebrating them next week.”

Indiana FFA members will also compete nationally with their Agricultural Proficiencies, which honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.

The following students will be competing at the 97th National FFA Convention:

Argos FFA
Cailey Markley, Specialty Crop Production Proficiency

Benton Central FFA
Joe Widmer, Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Cascade FFA
Whitney Smith, Vegetable Production Proficiency

Caston FFA
Braden Rush, Parliamentary Procedure
Mason Prenatt, Parliamentary Procedure
Madisyn Douglass, Parliamentary Procedure
Ashley Fred, Parliamentary Procedure
Alexander Ault, Parliamentary Procedure
Myli Rude, Parliamentary Procedure
Josiah Helt, Parliamentary Procedure

Central Noble FFA
Grant Lake, Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Churubusco FFA
Kenna Alexander, Environment & Natural Resources
Merisa Bogard, Environment & Natural Resources
Samuel Troendly, Environment & Natural Resources
Wyatt Overdeer, Environment & Natural Resources

Columbia City FFA
Carly Linnemeier, Agricultural Sales
Caden Poling, Agricultural Sales
Kyle Porter, Agricultural Sales
Karaline Schuman, Agricultural Sales
Lillianne Patterson, Veterinary Science
Kaytlynn Bryant, Veterinary Science
Logan Good, Veterinary Science
Jessalyn Hoskins, Veterinary Science
Kyle Porter, Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency

Connersville FFA
Cora Nobbe, Agriscience Food Systems Division 1

Culver FFA
Isaac Schaller, Agriculture Services Proficiency

DeKalb FFA
Cord Akey, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Matthew Beckman, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Will Engelberth, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Zach Harris, Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems
Olivia Rigby, Agriscience Research Plants Systems Proficiency
Logen Brand, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 6
C. Issac Schweitzer, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 6
Isaac Hefty, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 1

Eastern Central FFA
Wyatt Smith, Nursery/Landscape
Evan Kramer, Nursery/Landscape
Jasmin Keith, Nursery/Landscape
Riley Shumate, Nursery/Landscape

Eastern Hancock FFA
Emily Grant, Agriculture Communications Proficiency

Hamilton Southeastern FFA
Henry Dupree, Agricultural Communications
Ellie Taylor, Agricultural Communications
Lizzie Dekker, Agricultural Communications
Liam Kenyon, Agricultural Communications

Heritage FFA
Erica Sorg, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Maggie Minnich, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Arizona Bramers, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Addison Werts, Farm & Agribusiness Management
Alex Zelt, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Alden Bowers, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Elizabeth Buuck, Meats Evaluation & Technology
Brock Taylor, Meats Evaluation & Technology

Indian Creek FFA
Lyla Kephart, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Hannah Shanafelt, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Riah Alexander, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Blake Legan, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Reagan Ferris, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Lola Peddycord, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Brooke Setser, Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Rebekah Legan, Horse Evaluation
Faryn Parr, Horse Evaluation
Luke Zimmerman, Horse Evaluation
Grace Runnebohm, Horse Evaluation

Lebanon FFA
Lauren Argotte, Agriscience Social Systems Division 5

Manchester FFA
Clark Showalter, Forestry
Thane Metzger, Forestry
Grace Hall, Forestry
Layne Showalter, Forestry

North Decatur FFA
Blaine Wagner, Agriscience Research Integrated Systems Proficiency
Jessa Wagner, Agriscience Animal Systems Division 3

North Miami FFA
Jesus Santana, Poultry Evaluation
Ryan Meredith, Poultry Evaluation
Ben Hoover, Poultry Evaluation
Alison Smith, Poultry Evaluation

Rensselaer FFA
Brock Hurley, Employment Skills

Rossville FFA
Leif Eiler, Agronomy
Colton Crum, Agronomy
Natalee Richey, Agronomy
Madison Skiles, Agronomy
Garrett Miller, Turf Grass Management Proficiency

Rushville FFA
Emma Tressler, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Cate Neuman, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Jocelyn Cain, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Maggie Wicker, Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management
Jenna Lawler, Extemporaneous Public Speaking & Agriscience Food Systems Division 5
Chance Keeton, Agriscience Environmental Systems Division 3
Makaylah Phillips, Agriscience Social Systems Division 4
Ashley Hubbard, Agriscience Social Systems Division 4

Shenandoah FFA
Landon Barr, Agricultural Issues Forum
Madelyn Shelton, Agricultural Issues Forum
Case Morehouse, Agricultural Issues Forum
Audree Farmer, Agricultural Issues Forum
Kimberlee Farmer, Agricultural Issues Forum
Jacob Wattenbarger, Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency

South Putnam FFA
Joslyn Bumgardner, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 6
Nevaeh Ellis, Agriscience Plant Systems Division 6

Southmont FFA
Cole Rhaods, Floriculture
Natalie Rhoads, Floriculture
Amarah Shannon, Floriculture
Kelsey Thompson, Floriculture

Terre Haute South FFA
Cale Williams, Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Tri Central FFA
Kaitlyn Maruszweski, Prepared Public Speaking

Tri-County FFA
Evelyn Gretencord, Food Science & Technology
Gardenia Del Real, Food Science & Technology
Lyla Alberts, Food Science & Technology
Kinley Dahlenburg, Food Science & Technology

Westfield FFA
Ava Lee, Marketing Plan
Ella Carlson, Marketing Plan
Benjamin Wiggins, Marketing Plan

Whiteland FFA
Jack Kelsay, Creed Speaking
Josie Kelsay, Dairy Handlers Activity
Leorah Morris, Milk Quality & Products
Lillian Nick, Milk Quality & Products
Brody Polesol, Milk Quality & Products
Garrett Rice, Milk Quality & Products
Cian Cribbs, Agriculture Education Proficiency

Whitko FFA
Kohen Schipper, Livestock Evaluation
Anna Sickafoose, Livestock Evaluation
Lillie Sickafoose, Livestock Evaluation
Carle Sroufe, Livestock Evaluation