Lieutenant Governor Debate covers many farm issues
Lieutenant Governor candidates from the Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties discussed ag policies during a debate sponsored by ICGA and M&P during the Indiana State Fair.
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Ag Policy Summit covers farm bill, regulation and more
Keeping an eye on the farm policies that may affect Hoosier farmers was the aim of the 2024 Ag Policy Summit on July 31 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Ind.
21 ISA is making strides to reach customers in Indonesia
The Indiana Soybean Alliance, the state’s soybean checkoff program, is making strides to expand the reach of Indiana soybeans into new and promising markets.
32
Indiana farmer uses drone technology to improve efficiency
To integrate new technology into his farm and to become more efficient and sustainable, Brian Petty uses drones and has launched a drone application company.
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About the cover:
U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) received the Friend of Farmer award from the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee and the Indiana Corn Growers Association during a Shop Talk event at the farm of Kevin Kelley in Brookston, Ind., on Aug. 9. Rep. Baird was recognized, particularly, for his work in the House Ag Committee. See story on page 24. (Gary Varvel illustration)
Chair
ISA Membership & Policy Committee
Vice Chair
Joseph Stoller, Bremen / D1 Dylan Christopher, Brookston / D1
Allen Buchanan, Fowler / D1
Directors
Mark Legan, Coatesville / D3
Kevin Kelley, Brookston / D1 Derika Lynam-Spaetti, Richland / D3
John Peters, Monticello / D1 Gary McDaniel, Boonville / D3
Denise Scarborough, LaCrosse / D1 Jason Misiniec, Bicknell / D3
C.J. Chalfant, Hartford City / D2 Larry Rusch, Vincennes / D3
Carey McKibben, LaGrange / D2 Roger Bommer, Brookville / D4
Steve Phares, Albion / D2 Kevin Burbrink, Seymour / D4
Jenna Scott, Muncie / D2
Chris Eck, Boggstown / D4
Brian Warpup, Warren / D2 Mike Koehne, Greensburg / D4
Mark Wenning, Cambridge City / D2 Keevin Lemenager, Monrovia / D4
Kevin Cox, Brazil / D3 Roger Wenning, Greensburg / D4
President Secretary
Chris Cherry, New Palestine / D6 J.R. Roesner, Ferdinand / D8
Vice President
Treasurer
Tyler Everett, Lebanon / D7 Joe Tuholski, LaPorte / D2
Directors
Tom Murphy, Chesterton / D1 Scott Smith, Windfall / D5
Sarah Delbecq, Auburn / D3 Tyler Pottschmidt, Crothersville / D9
Alan Dunn, Michigantown / D4
Staff Credits
Editor / Dave Blower Jr. dblower@indianasoybean.com
Indiana Corn & Soybean Post® is published six times per year by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Association.
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Take time to celebrate successes while working on future problems
HChris Cherry
President Indiana Corn Growers Association
ave you ever noticed how much easier it is to focus on the problems you need to work on instead of the problems you’ve solved? I think we’re all programmed to look at what needs to be done. But I think there’s some value in reflecting on a job well done.
This has been a busy summer for ICGA, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). We’re seeing positive results in new export markets and ethanol promotion and more.
Doug McKalip, the chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), talked to U.S. corn farmers and others who were in Washington, D.C. for NCGA’s Corn Congress in July. McKalip had several victories to report. He said that the USTR cooperates closely with the USDA and ag commodity groups such as the NCGA and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).
He added that exports of U.S. farm goods improve the bottom line for all farmers. McKalip reported that more than $21 billion in sales to overseas markets have been generated in the past three years. And he’s correct, exports do help improve the prices of our crops.
Here in Indiana, ethanol is an important user of our corn. Indiana is fifth in the country in corn production at more than 1 billion bushels per year. More than 43 percent of Indiana’s annual crop – approximately 480 million bushels – is processed at an ethanol plant. Indiana is the sixth-largest ethanol producer in America generating more than 1.3 billion gallons per year.
Ethanol saves motorists money at the pump, and ethanol increases bushel prices for farmers. It’s a win-win that was created through a lot of hard work between both checkoff and policy organizations.
Taking a moment to remember our victories is important, but we all know there is more work to do. We know that a farm bill is long overdue. We want to see crop insurance protections, and we want conservation programs to be voluntary and incentives-based. We’re working for year-round sales of E15 and increased availability of higher blends of ethanol. We are pushing for improvements to the U.S. inland waterway system and for better rural infrastructure spending.
These issues will, in time, also be resolved. However, we will not accomplish these alone. ICGA will continue to partner with other farm groups such as NCGA, the Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee and others to secure legislative victories.
Our most important partner, though, is you. The more farmers who join our cause increase the likelihood of success. If you’re not an ICGA member, I encourage you to get in touch with ICGA Industry Affairs Outreach Manager Khyla Goodman at kgoodman@indianasoybean.com. Khyla can answer any questions you might have about our policy priorities, and she can explain the different options for becoming a member.
Please consider joining ICGA. The work is important, and you’ll not regret being a part of the victories.
Preparation is essential for farmers, both in the field and with lawmakers
HJoe Stoller Chair ISA Membership and Policy Committee
arvest is underway. Long days and nights are important, but preparation is key as in anything. This can be a rewarding time of year.
They say planting is a sprint, but harvest is a marathon. Either way, you need to prepare for the season. Preparation is the key to success in anything.
Preparation is essential to our policy and checkoff. If you don’t talk to potential customers overseas, and if you don’t listen to what they want, then your ability to improve export markets will not be successful. When customers know who you are, when they visit your farm, when they see how you grow your crops, the odds of shipping more in exports increase significantly.
The same applies to our elected officials in government.
The Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee (M&P) just wrapped up its August Shop Talk season. Shop Talks are a part of the preparation that I mentioned earlier.
I had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Dist. 2) at my farm for his Shop Talk in late August. These Shop Talk meetings give us the opportunity to talk to members of Congress on our farms. We are able to explain our priorities to them, and the legislators can see our farms to better understand our issues.
We had more than 40 farmers attend the Yakym Shop Talk, and we were able to dig into real issues including our need for a federal farm bill … yet again.
The farm bill, as we know, is long overdue. The bill was supposed to be updated last September, but
Congress kicked the can down the road and extended the previous farm bill for another year. Our hope is that Congress will not choose to do that again.
Congressman Yakym took many questions. He listened to our opinions on the farm bill programs that we believe are necessary, and he gave us his assessment of the politics involved in getting a new farm bill adopted. This event is one of many examples of how we prepare for legislative success.
When Congress appears ready to vote on a new farm bill, we know that Congressman Yakym and other Indiana legislators will be well informed of our issues. We have talked to them while visiting their offices in Washington, D.C.; we have talked to them at our farms or small-town coffee shops, and we have talked to them by phone.
Indiana’s congressional delegation is as informed on farm issues as any other state in the country due to the work of our members and staff.
For this work – this preparation – to continue, we need as many farmers as possible to step up and join our team. The more voices we have in support of our goals, the more impact we can have when talking to federal and state lawmakers.
If you haven’t yet become a member of our policy organization, please reach out to ISA Industry Affairs Outreach Manager Khyla Goodman at kgoodman@ indianasoybean.com. We have a variety of options for you to consider. We want your voice helping prepare our legislative efforts for success.
To Become A Member
Learn. Connect. Lead.
Apply for the 2025 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program
Create a Brighter Future
Become a Better Farmer
Build Lifelong Connections
Young Leaders tell us that this unique experience gives them real tools to help navigate the complex dynamics of managing a farm. Through training that focuses on come away with valuable skills, new ideas and relevant sources of information.
Anyone actively farming should APPLY for the 2025 Young Leader program. Spouse/life partners (if applicable) are encouraged to participate in all elements of the two-phase program. Not “young”? Yes, apply—actual age isn’t important! The Young Leader program is for farmers who are “young” or “new” to leadership
PHASE I: Monday, December 2 – Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Corteva Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa
PHASE II: Friday, February 28, 2025 – Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with Commodity Classic
For more information and to apply for the class of 2025, go to SoyGrowers.com
Growing ag leaders for more than 40 years!
California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard restricts biofuel market opportunities
BY BLAIR SHIPP American Soybean Association
As soybean harvest season kicks off and Congress returns from August recess, the American Soybean Association (ASA) is in full swing addressing critical policy issues.
Just as farmers pour effort into their fields, ASA and its farmer leaders are equally dedicated to advocating for policies that will benefit the soybean industry.
From tackling California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to scrutinizing the EPA’s new herbicide regulations and pushing for better infrastructure funding in the Water Resources Development Act, ASA is working hard to ensure the policy landscape supports the success of U.S. soybeans.
California’s LCFS caps soybean use
On Aug. 26, ASA submitted detailed comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding proposed modifications to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard. CARB, responsible for overseeing California’s low-carbon fuel policies, has proposed changes that could significantly impact the soybean industry.
The proposed modifications include a 20 percent cap on the use of soybean and canola oils for biofuels, a move ASA argues could severely restrict market opportunities for these biofuels. The proposals also involve new sustainability requirements and stricter carbon intensity thresholds.
ASA’s comments express concern that these changes lack scientific justification and could negatively affect both the environment and the soybean sector.
The LCFS program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels by setting carbon intensity targets. While the updates are intended to further reduce emissions, ASA believes that the new measures may impose significant burdens on soybean oil and other biofuel feedstocks.
ASA’s feedback emphasizes the need for CARB to base its decisions on solid scientific evidence and to consider the potential economic impacts on the soybean industry.
EPA’s final ESA Herbicide Strategy
On Aug. 20, EPA released its final Endangered Species Act Herbicide Strategy, which addresses the impact of herbicides on endangered species. While ASA acknowledges some improvements from the initial proposal, the final strategy still poses challenges for soybean farmers.
ASA President Josh Gackle expressed concerns about the complexity of the new requirements, including runoff mitigations and spray drift buffers, which could increase costs and operational difficulties for farmers. The association has highlighted issues with the feasibility of these measures and their alignment with the best available science.
In addition, ASA and more than 300 other organizations have criticized the EPA’s approach to evaluating pesticide risks, arguing that it is overly conservative and imposes unnecessary restrictions. ASA remains committed to working with the EPA to ensure that the ESA Herbicide Strategy is effective in protecting endangered species while remaining practical for agricultural use.
Senate cost-share ratio in WRDA legislation
With Congress back in session, ASA is actively advocating for the Senate-passed cost-share ratio in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act.
The Senate bill proposes a cost-share ratio of 75 percent general revenue and 25 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund for inland waterways projects, compared to the House bill’s ratio of 65 percent general revenue and 35 percent IWTF.
This proposed change is crucial for improving the efficiency and timeliness of construction projects on
the U.S. inland waterways system, which is vital for transporting soybeans and other commodities.
ASA’s advocacy aims to ensure that the Senatepassed ratio is included in the final WRDA legislation, which is expected to be reconciled by the end of the year.
ASA pushes for farm bill
From Sept. 10-11, ASA Vice President Caleb Ragland, a farmer from Kentucky and Directors Ronnie Russell of Missouri, Heather Feuerstein of Michigan, Jamie Beyer of Minnesota and Justin Sherlock of North Dakota participated in a farm bill fly-in in Washington, D.C.
This event gathered farmers and representatives from various agricultural organizations to advocate for the passage of the 2024 Farm Bill.
Prior to the event, ASA and more than 300 national and state groups, including the Indiana Soybean Alliance, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to pass the farm bill before the end of the year. The letter, supported by various commodity groups, lenders, and stakeholders across the agricultural sector, emphasized the critical need for a robust farm safety net to support farmers facing worsening economic conditions.
The letter stressed that many producers are struggling with declining crop prices, which have dropped by an average of 21 percent this year, while production costs remain high. It called attention to the financial challenges farmers face, including difficulties in securing operating credit for the 2025 crop year. This backdrop of economic strain underscores the importance of updating the farm bill to address current and future needs.
The fly-in provided a platform for farmers and stakeholders to discuss these issues directly with lawmakers. The goal was to advocate for a farm bill that effectively addresses the economic difficulties faced by farmers, including volatile market prices and high production costs.
ASA is grateful for the support of state soybean organizations, such as the Indiana Soybean Alliance, in this advocacy effort. Their participation in signing the letter and their ongoing engagement in policy discussions are vital in pushing for legislative changes that benefit U.S. soybean farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector’s resilience.
As ASA continues to work with Congress and other stakeholders, the focus remains on ensuring that the farm bill provides the necessary support and updates to meet the evolving needs of farmers and the agricultural community.
From property taxes at the Statehouse to the Farm Bill on Capitol Hill, the Indiana Ag Policy Podcast will share the latest from the biggest names in ag policy. Scan below to listen now!
NCGA, allied ag groups, increasing calls for Congress to pass farm bill
BY BROOKE S. APPLETON Vice President of Public Policy, National Corn Growers Association
Fall has almost arrived, and along with it comes marathon season.
You would expect to see everyone moving at a slow steady speed as a result. Yet, the nation’s elected officials and political candidates are sprinting toward election day while official legislative work on the farm bill and other matters is largely stuck and not moving forward as urgently as needed.
The competitive presidential and congressional races are making Washington hyper-partisan while injecting a great deal of uncertainty about the political landscape in 2025. No matter the outcome, we’re going to have many new leaders with many competing priorities come January.
That, coupled with the incredible economic stress on farmers right now, is why we are pushing for Congress to act to pass the farm bill before year’s end.
We have one last bite at this apple before the election, and we plan to take it. To that end, NCGA and our sister ag groups are coordinating a joint fly-in this month to get farmers from across regions and crops into congressional offices to talk about getting the farm bill done this year.
As part of this effort, we will meet with members of Congress, including those representing states and districts outside the Corn Belt. Our message is clear: Farmers are facing worsening economic challenges, and we need Congress to pass a stronger farm bill now.
We are also running advertising in the Washington, D.C., market directed at Congress and the Biden Administration. In the ads, we talk about the value corn growers bring to the national economy and call on Congress to act. We are running these ads online,
at Reagan National Airport and on television during national news programming on Fox, MSNBC, CNN, etc.
We are also actively encouraging our network of farmers and advocates, many of whom can’t make it to Washington to meet with Congress, to encourage their senators and representatives to pass a robust farm bill.
This is all layered on top of the intensive and aggressive work we’ve been doing on the farm bill during the last two years. If we’re to be successful in these latest efforts, we will need your help, particularly when it comes to the call-to-action. If you haven’t already, please text COB to 52886 to receive our action alerts. And when you receive them – act.
When it comes to farm bill passage, we’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there. We all must pick up the pace.
Legislation at a snail’s pace
Events on the national stage may be moving quickly with many twists and turns. But in Washington, legislation is progressing at a snail’s pace with the farm bill hanging in the balance.
In keeping with tradition, the House and Senate are adjourned for the August recess, and policymakers are home in their states and districts meeting with constituents. This leaves us with fewer than 39 legislative days left this year as we work to pass a robust farm bill that includes corn grower priorities.
We have a long way to go and a short time to get there. Plus, we have major events along the way, including an election that could completely shift the partisan makeup of Congress and the White House. And we must navigate an increasingly partisan environment in Washington that reflects the pending national elections.
Despite these challenges, NCGA and our state partners are pressing on, making the case that the farm bill needs to be passed this year. Our most recent efforts include:
• Leveraging our relationships with the four corners, Corn Belt policymakers and other leading members of Congress to get the bill passed.
• Taking 200 corn growers to Capitol Hill in July to talk about the importance of passing a farm bill that includes our priorities.
• Running an aggressive ad campaign in the nation’s capital and in key states that highlights the important role the farm bill plays in the life of farmers and emphasizes the need to reauthorize the legislation. Already, the campaign has reached thousands of people in Washington alone.
• Attending the national conventions to share the value of farming and highlighting the many contributions of corn growers with the nation’s leaders. We cosponsored an agricultural event on a farm outside Milwaukee at the Republican National Convention, and co-hosted a similar event at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
We need your help in these endeavors. You can make a difference by participating in campaign Zoom calls, attending events like county fairs, where you can meet with your local representatives and senators to
encourage them to act on the farm bill and other corn grower priorities.
You are uniquely positioned to talk personally about the challenges of farming and how the farm bill helps address those challenges. You can remind the policymakers who represent you that the farm bill enjoys bipartisan support, and its passage would represent a significant accomplishment that would be helpful in an election year.
As you speak with policymakers, remind them that, while the farm bill is a pressing issue, we have other legislation that needs their support. This includes advancing initiatives that would expand the ethanol market while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, like advancing the Next Generation Fuels Act and passing legislation allowing for year-round consumer access to higher blends of ethanol.
We are also working to secure tax credits that would allow for the use of ethanol as a sustainable aviation fuel. And we are addressing trade barriers and challenges. You can tell the policymakers you meet with that NCGA and our state partners are always available to meet with them to talk more in-depth about these issues.
The challenges remain formidable, but the power and persuasion of the nation’s corn growers should never be underestimated.
Take action to help Hoosier farmers
Become a lifetime member of Indiana’s corn and soybean policy groups
The Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership & Policy Committee (M&P) represent our state’s farmers in the legislative halls in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. These organizations need your membership to influence federal and state lawmakers.
Indiana soybean and corn growers can now save money and eliminate the hassle of annual renewals by purchasing a LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP to both ICGA and M&P. For only $1,700, you can be a member of both ICGA and M&P for life!
Anyone interested in buying this membership, should contact Industry Affairs Outreach Manager Khyla Goodman by phone at 317-614-0377 or by email at goodman@indianasoybean.com Or, you can go to our website, incornandsoy.org/ membership, to join!
Lifetime Members:
Phil Ramsey
Courtney Kingery
Matthew Lucas
Tyler Everett
David Gottbrath
Mike Sprinkle
Jeff Troike
Jim Douglas
Michael Steinbarger
Sam Caldwell
Mark Nigh
Alan Dunn
Mason Gick
Aaron Johnson
Nathan Luallen
Sam Mehringer
David Wenning
Mark Wenning
Creed Gunn
Andrew Fansler
Kent Burton
Russell Anderson
Troy Hattery
Mark Bacon
John Peters
Ronald Sutherlin
Jordan Caldwell
Mike Shuter
John Baugh
Janice Peterson
Cullen Page
Don Wyss
John Peters
Bruce Herr
Lauren Tolle
Luke Roush
“The lifetime membership for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Association made sense. I don’t have to keep track of when I paid my last subscription. I believe all farmers should be a member. The current and future policy issues will greatly affect Indiana farmers if allowed to go unchecked. ISA and ICGA do a great job staying on top of those issues and fighting for Indiana farmers best interests. A lifetime subscription will help continue the fight.”
Six corn farmer leaders represent Indiana during Capitol Hill visits and Corn Congress
BY EMILY McNIFF
During a visit to Washington, D.C., in July, Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) leaders dedicated a busy day to meeting with 10 offices of Indiana federal lawmakers. Even though Congress was in recess, the farmer leaders and staff were able to discuss Indiana corn priorities with legislative staff.
Conversations focused on the continued work to pass a federal farm bill this year. ICGA leaders said farmers need a bipartisan and comprehensive farm bill signed into law this year that includes corn grower priorities, like protecting federal crop insurance, bolstering international market development efforts, strengthening the producer safety net, supporting voluntary conservation programs, and championing initiatives important to rural America.
The group also discussed biofuel efforts and requested support for year-round E15, Next Generation Fuels Act and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The Senate is considering the National Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023. This legislation would eliminate the patchwork of barriers across the country and ensure access to year-round E15.
advocacy, approving resolutions covering tax policy among other topics.
ICGA’s directors will continue to advocate for the farm bill, ethanol and trade priorities with federal legislators until goals are met.
For details about the Corn Congress and other federal priorities, visit ncga.com.
Action Teams also meet
Indiana corn farmers and staff also participated in several NCGA Action Team meetings. These teams are small groups dedicated to working on specific issues.
Farmers Matthew Lucas, Brownstown, Ind.; and Chris Cherry, New Palestine, Ind., are Ethanol Action Team members. They studied NCGA’s education campaign and discussed the 45Z update, Ford’s hybrid electric flex fuel vehicle, Department of Energy’s Ethanol Proposal and the Next Generation Fuels Act.
Trade and infrastructure were discussed during legislative office meetings. ICGA works to drive demand for Indiana corn and “move the pile.” Market access is key to these initiatives. There are several issues affecting the global trade of corn, including Brazil’s increased tariff on ethanol imports, countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D shipped from China and India, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Dispute Settlement regarding a Decree to ban genetically modified corn in Mexico.
Corn Congress debates policy
Following the Capitol Hill visits, farmer leaders David Ring, Jerry Osterholt, Janice Highley, Scott Smith and Alan Dunn served as delegates for the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress.
Farmer delegates voted on updates to NCGA’s policy platform, which guides the organization’s grassroots
Farmer Scott Smith, Windfall, Ind.; and staff Ben Linder are on the Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. They discussed memberships programs, the Farm Stress and Mental Health program and how to direct grassroots programs.
Chesterton, Ind., farmer Tom Murphy represents Indiana on the Sustainability Ag Research Action Team. His Action Team reviewed presentations on Nourish the Future, Research Ambassador, DonorsChoose, Genomes to Fields Prediction Contest, Spot Spray and more.
Greensburg, Ind., farmer Tim Gauck took part in the Risk Management & Transportation Action Team. During the meeting, he received updates from Waterways Council, Inc., USDA Disaster Program, Farm Credit Council and American Bankers Association (ABA), as well as heard from both the Republican and Democratic parties in Congressional Hill Panels.
Roanoke, Ind., farmer Jerry Osterholt participated in the Stewardship Action Team. They discussed topics such as nitrates in groundwater, EcoEngineers, EPA, erosion metaanalysis and other conservation topics.
Indiana delegates to the NCGA’s Corn Congress include, from left, David Ring, Huntingburg, Ind.; Alan Dunn, Michigantown, Ind.; Jerry Osterholt, Roanoke, Ind.; Scott Smith, Windfall, Ind.; and Janis Highley, Warren, Ind.
Indiana soybean farmers outline farm bill, biofuel and trade priorities on Capitol Hill
BY EMILY McNIFF
Farmer leaders representing Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership & Policy Committee (M&P) joined staff in Washington, D.C. on July 16-18 for various meetings and visits to Indiana delegation. Indiana soybean farmer leaders included Phil Ramsey of Shelby County, Ind., and Mike Koehne of Decatur County, Ind.
During their time in the nation’s capital, they attended American Soybean Association’s Board of Directors meetings and dedicated a full day to meeting with 10 offices of Indiana federal legislators.
The soybean farmers stressed the importance of enacting a new and improved farm bill before the end of 2024. Soybean farmer leaders advocated for improvements to the safety net and funding for trade promotion of U.S. commodities globally.
“We need a farm bill. We need it worse than ever – low grain prices, inflation,” Ramsey said. “We need it to help stabilize agriculture. And we want to make sure that the trade incentives, the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, in the House version have been doubled, and we’ve been asking for that for 20 years. We really need that to help try to move our products.”
ISA farmer directors also made the congressional delegation aware of concerns over revoking Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status from China or imposing additional tariffs. China is the largest destination for U.S. soybean exports, and efforts to end PNTR would have negative effects on agricultural export markets.
Soybean farmers also expressed support for domestically sourced feedstocks in domestic biofuels programs, like the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z). Ramsey and Koehne said it is important for biofuel programs to deliver reasonable compliance measures and reward environmental progress throughout the value chain.
(AgriNews photo/James
The M&P directors are committed to continuing the conversations about the farm bill, biofuel and trade priorities with Indiana’s federal legislators.
“We’ve got to have a stronger voice,” Koehne said. “Somebody’s got to step up, and so, I decided I was going to step up. It’s been a great ride. I really enjoy doing this, and I feel like I’m making a difference.
“Somebody’s got to be out here advocating for agriculture, because there’s not many people who are directly connected to agriculture anymore to know what really goes on. A lot of people don’t know what goes on in rural America. So, for us to come out here and be able to voice what goes on and voice our opinions and be a resource for (legislators) to come to in case they have questions, I think that’s very important to have those connections.”
“We need a farm bill. We need it worse than ever – low grain prices, inflation. We need it to help stabilize agriculture.”
-- Phil Ramsey, ASA Board Director
Preparing to meet with congressional staffers outside the U.S. Capitol Building are, from left, ASA board director Mike Koehne of Greensburg, Ind.; Purdue University sophomore Kyra Meister; ASA board director Phil Ramsey of Shelbyville, Ind.; and ISA Senior Director of Industry Affairs Steve Howell.
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State Budget Agency reports tax revenues higher in 2024, but slower than expected
BY LARRY DeBOER, Extension Specialist in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University
Closeout day in the Indiana Statehouse is near and dear to the number crunchers among us. That’s the day the state comptroller and the State Budget Agency tell us about revenues, expenditures and balances for the just-ended fiscal year. The 2024 closeout came on Tuesday, July 23, about a week later than usual because of the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee.
In fiscal 2024, revenues were 1.4 percent higher than in 2023. That’s much slower growth than the 9.3 percent annual average from the past three years. That rapid growth was due to federal pandemic aid to taxpayers and governments, and that’s over.
Individual income tax revenue grew 6.9 percent, which makes sense in a growing economy. But sales tax revenues fell 0.9 percent, which doesn’t make so much sense with consumers spending more and inflation at 3 percent. One reason: the closeout reports general fund sales tax revenue, and we’ve been moving sales taxes on gasoline from the general fund to highway maintenance funds. Another reason: In Indiana most goods are sales taxable; most services are not. Consumers switched their spending from services to goods during the pandemic, and now they’re switching back. They’re spending more on untaxed services.
Corporate income tax revenue fell by 21.6 percent in 2024. Corporate taxes are especially unstable, which is just a way of saying “who knows why?” Indiana manufacturing employment has been falling since mid-2022, though, and Indiana is a manufacturing state. Perhaps the corporations doing business here have been less successful lately. The decline in corporate taxes was more than offset by the rise in interest earnings on state balances. They nearly
doubled as a result of higher interest rates.
Another way to look at revenues is in comparison to what we thought we’d get when the 2024 budget was passed. The current two-year spending plan was passed in the 2023 session of the General Assembly, based on a forecast of revenues for 2024 and 2025. Back then we thought we’d raise $21.9 billion in 2024. According to the closeout, we actually got $21.5 billion. Revenues fell short by $369 million.
We knew that was coming. Revenue forecasts are revised every December, and seven months ago expected revenues for 2024 were cut by $355 million. The closeout showed that the December forecast was off by only onetenth of one percent. There were no new shortfalls in the closeout.
The worst news last December, though, was a $1 billion increase in estimated Medicaid spending. Medicaid is an entitlement program, so spending depends on how many people qualify for care, and how much that care costs. Future service demand and costs have to be estimated, and the original budget estimates were too low.
That problem shows up in a closeout document called “General Fund Combined Statement of Estimated Unappropriated Reserve.” Or, more concisely, state balances. Balances are money that has been collected in taxes but are not scheduled to be spent. They are invested to earn interest revenue.
About halfway down the document is a category called “Augmentations.” That’s spending not anticipated when the budget was passed. The footnote lists “Estimated Medicaid shortfall” at $255 million for 2024 and $458 million for 2025. That’s $713 million in total, which is less than $1 billion but still a big hit on the budget. The
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NASDA will continue to fulfill its mission of aiding U.S. food and farm communities
BY TED McKINNEY, Chief Executive Officer National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
Hello Hoosier Aggies!
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is bringing its annual meeting to Indianapolis in September. It was last in Indiana in 1994 – 30 years ago.
Who is NASDA? NASDA represents the directors, commissioners and secretaries of departments of agriculture across all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA operates at the nexus of federal and state agricultural policies and ensures that state-level concerns and innovations are represented in national and international dialogues.
Through policy, partnerships and public engagement, NASDA continues to fulfill its mission of enhancing American food and agricultural communities. Indiana is proudly represented on the NASDA Executive Committee by Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA); and before him, Bruce Kettler, now CEO of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.
Since 1916, NASDA has been at the forefront of the nation’s most pressing agricultural issues, serving as an advocate for the agricultural communities and their Departments of Agriculture. Because NASDA is farmerrancher focused, the primary interface with Indiana is through ISDA and by extension, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) and Board of Animal Health (BOAH).
On any day, NASDA staff interface with these agencies
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state is looking for ways to save money while continuing to provide needed care.
The legislature passed a spending plan for 2024, but revenues fell short and costs were unexpectedly high. This could be a big problem, except the state began the fiscal year with $2.9 billion in balances. One reason to keep balances is to maintain budgeted spending in the face of forecast errors. Total balances at the end of fiscal
and many companies who call Indiana home – Corteva AgriScience, Elanco Animal Health, POET, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Indiana Farm Bureau, all state commodity organizations with Indiana Soy and Corn as but one example, Ingredion, law firms like Barnes & Thornburg and Ice Miller, Purdue University, Indiana’s great retail cooperatives, Rose Acre Farms and many more.
The NASDA gathering will bring together 300+ leaders across all ag industry sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture, share best practices and collaborate on solutions to current challenges. Topics include animal disease prevention and management, food systems and nutrition, climate change, international trade and market expansion, and preparing agriculture for the future - such as nurturing the next generation and fostering emergency preparedness.
Of note, 4-H and FFA youth leaders will be present with a bonus being approximately 30 agricultural attaches representing their Embassies located in Washington, DC.
We invite you to join us as we assemble in Indianapolis to discuss these NASDA programs and hear from a variety of expert speakers on critical agricultural topics. NASDA stands as a vital advocate and unifier in the industry.
By bridging the gap between state, federal and international policies, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting rural economies, NASDA works to ensure that American agriculture remains resilient, productive and forward-looking.
2024 were down to $2.55 billion. That’s still 11.6 percent of the budget, in the middle of what’s sometimes called the “prudent range” of 10 to 12.5 percent.
Balances are expected to fall again in 2025, to $2.3 billion, which is 10.6 percent of the budget. Still prudent, but a little closer to that lower limit. That will be on the minds of legislators when they debate the 2026-27 budget, starting next January.
Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor candidates all offer plans on property taxes and more
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Astanding-room-only crowd filled the Purdue Extension Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Aug. 13 for the Lieutenant Governor Debate hosted by AgrIInstitute and sponsored by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee.
Because Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor also serves as the state’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, the issues covered by the candidates were farm focused such as property tax policies and managing water resources.
The candidates included:
• Republican Micah Beckwith, who is running along with GOP Governor nominee Sen. Mike Braun.
• Indiana State Director of USDA’s Rural Development Office Terry Goodin is on the Democratic Party’s ticket with Governor nominee Jennifer McCormick.
• Tonya Hudson, a real estate agent from Lawrence County, Ind., is seeking office along with Libertarian Party gubernatorial nominee Donald Rainwater.
Questioning the candidates were Hoosier Ag Today broadcaster Eric Pfeiffer, Indiana Prairie Farmer Field Editor Allison Lund, Director of Government Relations with The Nature Conservancy John Katzenberger, and Hardin Farms Manager David Hardin.
Opinions on property taxes
The rising price of property taxes in Indiana and those cost’s impact on Hoosier farmers was the leading debate topic. Beckwith explained that ultimately the legislators of the Indiana General Assembly will need to address property tax changes; however, he said he and Braun have created a plan that allows state lawmakers time to fix the policy.
“Farmers have seen an increase from last year to this year of 26.2 percent in property taxes,” Beckwith said. “That’s insane. That’s absolutely out of control, and farmers need relief. The Braun-Beckwith plan is going to bring that relief to farmers. We’re going to make sure that property taxes will never again be able to outpace the economic growth of an area. Mike Braun launched this plan that says 3 percent is going to be the cap. It can’t grow 26 percent in a year.”
Goodin blamed 20-year rule by the Republican Party in state government for rising property tax costs. He said the Braun-Beckwith plan was a “knee-jerk” reaction that would cut funding to police and fire departments and ambulance
Indiana Lieutenant Governor candidates, from left, Democratic Party Terry Goodin, Libertarian Party Tonya Hudson and Republican Party Micah Beckwith, debated farm issues during an event hosted by AgrIInstitute and sponsored by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee on Aug. 13 during the Indiana State Fair.
services as well as other vital public needs. Goodin also said Democrats do not have a property tax plan, yet, but do not favor shifting those costs from one tax to another.
“As we move forward, Jennifer McCormick and I will sit down, and we will look and see what kind of money the State of Indiana needs,” Goodin said. “Property taxes are 100 percent local. It’s easy for those folks to say that we’re going to be making cuts to your property tax until we find out what we can do to lower your property taxes – and that is through growth. We’re going to present opportunities in rural communities where they can grow themselves out of this property tax crisis that we’re in.”
Hudson promoted the elimination of property taxes and replacing them with revenue from sales taxes. Instead of property taxes, Hudson proposes home buyers pay a 7 percent sales tax at closing. If those home buyers can’t afford that tax, then they would have the option of paying 1 percent per year for the next seven years.
“I want to start by saying our legacy family farmers are parceling off part of their land to sell to get money to make ends meet. Hard times are hard for everybody – farmers and Hoosier small businesses,” she said. “The tax plan is to abolish property taxes because you should not be paying
Democratic candidate Terry Goodin said the costs of vital government services such as police and fire departments and ambulance services must be considered before a property tax plan is finalized.
Libertarian candidate Tonya Hudson advocates the elimination of property taxes and wants to replace that revenue with a 7 percent tax on new home purchases.
property taxes on a home that you already own. What happens if you’re a farmer or a senior citizen living on Social Security and barely making ends meet, and your property taxes go up, and you can’t pay them? Then we have this Mafia-style tactic where through a sheriff’s sale or whatever, if you can’t pay your property taxes, you get kicked out of the home that you own. We should not be doing that.”
Managing water resources
As a leader with The Nature Conservancy, Ketzenberger probed the candidates on environmental issues such as managing water resources. He wanted to know how state government should balance the needs of agriculture and economic development along with the environment.
Goodin said a proactive approach is essential. “We have to create a balance. There’s been too many wars in the past fought over oil. One of the most precious commodities that wars will be fought over in the future will probably be water,” Goodin said. “We’ve got to quit polluting our streams in the State of Indiana. We’ve got to come up with guidelines that will tell people, ‘Hey, you can’t dump battery acid in the river next door.’ It’s a shame that Midwestern states shipped hazardous material to Indiana after a train wreck in northern Ohio. Indiana was the recipient of all of those hazardous materials. Now, we’ve got to stop and think. That’s just not right.”
Beckwith said balance between agriculture, business and the environment is found with transparency. He added that local officials and voters should decide policies in their areas.
“We’re going to go to the locals. We’re going to make sure home rule still lives well and free in Indiana,” Beckwith said. “Good-hearted people in government will want to make sure that it’s done well and it’s done right so that we can grow local economies. We can grow small towns, and the whole state will prosper and benefit because of that. I really believe we can do it. It’s just got to start with transparency.”
Hudson focused on the critical need for clean water.
“Water shouldn’t have to be a commodity because it’s a necessary thing. We all must have it in our lives,” Hudson said. “We are stewards of the earth. We need to make sure
GOP candidate Micah Beckwith promoted a plan by his running mate, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, to cap property tax increases at 3 percent per year.
we have clean water and clean air and work to make sure pollution and chemical runoff doesn’t get into our water supply. So, working with the legislators on that issue is what I would do as Lieutenant Governor.”
Candidates’ closing statements
Hudson advocates for less government and more freemarket principles.
“Ask yourself, what would you do if you had more money in your pocket? What would you do with that money?” she asked. “It’s your hard-earned money. It’s not Mike Braun’s. It’s not Jennifer McCormick’s. You have a right to spend your money the way you want to, for your family and for yourself. We need to roll back the rules and regulations, cut taxes. Property taxes need to be abolished. If you’re spending more money, that will boost the economy.”
Goodin explained that Indiana needs leadership that is focused on the future.
“As I’ve traveled around the state in the last three years, I’ve talked to a lot of Hoosiers. Those Hoosiers told me, ‘All we need is an opportunity. We just want the opportunity to get a good job, so we can raise our families with dignity. We want our children to be able to have a better future,’”
Goodin said. “They say, ‘We want our elected officials not to embarrass us in front of the world, and we want those elected leaders to follow the same rules, laws and guidelines that every other Hoosier follows. A McCormickGoodin Administration will move Indiana forward.”
Beckwith said he and Sen. Braun have a vision for Indiana.
“I believe that the vision we need right now is for a bright future; a future that will produce prosperous results for family farms, for small farms, not just for the big conglomerates,” he said. “The fact is that Indiana agriculture is worth fighting for. I know a Braun-Beckwith Administration will be that warrior. I look at the Republican ticket right now – from the top all the way down – you’ve got some fighters. You have people who will fight for what they believe in. They’re going to fight for your families. They’re not going to get pushed aside by the cancel culture.”
Loss of farmland, rising property taxes, among topics covered at Rural Caucus
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Several Indiana state legislators participated in the Rural Caucus on Aug. 14 in the Normandy Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Co-chaired by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), the caucus allows state senators and representatives to meet with stakeholders to discuss key issues impacting Indiana’s rural communities, including farmland loss, education, property taxes, agriculture policy, energy sustainability and local economic development.
“As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I look forward to using the insights of the expert speakers on the issues when considering policy that will help our rural areas grow,” Sen. Leising said. “Our agricultural industry is one of the strongest in the country, and events like these bringing together legislators, farmers and other stakeholders ensures we can create good policy that benefits all Indiana residents.”
1.5-2 percent from 2010-2022. ISDA used two sources of data to write the report. The first was parcel data from the Department of Local Government Finance, and the second was crop layer data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
According to the ISDA’s report, total agricultural acreage loss was approximately 3.5 percent in that time period. However, the state gained 1.7 percent in acreage that was converted to agriculture.
Among the many speakers was Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), who discussed the value of agriculture on the state’s economy. Lamb said Indiana agriculture industry contributes $35.1 billion to the state’s economy.
The Hoosier State is the ninth-largest farming state in America. Indiana has 53,599 farms, and 94 percent of those are family-owned and operated. The average size of these farms is 272 acres. In total, there are more than 94,000 farmers in the state.
However, despite this success, a recent ISDA study shows that Indiana is losing farmland.
Inventory of Lost Farmland
The ISDA study, the Inventory of Lost Farmland, found that there was a reduction of Indiana farmland of between
The report said most of the lost acreage was around the edges of cities and suburban areas.
The report caught the attention of state lawmakers in attendance, such as State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon). He said it is likely that the General Assembly will discuss options in early 2025.
“We heard from the department of ag and Don Lamb talking about land use and the report of how much land we’ve lost in Indiana over the last several years,” he said. “That’s always a discussion.”
Lamb and ISDA recommends that the legislature pass a bill directing ISDA to update the Inventory of Lost Farmland every five years, starting in 2029 for a report to be published in 2030. “We believe getting on this five-year schedule will be most beneficial as data from the Census of Agriculture will be released again in 2029,” Lamb said.
ISDA recommended that state government involve local units of government in farmland preservation planning. Lamb said Indiana is a “home rule” state, and most landuse decisions are made locally. He said local units of government should be empowered to identify land-use trends when making decisions.
Lamb added that Indiana has approximately 12.56 million acres designated as prime cropland, pastureland
On the second floor of the Normandy Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, state lawmakers and state government stakeholders met for the annual Rural Caucus to discuss issues that affect rural Hoosiers.
or forestland. ISDA recommends that government units consider the total number of prime farmland acres and where it is located before making land-use decisions.
Finally, Lamb said the General Assembly should consider investing in technology and innovation that allow farmers to produce more with less acres. He said, at some point, government will need to consider a loss of farmland acres as a food security issue.
Property taxes on farmland
Rural Caucus attendees spoke at length about the rising cost of all property taxes – especially on Indiana farmland. According to a presentation by Indiana Farm Bureau, all real property owners saw unusually high increases in tax bills in 2023. The increases in 2024 were less, but still much higher than usual.
Large increase in home values caused major spikes in homestead taxes in 2023. Higher supplemental deductions reduced homestead tax increases in 2024.
Buchanan said property taxes remain a big issue for Hoosiers.
“We’ve had some tremendous spikes in property tax bills, which was caused by the tremendous inflation,” he said. “There’s a lot of ideas to provide some relief for Indiana property taxpayers.”
For farmers, the farmland base rate increased by 16 percent in 2023 and 27 percent in 2024. The overall tax rate dropped in 2023, which reduced the farmland tax increase to 10.5 percent. Rates were also unchanged on average in 2024, so farmland taxes increased with the base rate by 26.5 percent. Experts estimate
that the farmland base rate will spike again in 2025 by another 20 percent.
Some of this is due to the rising value of farmland in 2022 and 2023. During this time, farmland value topped $10,000 per acre for the first time. Higher corn and soybean prices in 2022 and 2023 increased the profitability of growing these crops and also increased the demand for farmland.
Indiana does not base farmland assessments on the selling prices of land. But some of the same factors that influence the selling price – such as commodity prices, yields, costs, interest rates and rents – are included in the base rate formula.
Tax deductions are also skewed. Homeowners get the biggest tax breaks from deductions and Local Income Tax (LIT) credits. The standard and supplemental deductions are large and LIT credits always include the homestead property.
Tax abatements provide deductions for business real estate and personal property. Business property is located in urban areas with higher district tax rates, which results in more deductions.
Farmland gets the smallest breaks from all the deductions and credits. Farmland’s tax break comes from the use value assessment, through the calculation of the base rate.
Because of an estimated farmland base rate of 20 percent in 2025 and an overall gross assessed value of 6 percent, lawmakers said they are sensitive to farmers’ plight. Many of the state legislators at the Rural Caucus anticipate a property tax bill to be among the most-discussed issues during the 2025 Indiana General Assembly.
State Rep. Kendell Culp reviews materials from the Indiana Board of Animal Health during the Rural Caucus.
Many Indiana state senators and representatives listened to several presentations during the annual Rural Caucus.
Extra chairs were added to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend this year’s Rural Caucus.
Summer Shop Talk season wraps up seven meetings at the end of August
BY EMILY McNIFF
The Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy (M&P) Committee and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) finished its 2024 Shop Talk season in the last week of August. More than 300 farmers, ag professionals and other stakeholders attended the seven Shop Talks throughout the state.
The Shop Talk meetings also provided more than 100 Pesticide Application Recertification Program (PARP) credits to farmers.
A variety of leaders and policy makers were featured speakers, including ISDA Director Don Lamb, State Sen. Scott Alexander, State Rep. J.D. Prescott, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, State Sen. Andy Zay, U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym and State Rep. Cory Crisswell.
Shop Talks are hosted by local farmer leaders on their operations. ICGA and M&P staff are grateful to the farmers who opened their shops to members and stakeholders this summer to engage the public in ag policy discussions.
presented U.S. Rep. Baird with the Friend of Farmer Award. “Congressman Baird has been a longtime friend and ally to our commodity groups and Hoosier farmers. He has been there for issues important to us, including an early cosponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act,” Cherry said.
At the Decatur County Shop Talk on Aug. 12, U.S. Rep. Houchin spoke to more than 40 attendees about a “farm forward” farm bill and projections of its outcome going into an election season. She expressed concerns about how inflation is affecting “food, fuel and fertilizer.”
Farmers hosting Shop Talk meetings include Susan and Mike Brocksmith, Knox County; Ron Hensley, Delaware County; Kevin Kelley, White County; Tim Gauck, Decatur County; Brian Warpup, Huntington County; Joe Stoller, Marshall County; and Mark and Linda Bacon, Rush County.
U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) introduces military academy candidate Jackson Cain during a Shop Talk on Aug. 9 at the Brookston, Ind., farm of Kevin Kelley.
ISDA Director Lamb joined the policy organizations at the Brocksmith farm on July 24 talked about how Indiana’s farm organizations work together and how ISDA is a teammate with the other departments.
“(ISDA) should be in the middle – advocating for safe food and the farmer,” he added.
During the White County Shop talk on Aug. 9, ICGA President Chris Cherry and M&P Chair Joe Stoller
Stoller hosted the Marshall County Shop Talk with U.S. Rep. Yakym in attendance to address farmers’ concerns about tariffs. Yakym compared the use of tariffs to being either a blunt force tool or a scalpel being used judiciously. He also answered questions regarding solar farms, the government’s role with decommissioning certain technologies, and addressed how climate issues are often driven by the world stage rather than considering how agriculture can contribute.
State legislators, like Senators Alexander and Zay, as well as State Representatives Prescott and Criswell, focused on Indianaspecific issues. State Sen. Alexander and State Rep. Prescott spoke together in Delaware County about property tax efforts. State Sen. Zay expressed his support of farmer priorities while visiting the Huntington County Shop Talk. State Rep. Criswell spoke with constituents about state infrastructure and transportation at the Bacons’ farm in Rush County.
The 2023 Shop Talks were sponsored by Kelley Engineering LLC, Beck’s Hybrids, Keystone Cooperative, WinField United, Farm Credit Mid-America and BaneWelker Equipment.
Greensburg, Ind., farmer Tim Gauck hosted a Shop Talk on his farm for U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Dist. 9) in early August. Houchin spoke to about 40 farmers during the Shop Talk.
Ag Policy Summit features farm bill, herbicide regulation and container shipping discussions
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Keeping an eye on regulations that may affect Hoosier farmers, looking for opportunities to expand farm exports and decoding potential farm bill proposals were among the topics covered during the 2024 Ag Policy Summit on July 31 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Ind.
The Summit is an annual policy-focused program presented by the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee (M&P) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA). M&P Chair Joe Stoller, a farmer from Bremen, Ind., and ICGA President Chris Cherry, a farmer from New Palestine, Ind., welcomed approximately 130 farmers, industry stakeholders and the staff of state and federal lawmakers to the annual event.
“I want you to know our policy organizations have been very busy this year advancing issues important to soybean and corn farmers,” Stoller explained. “We had a productive presence in the General Assembly testifying on behalf of the Biofuels Tax Credit this year, and we are already planning out next year’s Session. Just a couple weeks ago, directors and staff were in Washington, D.C. for American Soybean Association (ASA) meetings and meetings with federal legislative staff, where we highlighted many priority issues for the soybean industry.”
Among the Summit announcements, ICGA and M&P named Rep. Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) as the 2024 Friend of Farmer award winner. (See story on page 20.) Baird was unable to attend the Summit, but he offered a video message accepting the award. M&P and ICGA
recognized Baird, in part, for his efforts to get a farm bill passed this year.
Baird is a lifelong resident of west-central Indiana elected to Congress in 2018. The Fourth Congressional District covers 16 of the counties in that region of the state.
Johanns talks about farm bill
Among the important topics discussed while on Capitol Hill was the overdue farm bill. Former USDA Secretary Mike Johanns gave the Summit’s keynote address about farm bill delays and the prospects of getting one adopted by Congress this year.
Former USDA Secretary Mike Johanns speaks with Indiana farmers during the Membership Appreciation Night reception prior to the Ag Policy Summit on July 30. Johanns is discussing farm issues with Don Wyss of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Julie Bommer of Brookville, Ind.
Approximately 130 farmers, industry stakeholders and the staff of state and federal lawmakers attended the 2024 Ag Policy Summit on July 31 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Ind.
ASA Scholarship winner Addie Gauck, center, of Greensburg, Ind., was recognized during the Ag Policy Summit. Here she poses with her grandparents, Tim and Christy Gauck, at left, and her parents Steve and Kimmie Gauck, at right.
Johanns led USDA from 2005-2007 in President George W. Bush’s cabinet. He served as the governor of Nebraska from 1999-2005, then served one term in the U.S. Senate from 2009-2015. These days, Johanns is the Chairman of Agriculture for alliantgroup, which is an agricultural consulting firm focused on tax credits and incentives to support American farmers. In addition, alliantgroup was the Premier sponsor of this year’s Summit.
The biggest challenge to getting a farm bill passed this year, Johanns said, is the combination of few remaining legislative days and election year politics. He said that Republican leadership in the House Ag Committee has passed a farm bill with details that Democratic Party lawmakers dislike. Similarly, Democrat leaders in the Senate Ag Committee have discussed a farm bill plan with elements that Republicans cannot support. He added that the Senate committee has not yet formerly written any legislative text and a farm bill mockup has not been written.
“We will come back after the election, and then there will be a lame duck period from November to January,” Johanns said. “A farm bill will get done, but the election will likely influence it.”
He suggested that if either party wins the White House and takes control of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, then that will probably bring swift passage to a farm bill.
Monitoring EPA’s herbicide strategy
The Ag Policy Summit covered a variety of issues that M&P and ICGA are watching closely in the coming months – including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) herbicide strategy to comply with the Endangered Species Act. ASA Director of Government Affairs Kyle Kunkler said EPA is caught between ongoing pressure from environmental advocacy groups and
farmers who fear the loss of important tools to control weeds.
“EPA must follow certain rules when implementing policy in the registration process,” Kunkler said. “Right now, the lawsuits are playing out faster than the registration process. EPA has a nearly impossible problem to solve, and they have less time to solve it.”
He added that EPA has only released a draft version of its herbicide strategy, so far. Kunkler said the official policy must be announced by Aug. 30. “The official policy isn’t here, yet, but it’s on our doorstep,” he said. “We will have an opportunity to respond to the official policy.”
Go online to ASA’s website at soygrowers.com/news_ release_category/economists-angle/ to read more on this subject.
Container shipping expansion
ICGA and ISA CEO Courtney Kingery led a panel discussion about expanding ag exports through container shipping. The panel featured:
• Jody Peacock, CEO of the Ports of Indiana
• Aaron Kuhn, Regional Marketing Manager for POET
• Paul Pence, Founder and CEO of Pence Group in Lafayette, Ind.
Because Indiana is a major warehouse and distribution center, many shipping containers enter the state. However, too many containers leave the state empty. Kuhn said the containers are available to be filled, if Indiana agricultural businesses can coordinate the logistics. Peacock said Indiana’s three ports – one on Lake Michigan and two on the Ohio River – can help move agricultural products in containers to export markets around the world.
Pence said the advantage of container shipping is getting smaller quantities of products to places that can’t manage larger shipments. “Our little company in Lafayette, Ind., isn’t going to move the needle much in exports,” he said. “What we can do is prove to Indiana farmers and to importers around the world that we can ship quality products in shipping containers.”
Gauck earns ASA/BASF scholarship
Addie Gauck, a recent high school graduate from Greensburg, Ind., is the recipient of the 2024-25 Soy Scholarship award, sponsored by ASA and BASF. Monrovia, Ind., farmer Keevin Lemenager, who serves on both the ISA and ASA boards, presented Gauck with a certificate for her scholarship during the Summit.
“ASA and BASF are proud to offer this opportunity to invest in future industry leaders,” Lemenager said. “As a farmer director for both ASA and ISA, I am excited
to present this $7,000 scholarship to a fellow Hoosier –Addie Gauck. Addie is a 2024 graduate of North Decatur High School and plans to study agriculture systems management at Purdue University. Her impressive agricultural involvement includes numerous awards and leadership roles in 4-H and FFA. Addie also owns Addie’s Fresh Pork and Pasture Raised Chicken, a business she started at age 11.”
Gauck said her father taught her that it is important to maintain her business and agriculture connections. She sees the value in keeping these relationships as she plans her future career.
Gauck said her goal is to bring together all the skills she’s learned to improve the agriculture industry and her community.
Sponsorship and membership
The policy organization leaders emphasized that their work relies upon the investment and involvement of industry partners and their farmer members.
“Along with Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership & Policy Committee, ICGA works closely with our allied industries, recognizing the roles that food, livestock, industry, trade and fuel markets respectively play in building one, cohesive farm economy supporting our rural communities,” Cherry said. “As many of you know, we are membership organizations that serve as the policy voice of Indiana’s soybean and corn farmers. Our policy work is not funded by checkoff dollars. That means we must rely on membership dollars and corporate contributions to ensure farmer voices are heard and to address issues at all levels of government that directly affect Hoosier crop producers.”
ICGA and M&P hosted a Membership Appreciation Dinner, a members-only event, to recognize their contribution to the farm advocacy efforts. Several farmers who have signed up to be Lifetime Members of M&P and ICGA were honored during the dinner.
Kyle Kunkler, Director of Government Affairs for the American Soybean Association, talks to Ag Policy Summit attendees about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s herbicide strategy to comply with the Endangered Species Act.
Anyone interested in more information about Lifetime Membership should contact Khyla Goodman, Industry Affairs Outreach Manager for ICGA and M&P, at kgoodman@indianasoybean.com.
Stoller and Cherry thanked the sponsors for this year’s Ag Policy Summit. Those sponsors included alliantgroup, Pioneer, Farm Credit Mid-America, Bane-Welker Equipment, Insta-Pro International, Conexus Indiana, Beck’s Hybrids, StoneX and FMC. Corteva Agriscience and First Farmers Bank and Trust sponsored the Membership Appreciation Night.
Lastly, the Summit featured its first Technology Showcase, which was designed to feature the latest farm technology to event attendees. New technology in equipment, seed development and more were highlighted. The Showcase vendors included alliantgroup, Verdant Robotics, Solinftec, Bane-Welker Equipment, Swarm Farm Robotic Agriculture, Insignum AgTech, Apache Sprayers and Insta-Pro International.
The Ag Policy Summit featured its first Technology Showcase, which was designed to feature the latest farm technology to event attendees. New technology in equipment, seed development and more were highlighted.
ICGA, M&P honor U.S. Rep. Baird with 2024 Friend of Farmer award
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Indiana’s soybean and corn policy organizations honored long-time Hoosier lawmaker U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) with its Friend of Farmer award on Aug. 9 during a Shop Talk event on the farm of Kevin Kelley in Brookston, Ind. Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Chris Cherry and Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy (M&P) Chair Joe Stoller presented Baird with the award.
Steve Howell, Senior Director of Industry Affairs for M&P and ICGA, said the award recognizes a state or federal official who has promoted policies that support Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers.
“The Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee, along with the Indiana Corn Growers Association, has a Friend of Farmer award,” Howell stated.
“That’s something we don’t take lightly. When we created that award, we agreed it’s reserved for policy leaders who are always with us, really leading on our issues – going above and beyond.”
here in the heart of farm country, in the State of Indiana and with good people like you,” Baird said. “I mean that sincerely. You’re the kind of people that are the foundation of this country, and I want you to keep doing what you’re doing. And what you’re doing I consider far more important than what I’m doing at the present time. I appreciate my association with all of you.”
Shown here speaking at a Shop Talk on the Putnam County, Ind., farm of Mark Legan, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird often takes time from his congressional schedule to speak with Indiana farmers.
Baird is the seventh person to earn this honor. Previous winners include National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney, State Rep. Don Lehe, State Sen. Jean Leising, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, State Rep. Ed Soliday and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly.
The incumbent congressman from District 4 in WestCentral Indiana was pleased to receive the award from farmers in a room full of farmers.
“I thank you for the opportunity to be here, and I can’t think of any place in the world that I’d rather be than right
Prior to being elected to Congress in 2018, Baird was a state representative to the Indiana General Assembly for eight years. Throughout his legislative career, both at the state and federal levels, Baird has served on committees that cover rural and agricultural issues. Stoller, a farmer from Bremen, Ind., and Cherry said Hoosier farmers are well represented by Baird in Congress.
“Congressman Baird has been a longtime friend and ally to our commodity groups and Hoosier farmers,” said Cherry, who farms in rural Hancock County, Ind. “He has always been there for ISA and ICGA issues, including an early cosponsor of the Next Generations Fuels Act. Through his work on the House Agriculture Committee, a farm bill proposal was developed and passed out of committee that includes many of our priorities.”
Federal farm bill progress
Howell said Baird’s work in pushing for adoption of a federal farm bill is one of many projects where Baird has taken a lead for Hoosier farmers. As a member of the House Ag Committee, Baird helped get a farm bill passed through the U.S. House of Representatives by a bi-partisan vote. However, the Senate’s version of the bill has not yet been written, and the process has stalled.
U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) receives the Friend of Farmer Award from Indiana Corn Growers Association President Chris Cherry, left, and Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee Chair Joe Stoller, right.
Before a new farm bill can be signed by President Biden, the Senate will need to pass a bill, then a committee including both House and Senate members will meet to develop a unified bill. After Congress adopts the committee’s compromise bill, then the proposal would go to the president to be signed.
Although election year politics has often impeded progress of this overdo legislation, Baird remains optimistic that something could be passed before the end of the year.
“I talked to (Rep.) G.T. Thompson, the chairman of the House committee, just before I left for the August recess, and he was talking about the possibility of trying to get something done in September,” he said. “The farm bill expires September, and it really, really needs to be reauthorized by the end of the year. But, you have to be optimistic in order to keep moving forward. I hope the Senate will have a change of heart; and maybe, they will present their version of the farm bill. Then, we can reconcile that bill and get something done.
“This is important because farmers and ranchers need to make plans for 2025. The current farm bill is expiring. How can farmers make the kind of plans that they need to make without knowing what programs will be afforded them in a new farm bill? I believe we must get a new farm bill out of Congress.”
Baird’s career in brief
Baird is a lifelong resident of West Central Indiana. In addition to the House Committee on Agriculture, he also serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
Before being elected to Congress, he served eight years as a State Representative in the Indiana General Assembly. During this time, he was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and played an integral role in balancing Indiana’s budget. He also served on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, the Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation, the Environmental Affairs Committee, the Statutory Committee on Ethics, the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
Baird said he is a strong believer in fiscal responsibility and applies the idea of government living within its own means. He wants to keep Indiana a place where Hoosiers can thrive, and businesses can grow.
Additionally, Baird served in local government as a County Commissioner where he focused on improving his community’s infrastructure and keeping local services efficient and cost-effective.
Baird is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, as his distinguished service was recognized with a Bronze Star with V device and two Purple Hearts. He and his unit were inducted in the U.S. Transportation Corps Hall of Fame. One of the Gun Trucks from the unit, “The Eve of Destruction” is
What do friends say about Rep. Baird?
Mark Legan
ISA Board Director from Coatesville, Ind.
“Jim Baird has made his life being a Friend of Farmers. Starting with his tenure as a Putnam County Agriculture Extension Agent, continuing as a Putnam County Commissioner, state representative and as a congressman, Jim has always been approachable and concerned how legislation affects Indiana Farmers. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
Mike Beard
ICMC Board Director from Frankfort, Ind.
“Jim has been a champion for Indiana agriculture and for U.S. agriculture. He understands our challenges. He understands that some of our needs are hidden unless you also work in agriculture. Indiana is not all that unique in the Midwest in that we produce a lot of corn and soybeans. Jim’s expertise with Indiana agriculture serves the rest of Corn Belt farmers very well.”
on display in the Transportation Museum in Ft. Eustis, Va.
He is a graduate of Purdue University, obtaining Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in animal science. After returning from Vietnam, Baird earned a Doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in monogastric nutrition.
Baird is an active or former member of numerous organizations including the Rotary Club of Greencastle, the Putnam County Fair and 4-H Club Association, VFW, American Legion, Indiana Farm Bureau, OCS 270 and numerous others. He served on the advisory council for Purdue University’s Dean of Agriculture.
He is married to his high school sweetheart, Danise, and together they are the parents of three children, all graduates of Purdue University. Before joining Congress, he ran a home healthcare agency and a farm with his family. In his spare time, Baird enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and working on his family farm.
Baugh, Ebert honored with ISDA’s AgriVision Award for many contributions to agriculture
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) presented John Baugh, Director of Agricultural Services and Regulations at Purdue University, and Ed Ebert, Senior Director of Market Development for the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), with the state’s highest agricultural honor, the AgriVision Award during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 8.
Now in its 18th year, the award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their communities.
“It was an honor to present John and Ed with the AgriVision Award,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Their vision has guided the foundation of this great industry, and not just statewide, but nationally. We would not be where we are today without their leadership and commitment to supporting agriculture. Ebert goes many, many miles to serve Indiana’s soybean and corn farmers of Indiana. Always seeking new markets to move tons of Hoosier-grown soybeans and corn to customers both nearby and around the globe, Ebert’s duties are aimed at helping to improve farmers’ bottom line. To accomplish this, he has talked to corn and soybean buyers on six continents. Ebert has traveled the circumference of the Earth more times than he can count.”
me and my good friend, John Baugh, for this award,” Ebert said. “I would also like to thank the Indiana corn and soy farmers that I’ve worked with for much of my career who nominated me. I would like to thank those who I work with at the corn and soybean checkoff program – they truly have the best interests of Indiana farmers in mind in all of the work they do. This award is certainly nothing that I ever thought about achieving, but as I stand here right now, this is a truly awesome and humbling experience.”
Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, left, and ISDA Director Don Lamb, right, presented AgriVision Awards to ISA and ICMC Senior Director of Market Development Ed Ebert, middle left, and John Baugh, Director of Agricultural Services and Regulations at Purdue University.
Crouch said Baugh has been a tireless advocate for Indiana agriculture for decades. A steady presence at the Indiana Statehouse for 35 years, his impact can be seen in legislation that directly affects agriculture and rural communities. He also serves as an ex-officio member on both the ISA and ICGA boards.
Baugh advocates for Purdue University, Purdue Agriculture and agricultural education throughout the state. Through his efforts, Vincennes and Purdue created joint facilities located adjacent to the Purdue Southwest Agricultural Center in Knox County. Additionally, he played a key role in assisting the college’s efforts to secure legislative support for the new veterinary hospital.
Ebert represents Indiana farmers on a statewide and global stage. In 2023, along with ISA and ICMC, he engaged with 31 countries representing 57 percent of the world’s population and 36 percent of gross domestic product to work on projects to export Indiana corn and soybeans. He is a valuable source of knowledge on international commodity markets and is an asset to all Indiana corn and soybean farmers.
“I would like to thank the Lt. Governor’s office and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for selecting
Baugh contributed to forming the Indiana Corn Checkoff Law, the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund, rural broadband efforts, chemical applicator licensing issues agronomic sustainability opportunities.
“The strength of Indiana’s agricultural industry comes from the dedication, ingenuity and perseverance of Hoosiers and visionaries like John and Ed,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Both awardees have dedicated their careers to moving the industry forward, and it was a privilege to honor them today.”
Indiana corn, soybean farmers participate in ‘lockup’ briefing for August crop report
BY AMIE SIMPSON
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Lockup occurs before market-sensitive data like the monthly crop production report and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) are released to the public. The August crop production report is released just weeks ahead of harvest and provides information that can impact decisions made by farmers and reduce uncertainty in the market.
Indiana farmer leaders and staff representing the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) attended the Aug. 12 Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB) briefing and lockup process at the USDA South Building in Washington D.C.
“It was a great experience, and I think every farmer should go through the lockup procedure,” said Adam Sheller, an ICMC board member and farmer from Noblesville, Ind.
“I gained a better understanding of how USDA gets those values by farmer surveys about crop yield, plot data, satellite imagery, and more. If you get the opportunity to come to D.C. and go through this experience, don’t hesitate.”
Sheller said both his corn and soybeans look good.
The USDA raised its 2024 production outlooks for both corn and soybeans. USDA projected a record average corn yield of 183.1 bushels per acre. Soybeans are seen at 53.2 bushels per acre. In Indiana, the 2024 corn yield is forecast at 207 bushels per acre, up four bushels from 2023. Soybean yield is forecast at 62 bushels per acre, up one bushel from last year.
Peters said he wasn’t too surprised by the report, and that crops in his area look phenomenal.
The ISA and ICMC delegation participating in the Lockup process, from left, includes ICMC board director Adam Sheller, ICMC/ISA Market Development Project Manager Chris Weldon, ISA board director John Peters, ICMC/ISA Senior Director of Market Development Ed Ebert, ICMC/ISA Digital Communications Manager Amie Simpson and ICMC board director John Adam Jr.
“I thought soybeans were going to be a little bit rough at the beginning of the year, but with timely rains in July and August, I think they’re going to be unbelievable,” he said. “Corn is super good, too. We’re looking at a good crop at the end of fall.”
Indiana corn and soybean farmers said they gained confidence in USDA’s reporting process. John Adam Jr. is a farmer from Sellersburg, Ind., Adam Sheller is a farmer from Noblesville, Ind., and John Peters is a farmer from Monticello, Ind.
John Peters, an ISA board member and farmer from Monticello, Ind., said he gained confidence in the reporting process and the numbers. “I had some questions about how the (USDA) got its numbers, and this process helped alleviate those,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be one of the best crops we’ve ever had, and farmers I’ve talked to have said the same thing,” he said.
Others attending were John Adam Jr., an ICMC board member and farmer from Sellersburg, Ind., and three ISA and ICMC staff members including Senior Director of Market Development Ed Ebert, Market Development Project Manager Chris Weldon and Digital Communications Manager Amie Simpson.
Ebert appreciated the farmer directors taking the time to participate in the briefing.
“I can’t overemphasize how important it is to have farmers here to not only learn about the process but also to interact with USDA officials and put a real face to Indiana agriculture,” he said. “It sends a strong message that farmers care about what they’re doing, and they feel that it’s an important process. And from a farmer leader perspective, it helps them understand where some of these numbers come from.”
Farmers from Indiana Farm Bureau also attended the USDA August Crop Report briefing.
Aquaculture is a growing market for U.S. soybean exports to China
BY ANITA SHARKEY
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors worldwide. This practice is poised to meet the growing global demand for protein, particularly in key markets like China. The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has been instrumental in promoting U.S. soy in China’s aquaculture industry.
The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) supports USSEC programming including their efforts to implement the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), which is designed to increase global awareness and utilization of U.S. soy-based feeds through demonstrations, short courses and technical support.
Several ISA Board Directors recently learned firsthand about checkoff funds being used to promote the advantages and expand markets of U.S. soy in aquaculture in China. Fostering international partnerships and promoting sustainable agricultural practices abroad helps build markets for Indiana soybeans.
population exceeding 1.4 billion and a robust economy, the demand for sustainable and high-quality protein sources like soy is ever-increasing.
U.S. soybeans are renowned for their consistent quality, efficient logistics and sustainability. More than 95 percent of U.S. soybeans are certified with the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, which ensures responsible growing practices. This commitment to sustainability is particularly appealing to markets like China, which has a strong demand for environmentally friendly and traceable food sources.
Indiana farmer leaders recently participated in aquaculture tours and learned more about efforts to implement Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), an all-year-round aquaculture production technology to improve current production levels.
Aquaculture represents a significant opportunity, and China, with its immense market potential, is at the forefront of this growth. By continuing to invest in aquaculture and leveraging the strengths of U.S. Soy, Indiana can meet the rising global demand for protein sustainably and efficiently.
Kevin Cox, ISA Board Chair and a farmer from Brazil, Ind., believes in the momentum of their efforts.
“We were able to connect with the movers and shakers of the industry there in China,” Cox said. “For them to see Indiana producers present to take away from and put value into their operations, and to shake their hands and form a relationship, is priceless.”
Why China?
China is the world’s largest consumer and importer of soy, making the country a pivotal market for U.S. soybeans. The country also leads in the production of feed, pork, eggs, aquaculture, edible oil and soy food. With a
Farmers participated in the USSEC Modern Aquaculture Industry Development Forum, focusing on advancements and challenges in the industry, particularly regarding U.S. soy-based feeds. The group visited Shanghai for RAS demonstrations and market tours, gaining insights into the benefits of U.S. Soy and local market dynamics. They also met with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service representatives and toured various aquaculture sites to strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities.
In Suzhou, they toured wholesale markets, including Sam’s Club, to understand product distribution and retail trends. The Indiana farmers also heard from representatives from US Meat Export Federation and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council. The trade tour ended with a cultural visit of Shanghai, highlighting the local consumer behaviors that affect market trends.
“I came away from that trip with an entirely different perspective.” Kevin Cox said. “This was one of the reasons why I got involved in ISA to start with: To see how my checkoff dollars are being spent. To understand that we get a $12 to $1 return from every dollar invested. To be able to see that and experience that and to have been there was an eye-opening experience for me.”
For more on USSEC’s initiatives and the benefits of U.S. Soy in aquaculture, go online to ussec.org
Soy Connext 2024 positions Indiana farmers to increase U.S. Soy exports
BY ERIN WORRELL Communications Manager, U.S. Soybean Export Council
Indiana’s 2024 soybean crop was estimated to be more than 358 million bushels in August, contributing to an expected U.S. Soy crop of 4.6 billion bushels, according to the USDA’s August Crop Production Report. The corresponding World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report from USDA projects soy supply up 11 percent versus last year.
With this strong crop expected, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted Soy Connext 2024, the Global U.S. Soy Summit, in San Francisco, Calif., Aug. 19-21, thanks in part to an Indiana Soybean Alliance sponsorship. The summit convened more than 400 international soy customers from 62 countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and more, to learn and network.
Of those customers, 40 percent attended their first Soy Connext. Many of these customers participated in a trade team tour, visiting farms and soy supply chain partners specific to their business before or after Soy Connext.
and sessions aimed to differentiate the quality and value of U.S. Soy from other nutrition and vegetable oil products. Compared to recent years, current prices allow international customers to benefit from the many advantages of U.S. Soy.
U.S. Soy: A premium product
“Exports help create demand for our soybeans,” said Mike Koehne, a Greensburg, Ind., farmer and ISA director who also serves on the USSEC board and attended Soy Connext 2024. “With so many of our soybeans exported, the work to develop new markets like Morocco or expand existing markets like Malaysia creates opportunities for Indiana farmers.”
Throughout Soy Connext, USSEC tackled tough questions and shared data to elevate a preference for U.S. Soy products among global customers. Speakers
While soybeans are sold as a commodity oilseed, research continues to show that U.S. Soy is a premium product that increases operational efficiencies for livestock farms, feed mills and oil crushers. It also introduces better flavor profiles in the soy foods sector. And, U.S. Soy has the lowest carbon footprint compared to soy of other origins, thanks to on-farm stewardship and conservation efforts of Indiana soybean farmers and others throughout the United States. For example, the session on the value of adding U.S. Soy to animal and aqua feeds shared modeling data that quantifies the value of the nutritional package delivered by U.S. Soy as a feed ingredient. Based on current prices, the model showed that U.S. Soy adds $51 per metric ton in nutrient value to fish feed in Indonesia. In Ecuador, the model showed U.S. Soy could add $76 per metric ton in nutrient value to shrimp feed.
“Through USSEC’s work in this area, we are demonstrating that livestock farms and aquaculture operations that use soybean meal from U.S. Soy can unlock more value and profits,” Koehne explained. “Trials are showing that the differences in the amino acid levels
The 2024 Soy Connext convened more than 400 international soy customers from 62 countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and more, to learn and network.
found in U.S. Soy can improve feed conversion ratios.”
As it relates to sustainability, the Global Feed LCA Institute’s database indicates an approximate 20 percent reduction in the carbon footprint of feed when meal used in the feed formulation is made from 100 percent U.S. soybeans. During the session on animal and aqua feed, data modeling clearly showed lower greenhouse gas emissions from using U.S. Soy compared to soy of other origins.
Sustainability Assurance Protocol
USSEC developed one of the first sustainability verification schemes, known as the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), and about 70 percent of U.S. Soy exports now carry SSAP certification. The SSAP is an aggregate approach audited by third parties that verifies sustainable soy production at a national scale. The U.S. approach is quantifiable and results-driven with mass balance international verification available.
As of mid-August, international U.S. Soy customers can request that carbon footprint be included on their SSAP certificates. This data, sourced from the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) database, offers a calculation based on the quantity of soy purchased and can be used in their carbon accounting.
Global U.S. Soy customers and supply chain leaders appreciate the knowledge shared at Soy Connext, but they value the unparalleled networking even more. They appreciate connecting with farmers, visiting farms and seeing first-hand the logistics that make U.S. Soy incredibly reliable.
“I had some great conversations during Soy Connext,” Koehne reported. “For example, I talked to several identity preserved, or IP, buyers, since I grow IP soybeans. Demand for IP soybeans is growing, and buyers want high quality, food-grade soybeans. I shared how U.S. farmers can supply it to fill their needs.”
Through Soy Connext 2024, USSEC encouraged international customers to look beyond the status quo to the data that better demonstrates the value of U.S. Soy to learn how to unlock the profit potential it offers. Indiana farmers can expect that to translate to growing export demand in the 2024-25 marketing year and beyond for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal.
USSEC hosted a roundtable discussion for the Chinese delegation of Soy Connext attendees to recognize the decades-long agricultural trade relationship and exchange thoughts addressing common global challenges such as nutrition security and climate issues.
Greensburg, Ind., farmer Mike Koehne, who is also an ISA director, speaks at a meeting during the 2024 Soy Connext event in San Francisco, Calif., in August.
Indiana soybean checkoff makes strides to boost reach to Indonesian customers
BY ANITA SHARKEY
In the ever-evolving landscape of global agriculture, the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the state’s soybean checkoff program, is making strides to expand the reach of Indiana soybeans into new and promising markets.
A recent mission to Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country with more than 280 million people, highlighted the opportunities and challenges of tapping into this market. Indonesia relies heavily on soy protein to meet its dietary needs, with tofu and tempeh being staple foods. Despite this, the country still faces significant issues.
“In Indonesia, where products like tofu and tempeh are vital for meeting protein needs, there is still a 20 percent rate of stunting in children,” said Mark Legan, an ISA director and farmer from Coatesville, Ind. “This presents a unique opportunity for Indiana soybeans to make a significant difference, both economically and nutritionally, in the lives of the Indonesian population.”
ISA has developed strong relationships for providing soy protein in the country. The Indiana delegation met with key players in the Indonesian agricultural sector, including FKS, the largest soybean importer in the country. FKS imports approximately 1.7 million metric tons of soybeans from the United States annually – a significant portion of which comes from Indiana.
An Indiana delegation grew relationships and learned about opportunities for soybeans in Indonesia. There is a significant opportunity for U.S. pork, ultimately benefiting U.S. soybean growers, in the Indonesian market with a non-Muslim population of about 30 million.
The discussions focused on the sustainability of Indiana soybeans and the introduction of a new high-protein soybean variety explicitly developed for use in tempeh, combined with high oleic soybeans. FKS expressed interest in running trials with this new soybean variety, which could lead to an even stronger market presence for Indiana farmers.
Indonesia ripe for growth
The economic landscape in Indonesia is also ripe for growth. With a developing middle class and consistent economic growth of more than 5 percent in recent years, the demand for diverse protein sources is rising. The ISA team explored the potential for expanding meat exports, particularly U.S. pork, which could increase the demand for soybean meal used in livestock feed.
FKS also seeks a meat import license, which could open new avenues for Indiana soybeans through indirect channels. This promising economic growth in Indonesia bodes well for the future of the soybean market. With support from the National Pork Board, the U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk joined ISA on the trip and explored the potential of the Indonesian market.
Although Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, it has a substantial non-Muslim population of 30 million, presenting a significant opportunity for U.S. pork products. The growth potential is evident, as U.S. pork market share in Indonesia surged from 11.5 percent in 2023 to 38.5 percent in 2024, mainly due to reduced supply from the European Union.
Indiana soybean growers have established robust relationships and logistics for distributing soybeans across Indonesia’s numerous islands, positioning them well to support the soy market and the growing demand for U.S. pork.
“I think the opportunity is there for us, and we just need to be present,” Spronk noted. “It’s going to be a long-term growth market in my mind.” This synergy between soy and pork products highlights the expanding opportunities for Indiana farmers in this emerging market.
Free trade agreement interest
In addition to meetings with soybean importers, the delegation engaged with members of the Indonesian
Indonesia relies heavily on soy protein to meet its dietary needs, with tempeh and tofu being staple foods. ISA has developed strong relationships for providing soy protein in the country.
business community and the National Chamber of Commerce. These discussions revealed a strong interest in a free trade agreement with the United States, particularly as American businesses seek to diversify their manufacturing away from China.
The Southeast Asian region, with Indonesia at the forefront, offers significant opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.
Jim Douglas, a farmer from Flat Rock, Ind.; Nick Stewart, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind.; and Joe Baldwin, representing Indiana Pork Producers Association, participated in the trip.
This mission represents just one step in a long-term strategy to increase Indiana soybeans’ global presence, bringing value back to Hoosier farmers and contributing to the food security of nations like Indonesia. With a growing population and economy, Indonesia is poised to become a key player in the global agricultural market, and Indiana is ready to meet that demand, offering a promising future for Hoosier farmers.
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USMEF’s Spronk says Indiana’s efforts in Indonesia opens U.S. red meat sales
BY JOHN HERATH
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)
Chair Randy Spronk joined a team of representatives from the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) to meet with prospective buyers and study market opportunities for U.S. soybeans and red meat in Indonesia. ISA, a USMEF member, has developed strong trade relationships providing soy protein in Indonesia, coordinated with USMEF staff on the day-long event.
USMEF ASEAN Director Sabrina Yin and Indonesia Representative Arrofi Satrio Alam set up a meet-andgreet for the ISA group with Indonesian meat importers and presented a market overview about opportunities and challenges for U.S. red meat in the region. USMEF then led the ISA group to Food and Hotel Indonesia, one of the ASEAN region’s largest food trade shows.
awareness and differentiate U.S. pork as highquality.
“Indonesia is a long-term growth market and pork consumption is very low, even among the non-Muslim populations.” Spronk added. “It reminds me of Colombia, where we helped double the consumption of pork over a 10-year period.”
“Indonesia has a young and growing population of 279 million and 13 percent of the population is not Muslim. That’s about 36 million people, which for U.S. pork is an export market about the size of Canada,” Spronk said. “There are opportunities to develop markets in regions of Indonesia where a high percentage of the population is non-Muslim.”
U.S. pork market share in Indonesia grew from 11.5 percent in 2023 to 38.5 percent in 2024, largely due to reduced supply from the European Union. In the first half of 2024, U.S. pork exports to Indonesia increased 21 percent to 380 metric tons and 14 percent in value to $1.5 million. USMEF has been conducting promotions at upscale retail outlets in targeted markets to grow
For U.S. beef, Spronk sees opportunities for middle meats in high-end foodservice and modern retail while underutilized cuts and variety meats have potential in foodservice and wet markets. Per capita beef consumption is also low, as much of the population has not experienced high-quality, grain-fed beef.
The main challenge for U.S. beef in Indonesia is the plant approval process, which is the most extensive of any country that requires establishment registration.
Spronk noted that Indiana soy growers have built strong relationships for providing protein in the market, and that could be beneficial for U.S. pork producers.
“Indiana Soy has the relationships here – you’re already here with soybeans, and you have the logistics to distribute soybeans to a multitude of islands,” Spronk said. “So, I think there’s great opportunity for pork products to be able to move into the market too. And I think we can grow the beef market to compete with Australia and Brazil.”
Spronk’s inclusion on the ISA team was funded by the National Pork Board. Funding support for the activity was provided by ISA, the Beef Checkoff Program, the National Pork Board and USDA’s Market Access Program.
USMEF Chair Randy Spronk reviews the U.S. meat case display of an importer at the Food and Hotel Indonesia meeting in Jakarta.
USGC’s Corn Sustainability Assurance Program touted during China meeting
In July, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff met with key partners and customers about the sustainability of U.S. corn and how the Council’s Corn Sustainability Assurance Program (CSAP) helps U.S. corn exporters and importers address sustainability requirements associated with their products.
The Chinese government recently unveiled its corporate sustainability disclosure guidelines, under which companies will report within a unified sustainability framework. These procedures will come into effect in 2027 and were developed in line with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
changes required from the market in China. Sanchez and USGC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez, who oversees the CSAP and its integration into the worldwide agricultural supply chains, met with stakeholders in China to discuss the new change in Chinese policy and how the U.S. meets these standards. Sanchez and Suárez were joined by USGC Sustainable Corn Exports Chairman and Iowa corn farmer Roger Zylstra.
USGC Sustainable Corn Exports Chairman and Iowa corn farmer Roger Zylstra joined USGC director in China Manuel Sanchez and USGC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez to meet stakeholders in China to discuss changes in Chinese policy and how U.S. farmers can meets these standards.
“The Chinese market is signaling it’s looking to align with international sustainability standards, and this creates an opportunity thanks to U.S. corn growers’ long tradition of conservation and environmental stewardship,” said Manuel Sanchez, USGC director in China. “This was the perfect time to introduce the CSAP to the Chinese market and leverage the great work U.S. farmers are already doing to enhance U.S. agriculture’s market share here.”
The CSAP is a program developed and implemented by the Council that began in February 2023. This program allows stakeholders within the multiple supply chains that U.S. corn products participate, to provide a baseline level of assurance of the sustainability of U.S. corn production practices and environmental outcomes. The CSAP outlines state and federal laws that assure sustainable practices are implemented where required, and it highlights sustainable practices used in U.S. corn production.
By implementing the CSAP, the Council is maintaining market access in the face of evolving sustainability standards. U.S. corn is prepared for the sustainability
The agenda began with a meeting with USDA representatives at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai to discuss new promotional strategies and opportunities for the U.S. industry after the recent policy changes in China.
Council staff also toured several port facilities and met with a multinational food processing company and an agricultural market analysis firm to better understand how the national sustainability initiative will affect domestic companies and their raw material imports.
The group participated in the 15th China International Cereals and Oils Industry Summit on July 11, where Sanchez and Suárez spoke on a panel about global feed grain supply outlooks.
Suárez then gave a presentation on the CSAP and how advantageous it is to both buyers and sellers by providing detailed insights into the regulations, processes and management practices involved in U.S. corn production.
“The sustainability standards that China adopts will have immense ripple effects in the global economy, and the U.S. industry needs to be ready for international importers’ needs to shift and establish new avenues of engagement in foreign markets,” Suárez said.
The Council is prepared to continue enabling trade with the help of CSAP.
Carlos Suárez
Manuel Sanchez
Indiana’s corn checkoff spends summer promoting ethanol with several projects
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
The ninth annual Shift S3ctor Indy Airstrip Attack wrapped up a weekend of racing at the Marion Municipal Airport in early August. Yet, this was only one of several projects aimed at promoting ethanol to consumers across the state by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) this summer.
As title sponsor of the Indy Airstrip Attack, ICMC touts higher blends of ethanol for the thousands of race fans at the race and millions of fans watching online. Most of this year’s drivers fueled their cars with high-octane ethanol. Of the 290 cars that competed, nearly 70 percent used blended fuels with between 30 percent to 98 percent ethanol.
In the first race in Marion nine years ago, only 10 percent of the drivers raced on blended ethanol fuels.
“Shift S3ctor Indy Airstrip Attack has been an effective way to promote ethanol use to a niche racing audience,” said ICMC Biofuels Director Helena Jette. “Ethanolblended fuels like E85 naturally have a high octane, which allow engines to optimize performance enabling increased efficiency and boosting horsepower all while supporting Indiana’s farmers and the local economy.”
Shift S3ctor Indy Airstrip Attack is merely one of many ICMC projects promoting ethanol to consumers.
In July, the state’s corn checkoff program promoted ethanol during events surrounding the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. ICMC supports NASCAR, which utilizes a blend of E15. Leading to the Brickyard 400, ICMC took part in a Kroger Racing event in Brownsburg, Ind. ICMC showcased highperformance cars built by Indy’s Garage driving on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline.
The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) is a federal government program that sets aside millions of dollars to help fuel retailers offer more E15, also known as Unleaded 88, and E85 to U.S. consumers. ICMC has added many new gas pumps across Indiana by connecting fuel retailers to HBIIP.
Later in August, ICMC attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the state’s largest new fuel retailer, Wally’s, in Whitestown, Ind. The 59,000-square-foot center will feature 84 fueling positions – many offering higher blends of ethanol.
The ninth annual Shift S3ctor Indy Airstrip Attack at the Marion Municipal Airport in August was only one of several projects aimed at promoting ethanol to consumers by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council this summer.
Helena Jette
Beat of different drummers
Two more ICMC projects designed to reach consumers include partnerships with Drum Corps International (DCI) and the Indiana Pacers’ High-Octane Drumline.
ICMC has used these platforms to promote Unleaded 88. ICMC sponsored discounted tickets for Indiana residents to DCI’s World Championship Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Aug. 10. Additionally, Unleaded 88 presented a special Indiana High School Band Showcase as well as the DrumLine Battle, reaching thousands of Indiana consumers through these events.
The DCI events attracted nearly 45,000 people to downtown Indianapolis throughout the week.
“We are excited to partner with Drum Corps International because the school bands that participate in this championship are high energy performers,” Jette said. “Unleaded 88 is a higher -octane fuel. It’s also better for the environment and lowers greenhouse gas emissions nearly 50 percent compared to regular gasoline.”
ICMC also sponsors the Indiana Pacers High Octane Drumline during NBA home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Drumline plays during breaks in the basketball game and as part of the performance, promotes ethanol to consumers.
Expanding access to ethanol
ICMC President Tim Gauck said the state’s corn checkoff is committed to expanding consumers’ access to ethanol-blended fuels.
“Sponsoring events like these and promoting cornbased, ethanol-rich fuels such as Unleaded 88 is
Leading to the Brickyard 400, ICMC took part in a Kroger Racing event in Brownsburg, Ind., which showcased highperformance cars built by Indy’s Garage driving on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline.
ICMC sponsored discounted tickets for Indiana residents to Drum Corps International’s World Championship Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Aug. 10. Additionally, Unleaded 88 presented a special Indiana High School Band Showcase as well as the DrumLine Battle, reaching thousands of Indiana consumers through these events.
right on track with our mission,” Gauck explained. “Ethanol is a leading market for Indiana-grown corn. Farmers should understand that one bushel of corn produces three gallons of ethanol. That’s a great market for our corn.”
Indiana harvests nearly 5.5 million acres of corn each year, and those acres yield more than 1 billion bushels. Indiana is the fifthlargest corn-producing state in America. More than 40 percent of the corn grown in Indiana is processed in one of the state’s 15 ethanol biorefineries.
The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is a federal government program that sets aside millions of dollars to help fuel retailers offer more E15, also known as Unleaded 88, and E85 to U.S. consumers.
Corn growers who work within 30 miles of an ethanol plant could realize an 18-23 cent premium per bushel on corn prices. At more than 1.4 billion gallons per year, Indiana is the fifth-largest U.S. producer of ethanol. Indiana produces nearly 8 percent of the total U.S. ethanol output.
Purdue on the Farm, ISA and ICMC bringing new signs to Indiana fields
BY SCOTT GABBARD, MS CCA, Purdue On The Farm Senior Administrator
Many of you may have noticed signs driving down county roads throughout the state this summer with Purdue On The Farm, Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) logos on them. Peppered throughout Indiana on back roads and state roads, Purdue Extension personnel have partnered with local farmers to scout fields throughout the growing season.
In these fields, Purdue Extension Educators and staff visit at least three times during the growing season. Each field has been scouted via drone at least once. All are walked. The first round of scouting happens after emergence but before V4, weather permitting. Stand counts are conducted. Stratified soil samples are taken. Weed, disease and emergence issue are noted, if applicable.
The second round of scouting is done around full bloom to pod set or silking to blister (R2-R3). At this time, the uppermost mature trifoliate or ear leaf samples are gathered for tissue analysis. Silk clipping, disease and/or weed pressures are noted.
The third round of scouting is being conducted as I type with the crop maturing but right before leaf senescence or black layer. Yield assessments are made while harvest challenges are being scouted. Scouts are looking specifically for pod damage, stalk rots, ear diseases and other issues that may affect the crops’ harvestability or long-term storage.
Many samples are sent to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab for confirmation throughout the growing season and contribute to the nationwide disease databases as well as assisting the farmer, educator and state specialists. Examples such as tar spot or white mold are sent in for confirmation, which is then logged, and the county is confirmed. These samples may be sent in during any phase of the growing season as we watch and catalogue the crop’s progress.
There may be more happening in those fields than meets the eye. In some, we are also conducting research or demonstration trials such as plant population, biologicals or cover crops. Some of these are an extension of studies coordinated by Purdue State Specialists while others are “what-ifs” derived from conversations between the extension educator and the farmer.
We’re wrapping up our second full season of scouting and our first season of the signs made possible by ISA and ICMC. Here are some 2023 quick stats:
• For soybean, 22 Educators partnered with 25 farmers on 27 fields in 19 counties, scouting more than 1,386 acres.
• For corn, 18 Educators partnered with 22 farmers on 25 fields in 16 counties, scouting 1,069 acres.
You will see and hear more about Purdue On The Farm as time progresses and as the program matures. We appreciate the cooperation with Indiana corn and soybean farmers, ISA and ICMC allowing us to get research into and information out of the fields, faster.
Peppered throughout Indiana on back roads and state roads are signs with the Purdue On The Farm, ISA and ICMC logos. These signs represent fields where Purdue Extension personnel have partnered with local farmers to scout fields throughout the growing season.
New conservation mentor program now ready to help farmers succeed
BY AMIE SIMPSON
Anew farmer-led mentor program, supported by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), will help farmers implement conservation practices. Farm Advisors will connect interested farmers with mentors who have been implementing soil health practices on their own operations for decades.
The famer mentor will be available to help with equipment advice, cover crop species recommendations, key conservation management decisions and more.
During the official launch of the program last month in the Glass Barn at the Indiana State Fair, Jim Moseley, one of the group’s founding members, said it all boils down to providing a space where farmers can ask other farmers for advice.
“We want to help farmers avoid mistakes and have more successful farm outcomes when adopting new conservation practices,” he said. “Individuals will be more willing to continue implementing those practices if they have a positive experience and can call someone with questions.”
Mike Brocksmith, a farmer from southern Indiana, said building a legacy is important.
“I want one of my legacies to be that of a soil conservationist, someone who put the land first,” he said. “That’s why this project is important to my family. Indiana is a leader in conservation and cover crops. That’s due to a lot of people in this room, and we should be very proud of that, but if we take a ride in the spring after heavy rain,
we see there’s still work to do. That’s why we’re here, and we think what will make this group different is that we can truly share our passion, vision and love of the land and soil health.”
A five-person board of farmers directs the overall program. The board includes Jamie Scott, Rodney Rulon, Mike Brocksmith, Cameron Mills and Dan DeSutter. The program, currently operating under the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI), aims to be operating on its own within three years.
To learn more about the program and get involved as a mentor or mentee visit www.farmadvisors.ag.
Some of the farmer mentors came together for the launch of the program during the Indiana State Fair. From left is Kenny Cain, Rodney Rulon, Jim Moseley, John Kruse, Mike Brocksmith, Roger Wenning, Andrew Bernzott, Pat Bittner, and Aaron Johnson.
Indiana farmer uses drone technology to become more efficient, sustainable
BY AMIE SIMPSON
An interest in finding ways to integrate new technology into his farming operation to become more efficient and sustainable led Brian Petty to use drones more readily on his farm and launch a drone application company.
The Alexandria, Ind., corn and soybean grower operates Field Ace, which offers aerial applications of fungicides, cover crop seeding and multispectral imaging, alongside his brother-in-law Noah Dockrey.
“I like to bring technology onto the farm and see how I can make things better,” Petty said. “Drones scratch a lot of that technology itch for me between RTK built into the drones, the controllers and the mapping systems. It’s been interesting, because it fits a lot of things that we already do on farm.”
Petty operates Fields of Dreams Farms and is also in partnership with his brother, Brandon Petty, through ILMG Farms. They have been using the drone technology on their operations for several years and, through Field Ace, began offering services to customers in the summer of 2023.
“We did a ton of experimentation on our farm before we started doing it for hire,” he said. “We wanted to get everything right. When we’re applying, we want to know the spray swath is correct in the field.”
One of the biggest benefits, Petty said, is the extended application windows that allow farmers to be more efficient.
“A lot of times your calm spray days are after a rain event, and you can’t get that ground rig in the field,” he said. “Drone application minimizes soil compaction and allows you to cover ground on those kind of gap days in the weather for the farm.”
He goes on to describe how aerial applications via drones can also reduce the environmental impact.
“For example, compared to an airplane, we can be more precise with applications and get into certain areas that a plane can’t due to obstructions,” he said. “Drones create a draft effect that helps disperse the chemical or seed properly. We don’t over spray or over seed, and we work hard to get those resources where they belong.”
No stranger to conservation
Petty is no stranger to implementing conservation production practices on his farm, and the technology fits right into that. His grandfather began no-tilling in the late 1970s. Today, they no-till all of their soybeans and do a combination of strip till and no-till for their corn.
“Minimizing machinery passes, for example, has reduced labor and saved time and fuel,” he said.
“We operate on bare bones equipment for the size operation that we are, and we don’t have several tractors dedicated to tillage and things like that and the drones have even fit into that. For example, in the cover crops, we don’t need another piece of equipment running during the harvest season or just past harvest to get that cover crop seeded. We’re out there aerial seeding in August into September, and that’s worked well for us.”
Petty also previously participated in the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) Upper White Cover Crop Program. The Upper White River Watershed is the main source of freshwater for many Indiana residents. Farmers utilize cover crops as one of the methods to keep nutrients and sediments in the field.
The program offers farmers enough cover crop seed and an option for aerial application for a 40-acre field located in the Upper White River Watershed. It was a natural fit for Petty.
Brian Petty, left, operates Field Ace, a drone application company, alongside his brother-in-law Noah Dockrey.
A steep learning curve
From regulations to getting the correct settings and more, there’s a lot of work that goes behind implementing drone technology on the farm.
“It’s not a ‘pull the drone out of the box and go’ type of thing, and from the factory they are not set to hit most conditions. Your swath is affected by a lot of different weather conditions in the field, etc., so there’s a steep learning curve to simply set the drone up,” he said.
“I would not say just jump in and go buy drones. It is a process, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ve found that using them as a tool on our farm does have a lot of benefits for us. For example, we’ve found different cover crop mixes that have been successful over the years through aerial application.”
There are also regulatory requirements needed to use drones for aerial applications. Operators must obtain specific licenses and certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) including FAA Part 107 and FAA Part 137. Operators also need an aerial commercial applicator license from their state’s regulatory agency to spray chemicals aerially using drones.
“We hired an aviation attorney to help us through the process of becoming certified. There are many things you must go through with the FAA, and I highly recommend anybody considering it to get help,” Petty explained.
“It involves many exemptions and licensing on both the federal and state level. It involves your basic chemical license with an aerial certification on top of that on the state level and then on the federal side, there is a 137 operating certificate and several exemptions that you need under that, as well.”
More information about drones
Another place to go for more information? Petty said there are several groups on Facebook that provide good information about drone use in agriculture.
Brian Petty discusses drone capabilities and services available through Field Ace including aerial applications of fungicides, cover crop seeding, and multispectral imaging.
“For the longest time the information wasn’t publicly available, and we asked questions in those Facebook groups and got connected with the right people,” he said.
Drone technology has evolved a lot. Petty explained that early drones took images with basic software and surveying techniques. Today they have cutting-edge sensors and high-resolution cameras and provide precise and targeted applications.
He thinks drones will continue to evolve.
“These T40 sprayer drones that we’re running now are the first realistic broadacre applicators that they’ve come out with, in my opinion. We can cover 400-500 acres a day with two of them running, and that’s a realistic concept for most farms,” he said.
“It’s not a full replacement for a ground rig, but I think going forward, the technology is going to keep evolving to more automation. (More automation) is something we’re already seeing in drones on the market in addition to larger size and better efficiency overall.”
For more information visit thefieldace.com or email theteam@thefieldace.com.
Brian Petty has been using drone technology on his operation for several years and, through Field Ace, began offering services to customers last summer.
Alexandria, Ind. corn and soybean grower Brian Petty said two T40 sprayer drones can cover about 400-500 acres per day.
As corn harvest approaches, start monitoring and managing ear rots
BY DARCY TELENKO AND DAN QUINN
As corn harvest approaches in Indiana, it is important to start monitoring and managing for the presence of ear rots. Ear rots can reduce corn yields, reduce kernel quality and produce mycotoxins which are harmful to livestock and humans. Corn that may appear healthy and even has high yields at harvest can be impacted economically through dockages or load rejections due to the presence of mycotoxins.
Many areas of Indiana experienced these issues in 2023 (e.g., Northern and Northeastern part of the state), largely due to cooler growing season temperatures, reduced heat unit accumulation, delayed plant maturity, poor grain dry down and delayed harvest.
In Indiana, five ear rots can lead to mycotoxin production in corn. They include Aspergillus ear rot, Gibberella ear rot (Figure 1), Fusarium ear rot and Penicillium ear rot. Other ear rots like Diplodia (Figure 2) do not produce mycotoxins.
They can cause the production of five different mycotoxins in association with the different ear rot: Aflatoxin (Aspergillus), Deoxynivalenol or as also called DON/vomitoxin and Zearalenone (Gibberella); Fumonisins (Fusarium), and Ochratoxin (Penicillium and sometimes Aspergillus).
The crop protection network has a good resource for distinguishing the different ear rots and understanding their causes (cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/ an-overview-of-ear-rots)
To minimize both the yield and economic impacts of ear rot development in corn it is important to first assess field prior to harvest. This pre-assessment can alert you to the potential severity of ear rot within various fields, help with harvest and storage planning to prevent the problem from getting worse and provide any insights if certain hybrids are more impacted than others.
Scouting fields can involve sampling multiple ears from multiple areas from the field, pulling back the
husks, and examining the entire ear for the presence of ear rot symptoms. In addition, if you suspect high levels of ear rot, having harvested grain samples tested from a commercial lab prior to storage can be helpful. Potential problem areas may include fields damaged by insects or hail, fields with too much rain fall or significant drought stress, and fields in a continuous corn rotation.
As for managing ear rots, there are several methods available which apply to most ear rots. The first management method is hybrid selection. Selecting hybrids with reduced susceptibility to ear rots, improved insect resistance, and reduced “husk tightness” can assist in the management of ear rots.
Harvest timing and combine settings are also useful management practices for reducing the impacts of ear rots. If ear rots are suspected, make sure to prioritize those fields for harvest and harvest those with the highest pressures first. When disease infected grain is left in the field and harvest is delayed, this will increase the risk of mycotoxin contamination.
In addition, lightweight and damaged kernels likely contain higher levels of mold and mycotoxins, so adjusting combine settings to discard these kernels or using specialized equipment to sieve and clean the grain prior to storage or delivery can help.
Grain drying and storage conditions are also important to consider when dealing with ear rots. Grain that is dried quickly to a moisture less than 13 percent and is stored in cool – approximately 30 degrees F. – conditions can limit fungal growth and mycotoxin accumulation.
Lastly, fungicide use can also be a helpful with reducing ear rots in corn, however, many products labeled to control foliar diseases can have minimal to no control on ear rots. In addition, fungicide application must be made at the R1 growth stage (silk emergence) when “green silks” are present.
Dan Quinn
Figure 2 (below): Diplodia ear rot is forming at the base of this ear prior to harvest in Randolph County, Ind., in 2022.
Figure 1 (left): Gibberella ear rot is present on the tip of this corn ear prior to harvest in Whitley County, Ind., in 2022.
Soybean development in 2024 running 10 days ahead of the five-year average
BY SHAUN N. CASTEEL, Purdue Extension Soybean Specialist
Soybean development in 2024 has been about 10 days ahead the five-year average from flowering to pod development to leaf drop (USDA-NASS, 2024). Fast stand establishment and high accumulation of heat units (GDDs) during May and June certainly set the pace. Now, in many areas, harvest is fully in gear based on the combinations of early maturities, early plantings and late season heat and dryness.
Timely planting is foundational for maximizing soybean production. Growing up in the Midwest, the mindset was to plant corn first followed by soybean. As long as it was planted by Memorial Day you were “fine.” That sentiment has changed based agronomic research, Extension recommendations, and farmers’ experience.
Indiana soybean planting shifted dramatically in 2018 to within four days of corn planting where it had averaged 14 days behind corn the previous 10 years. In fact, Indiana farmers continue to place high priority on soybean planting to the point that many plant soybeans before corn or at least at the same time as corn.
Indiana soybean planting now occurs within just 1.5 days of corn planting in 2022 and 2023 (USDA-NASS, 2024). The general sweet spot for soybean planting is late April to early May depending on the field conditions. We can certainly plant earlier in April depending on the year.
These timely plantings have led Indiana farmers to break yield records in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. The crop forecast for 2024 is set to break another record. Though, late-season drought conditions have likely taken some of the sprinkles and maybe the icing off the cake for soybean yields.
As my dad would say, the crop is not made until it is harvested and in the bin. We need to be ready for the early crop and timely for optimal harvest and return. Soybean crops don’t have the luxury of high moisture harvest like corn, so we have to be timely on the harvest regardless of stem greenness or pod color.
We sell soybeans on 60-pound nuggets and not truly bushels as a volume. These 60-pound units that we affectionately call bushels are taken at 13 percent moisture, but they are equally taken at 10 percent moisture. Unfortunately, we do not get that 3 percent water weight given back and adjusted accordingly.
This 3 percent difference in water weight would
reduce a 60-bushel crop to 58 bushels per acre and a 75-bushels crop to 72.5 bushels per acre. These “yield losses” are based on water weight alone (Table 1), and does not account for combine losses such as shattering due to dry seeds.
One should consider yield map corrections based on harvest moisture, so fields are accurately represented agronomically for any management decisions and trends as well as nutrient removal corrections. Please note that adjusting the yield maps has merit for your agronomics, but it will not change the economics if harvest was below 13 percent.
Another point to consider in setting the combine for harvest is your tolerance for soybean seed loss at the header and the spreader. Depending on seed size, we can lose one bushel for every 4-5 seeds per square foot on the ground. Poorly set sieves and high fans can lose many seeds out the rear. Header loss can account for significant loss, especially as the fields dry out or go through several wet-dry cycles. Target seed loss should be less than 3 percent.
Field variability will certainly play into proper harvest settings and timings. Best of luck as you bring in the 2024 crop timely, efficiently, and safely.
Table 1: This chart shows soybean yield “lost” (bu/ac) based on grain moisture harvest below target delivery of 13 percent and associated yield levels.
Upper White Cover Crop Field Day allows farmers to share results, compare findings
BY ANITA SHARKEY
The Upper White River Watershed is a crucial source of freshwater for many Indiana residents, including those in Indianapolis. For seven years the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) have overseen the Upper White Cover Crop Program, which allows farmers in the watershed to try out cover crops with the mission of meeting nutrient and sediment reduction goals.
The watershed, which spans multiple counties in eastcentral Indiana, channels rainfall and melting snow into creeks and streams which eventually drain into the larger Mississippi River basin.
On Aug. 13, farmers and industry representatives gathered for the Upper White Cover Crop Program Field Day on Joe Hamilton’s farm near Muncie, Ind., to share their results and compare findings.
The day started with presentations about the program’s offerings, including free seed and aerial seeding options for up to 40 acres. The field day included an in-depth discussion into the baseline soil sampling and biomass data collected through the years, highlighting the program’s commitment to soil health and sustainable farming practices.
Hamilton shared his experiences with cover crops in a no-till system, showcasing his planter and discussing his challenges and successes. Guest speaker A.J. Adkins of NTM Ag/Dawn Equipment explained how to adjust and modify equipment to optimize performance in various cropping scenarios.
ISA is a sponsor of the Digital Ag Van, which was present at the field day. Attendees were given a demonstration of the spray drones. After a successful pilot last year, they continue to use these drones for their efficiency and precision in farming.
Farmers were informed of statistics on cover crops for context:
• In 2023, Indiana ranked second in the nation for cover crop acres planted into corn and soybeans.
• According to a 2023 Conservation Survey conducted by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Conservation Partnership, 596,000 acres of cover crops were planted on corn acres, which is up 153 percent from 2017.
• Additionally, 931,000 acres of cover crops were planted on soybean acres, an increase of 245 percent from 2017.
On Aug. 13, farmers and industry representatives gathered for the Upper White Cover Crop Program Field Day on Joe Hamilton’s farm near Muncie, Ind.
Hamilton also showcased an innovative approach to corn cultivation on his farm. He has dedicated several acres to growing corn with an unconventional 60-inch row spacing. Hamilton has implemented a dual-purpose strategy in the expansive areas between these corn rows.
He’s planted cover crops, which serve not only to protect and enrich the soil but also provide a nutritious food source for his herd of beef cattle. This integrated system demonstrates Hamilton’s commitment to maximizing land use efficiency while supporting his crop production and livestock operations.
“This event was an opportunity for farmers to learn from each other and experts in the field, reinforcing the importance of cover crops and other practices for sustainable agriculture,” said Ben Forsythe, director of Sustainability and Value Creation for ISA and ICMC. “The success of this field day is a great representation of what can happen when groups come together for the betterment of Indiana agriculture.”
Indiana soybean checkoff gives away four sets of soy-based Goodyear tires
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Motorists driving on interstates and highways across Indiana will pass many, many soybean fields. Although the lush, green fields offer an attractive backdrop to the state’s landscape, many people do not know much about the versatility of soybeans.
From crayons and candles to biodegradable plastics and oils, products made from soybeans are an earth-friendly solution for the manufacturing of many products. With the help of tire maker Goodyear, one new soy-based product is gaining traction. Through a collaboration with the United Soybean Board (USB) the national soybean checkoff program, including investment from the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), Goodyear has been replacing petroleum-based oil with soybean-based oil in certain brands of tires since 2017.
Goodyear is committed to responsibly sourcing more sustainable materials that deliver best-in-class quality and performance. The tire manufacturer said 8 percent of the typical tire weight is oil.
Using soybean oil reduces the use of petroleum oil in tires. Soybean oil increases manufacturing efficiencies and reduces energy consumption while consuming surplus bio-based renewable material. Goodyear reports that soybean oil improves tire flexibility at low temperatures, helping the rubber to remain pliable in cold weather and enhancing traction in rain and snow.
The Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department in rural Jackson County, Ind., received a free set of soy-based Goodyear tires from the Indiana Soybean Alliance this summer. Posing with the new tires, from left, are Lt. R.C. Wayt, Seymour farmer Kevin Burbrink and Fire Chief Cody Hercamp.
To promote this partnership, ISA created a giveaway to donate soybased Goodyear tires to charities or public institutions across Indiana this year. Each public institution needed to be nominated by a farmer. The four winners of free Goodyear tires include: Cultivate Food Rescue in St. Joseph County, nominated by Joe Stoller of Bremen, Ind.; Noble Transit Service in Noble County, nominated by Tom Griffiths of Kendallville, Ind.; Putnam County Sheriff Department, nominated by Mark Legan of Coatesville, Ind.; and Hamilton Fire Department in Jackson County, nominated by Kevin Burbrink of Seymour, Ind.
“It means a lot. We’re humbled to receive this set of tires,” said Todd Zeltwanger, Director of Fund Development at Cultivate Food Rescue. “It just helps us because we have a vehicle on the road that’s picking up and delivering food every single day, and these tires are going to last longer; they’re going to be more efficient. And so, we’re very grateful for the opportunity to have these and look forward to the partnership with this organization down the road.”
“This is another great example of how checkoff work benefits soybean farmers,” said ISA Board Chair Kevin Cox, a farmer from Brazil, Ind. “USB collaborated with Goodyear to develop these tires, and they’ve come up with a better tire that is better for the environment and better for our farmers, too.”
Since 2017, Goodyear, supported by soy checkoff investments, has released seven lines of tires with soybean oil compounds. The Akron, Ohio-based company has increased its use of soybeans by 73 percent since 2018.
“Goodyear is looking to replace materials to increase performance, durability and quality for average drivers,” said USB director Tom Griffiths, a Kendallville, Ind. farmer. “Goodyear is moving toward more sustainable materials. They are replacing petroleum oil with a locally sourced, environmentally friendly and sustainable product. The product is oil extracted from soybeans grown right here in our backyards.”
Goodyear has exceeded its goal of a 25 percent increase in soybean oil consumption by 2020 and is making progress on its target of fully replacing all of its petroleumdriven oils with soybean oil by 2040.
There is a relentless spirit that unites us all in agriculture - a conviction we can dream big and that together, we become unstoppable.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
