Indiana Ag Policy Summit is July 30 at Boone County fairgrounds
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will be among the featured speakers at the annual Indiana Ag Policy Summit on Wednesday, July 30 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind.
13 Gov. Braun greets international Soybean Oil Masters graduates
Indiana farmers and agribusinesses hosted international trade teams in late May as part of this year’s class of Soybean Oil Masters, an event designed by USSEC and ISA.
22 McCormick’s farms balances soil health and crop performance
Every acre on Ray McCormick’s farm serves multiple purposes with farming, conservation, and wildlife habitat all working together.
32
Gary Lamie Scholarship winners pave way for corn research
In memory of the late Gary Lamie, a former ICMC board member and president, the scholarship is awarded to two students who are dedicated to the future of corn production.
42
About the cover:
Tom Murphy, a farmer from Chesterton, Ind., is a first-generation corn and soybean grower who has strong interests in implementing conservation practices and advocating for Indiana agriculture. (Amy Kelley photo)
Chair
ISA Membership & Policy Committee
Brian Warpup, Warren / D2
Dylan Christopher, Brookston / D1
Joe Stoller, Bremen / D1
Allen Buchanan, Fowler / D1
Kevin Kelley, Brookston / D1
John Peters, Monticello / D1
Denise Scarborough, LaCrosse / D1
C.J. Chalfant, Hartford City / D2
Carey McKibben, LaGrange / D2
Steve Phares, Albion / D2
Jenna Scott, Muncie / D2
Brian Warpup, Warren / D2
Mark Wenning, Cambridge City / D2
Vice Chair
David Hardin, Avon / D4
Directors
Philip Springstun, Boonville / D3
Mark Legan, Coatesville / D3
Derika Lynam-Spaetti, Richland / D3
Gary McDaniel, Boonville / D3
Jason Misiniec, Bicknell / D3
Larry Rusch, Vincennes / D3
Andrew McDaniel, Noblesville / D4
Kevin Burbrink, Seymour / D4
Chris Eck, Boggstown / D4
Mike Koehne, Greensburg / D4
Roger Wenning, Greensburg / D4
President
Chris Cherry, New Palestine / D6
Vice President
Secretary
J.R. Roesner, Ferdinand / D8
Treasurer
Alan Dunn, Michigantown / D4 Tyler Everett, Lebanon / D7
Tom Murphy, Chesterton / D1
Directors
Scott Smith, Windfall / D5
Joe Tuholski, LaPorte / D2 Tyler Pottschmidt, Crothersville / D9
Phil Zicht, Winchester / D3
Staff Credits
Editor / Dave Blower Jr. dblower@indianasoybean.com
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World market access essential to moving soybeans in this era
SBrian Warpup Chair ISA Membership and Policy Committee
tagnant soybean prices, moderate to lower corn prices: The spring and summer months have been very uneventful this marketing year. The question is, will there be anything to move prices going forward into harvest, or is this simply where we will be for the remainder of the growing season?
World market access is the key to moving this market. The tariffs enacted earlier this year and then paused to pursue foreign trade deals have not come to fruition as the summer has come and gone.
Negotiations with foreign counties have progressed but seem to stall before long-term deals are reached. We are currently running at $28 billion below what we were trading in 2018 and 70 percent of that are soybean sales.
If trade deals are not enacted, then market facility programs will need to fill in the gaps. This is a great safety net, but farmers do not want to be reliant on programs provided by the government in the long term.
We have relationships with around 20 countries that are well established, and a comprehensive trade agreement will give the American farmer protection of selling our products without a penalty to ensure that commodities are traded freely moving forward.
The next step in these next few months is passing a new farm bill that would be current and up to date with new standards in agriculture. The passing and signing of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4 helped take a step in the right direction. The bill is very friendly to farmers and helps bridge that gap that has not been present in the last few years because of the old farm bill.
A few items that are within the new bill are:
• Cuts in food assistance by $186 billion but increased farm support by $62 billion.
• Increases support levels for PLC, ARC, commodity market loans, along with payment limitations.
• Reference price changes for grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat move from $4.51 to $4.67, from $9.66 to $11.50, and from $5.56 to $6.36 per bushel.
• ARC increase guarantee goes from 86-90 percent of the benchmark revenue and the protection band increases from 10-12 percent of the benchmark revenue.
Producers will also benefit from increased crop insurance program support in the legislation. Federal premium support levels increase from 3 to 5 percentage points. As a result, the federal subsidy for buy-up coverage changes from the current 38 percent to 64 percent of total premium to 41 percent to 69 percent of total premium based on buy-up coverage level.
These actions have helped the transition of a new farm bill be a little easier moving into the fall. Some of these items needing reviewed and changed are promoting practices for soil health by funding efforts such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Others include environmental easements for farmers and ranchers who choose to permanently protect their land and forests from commercial development, home grown energy production, and water quality improvements opportunities.
Though prices are depressing, it is important to know that key people in legislature are actively trying to protect our interests within the negotiation process. Until then, there are several opportunities that can be invested to help supplement those losses that have occurred in the last several months.
To Become A Member
Passing permanent E15 legislation is fastest way to move more corn
IChris Cherry President Indiana Corn Growers Association
t’s hard to believe we’re already in July.
The calendar keeps ticking along, and the pace on the farm doesn’t slow down. We just wrapped up wheat harvest and moved straight into planting double-crop soybeans.
At the same time, we’re trying to finish up post-emergence applications for our soybean acres. Just when it feels like we’re getting caught up, a few more tasks pop up — and the cycle continues.
July is also a full month for the Indiana Corn Growers Association and staff. Mid-month, many of us will head to Washington, D.C., and by the end of the month, we’ll roll right into the annual Policy Summit, Member Appreciation Night, and then straight into the Indiana State Fair.
I’ll be in Washington, D.C., participating with National Corn Growers Association and the Biofuels Action Team. This is my second year on the team, and our focus is on expanding ethanol and other biofuels into new markets. It’s been a rewarding experience.
As I’ve said many times before, our main mission is simple: Move the pile. There are three ways to do this: Feed, food or fuel. I don’t really care which of these methods is used as long as we are utilizing corn.
One key piece is passing permanent E15 legislation — something we remain committed to pursuing. As we know, E15 is a blend of 15 percent ethanol with 85 percent gasoline that can be used in all vehicles in the United States. Without permanent legislation, we must wait on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a waiver that allows retailers to sell gasoline blended with as much as 15 percent ethanol.
Legislation allowing consumers year-round access to E15 does not cost the government any money, should
create lower prices at the pump, and would like boost the bottom line for many Indiana farms.
U.S. corn farmers believe strongly in the case for higher blends of ethanol because of its ability to improve engine performance and reduce environmental impacts, all at a lower cost to consumers. Corn farmers work tirelessly to ensure consumers have a future choice at the fuel pump that delivers all the benefits possible through fuels blended with higher volumes of ethanol.
Whether it’s backing the market access provided by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) or expanding the marketplace with higher blends of ethanol, like E15, the ICGA and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is working for America’s corn farmers to increase ethanol use.
Each year, roughly 43 percent of field corn goes into fuel ethanol. Ethanol is the second-largest customer for U.S. corn. Corn ethanol is uniquely positioned to play a larger role in the future of transportation fuels.
Membership Appreciation Night
All paid ICGA members and Indiana Soybean Alliance members are invited to attend the Membership Appreciation Night from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 29 at The Cardinal Room, 6905 S. County Road 525 East, Whitestown, IN, 46075.
This event is a good opportunity for farmers to get together and talk about the things that matter most on our farms. It is a relaxed evening with good food and a few prizes.
Interested in becoming a member? Scan the QR code on this page for more information.
FInd Out About Membership Appreciation Night
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Corn growers need to make their voices heard on policy priorities
BY LESLY McNITT, Vice President of Public Policy, National Corn Growers Association
We may be faced with extreme heat in Washington as a heat dome hovers above the city during these first weeks of July, but the weather is not slowing the work of Congress or our corn grower leaders. Already this month, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill as part of the budget reconciliation process championed by President Trump.
The bill was signed into law on Independence Day. Though it was not the traditional bipartisan farm bill process that we prefer, the bill included many longstanding priorities for corn growers, including the extension of key tax provisions and investments in commodity, crop insurance and trade promotion programs.
These legislative wins would not have been possible without the advocacy work of corn growers who met with their members of Congress, wrote letters and made phone calls to Capitol Hill urging action. NCGA developed our tax and farm bill priorities through the leadership of growers who serve on action teams and the Corn Board.
The power of corn grower advocacy is at the heart of what makes NCGA effective in Washington, and that is why we are excited to welcome hundreds of corn growers next week to Capitol Hill to talk about our legislative priorities for the rest of the year.
While the coming meetings and Corn Congress will be important, it doesn’t take a flight to D.C. to make an impact. We need farmers like you to be a force multiplier by contacting your senators and representatives to advocate for policies that impact you and other farmers.
Our priorities include
Year-round E15
We need to convince Congress to immediately pass legislation that will allow for year-round, nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15 percent ethanol blend, also referred
to as E15. Corn growers across the country are struggling with declining commodity prices and high input costs. Fears of a prolonged trade war could make the economic situation worse.
Increasing sales of E15 will help during these difficult times. Yet, an outdated policy is preventing consumers from accessing higher blends of ethanol during the summer. There are several pathways that Congress could take over the coming months to pass legislation that will remove the barrier to yearround E15, and corn growers are urging quick action on this matter.
Pursuing new market access
We need to aggressively pursue new market access in trade negotiations and opposing efforts to remove the United States from the World Trade Organization. If the United States were to formally withdrawal from the WTO it would have vast consequences for our growers and allow China to dominate global trading rules.
We are working to stop any proposals to withdraw the United States from the international body. At the same time, we are proactively working with the administration to cultivate new markets and are continuing to press Congress to weigh in on the importance of securing wins for corn in all forms in trade deals. Access to Vietnam, India and Kenya, for example, could be profitable for our farmers and good for the U.S. economy. We are working to make meaningful deals with these countries a reality.
Monitoring MAHA
Ensuring that the Make our Children Healthy Again Strategy, scheduled for release on Aug. 12, respects and reinforces EPA’s robust science- and risk-based regulation of pesticides. The MAHA initiative is being led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The commission’s initial assessment from May 22 included misleading and alarmist statements regarding key pesticides, glyphosate and atrazine, used by corn growers and other farmers.
For more on NCGA
Of course, NCGA supports the goal of making Americans healthier. However, farmers must have a seat at the table and credible science must be the basis for policy decisions of this magnitude. We are calling on the administration to ensure that the MAHA Commission uses sound science and risk-based analysis as it develops their policy recommendations.
We will also continue to work on other issues, such as encouraging Congress to pass a full farm bill reauthorization through 2031 and securing federal investment in aflatoxin and vomitoxin research. But we cannot accomplish our goals alone. Just as the voices of growers visiting the Hill in July will help shape policymakers’ perspectives, we need the people who represent you to hear your story and how these priorities impact you.
How you can make a difference
Join a state advocacy group
Join your state corn grower advocacy group. As the saying goes, all politics are local. Your state corn group will help you get acquainted with the issues important to growers in your area. It will also provide you with NCGA membership, which will ensure you are getting the best information on federal policy and other issues important to you. You can find your state group here.
Sign up for action alerts
Visit the NCGA website and sign up for action alerts. You can follow the issues by reading our press releases, learn about economic matters affecting farmers by reviewing regularly released expert reports and receive alerts that will help you act on policy issues. For example, we are launching a call-to-action this month that will allow you and others to help shape the Make America Health Again efforts. You can visit the NCGA website here and sign up for action alerts here.
Work with your local media
Policymakers read their hometown newspapers and often rely on them to gauge constituent sentiment. As you read stories about policy issues important to you, submit a letter to the editor or, better yet, write an op-ed providing readers with an understanding of your story. Let the communications professionals at your state organization know that you are available to talk with reporters on issues you care about.
Though next week’s fly-in participants can expect the same muggy July of years past, our advocacy won’t stop until we’re trekking through the snow to Capitol Hill in December.
While weather patterns change, one thing is constant: The voices of farmers make a critical difference on public policy.
I encourage you to raise your voice through the days and weeks ahead, and I thank you for putting yourself out there.
Soy-based biofuels score two wins; one with EPA, another in Congress
BY BLAIR SHIPP
American Soybean Association
During the past month, the American Soybean Association has celebrated significant progress on two key federal policies that support soybean farmers and the U.S. biofuels sector. With action from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Congress, advocacy from ASA and its farmer leaders is helping strengthen domestic demand for soy-based fuels, create market certainty, and reinforce the value of American-grown crops.
On June 13, the EPA announced its proposed Renewable Volume Obligations for 2026 and 2027 under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The proposal includes a major increase in biomassbased diesel volumes, from 3.35 billion gallons in 2025 to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026. That 67 percent jump reflects rising domestic production capacity and feedstock availability, particularly for soybean oil, which remains the primary feedstock for biomass-based diesel in the United States.
ASA welcomed the proposed volumes as a meaningful step forward for soybean farmers, processors and rural communities. The proposed increase exceeds the 5.25 billion gallons requested by a broad coalition that included ASA, the National Oilseed Processors Association, the Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and others.
The draft rule also recommends reducing Renewable Identification Number credit values for imported feedstocks and finished fuels, including used cooking oil and inedible tallow. ASA supports this move, which would help ensure that federal incentives benefit domestic producers rather than rewarding low-cost foreign imports that lack supply chain traceability.
According to the agency, the proposed change would help re-level the playing field for U.S. farmers and
biofuel producers who have lost market share in recent years due to foreign competition.
Public comment open through Aug. 8
The proposed rule is now open for public comment through Aug. 8. ASA is encouraging soybean farmers, processors, and other stakeholders to weigh in before the deadline.
A virtual public hearing on the proposal was held July 8, and ASA leadership provided testimony in support of the proposed changes.
ASA President Caleb Ragland of Kentucky, Vice President Scott Metzger of Ohio, Secretary Dave Walton of Iowa, and Chairman Josh Gackle of North Dakota each testified virtually during the EPA hearing. They emphasized how stronger RVOs would directly benefit soybean oil demand, encourage rural processing investment, and provide stability amid challenging market conditions.
ASA leaders highlighted new and expanded crush capacity already underway in several states, including Kentucky, Ohio, and North Dakota. They noted that the soy value chain is ready to meet growing demand for renewable fuels and that increasing RVOs would strengthen farmer basis and stimulate rural economic activity.
The officers also expressed strong support for EPA’s approach to limiting the influence of imported feedstocks on the U.S. biofuels market. Reducing credit generation for foreign materials like used cooking oil and tallow would help protect the integrity of the RIN system and prioritize domestic resources.
Budget bill boost for biofuels
Just days before the hearing, Congress passed budget reconciliation legislation that included major improvements to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. ASA and NOPA have long advocated for these changes, which will better align the credit with U.S. agricultural interests and low-carbon fuel goals.
The legislation, passed July 3, limits eligibility for the 45Z credit to feedstocks grown and processed in North America. This provision excludes imported feedstocks such as Chinese used cooking oil and foreign tallow from receiving U.S. clean fuel incentives. ASA and NOPA have emphasized that this change will ensure taxpayer resources support domestic production and supply chains.
The bill also removes the indirect land use change penalty from 45Z emissions modeling. ASA has consistently pushed for more accurate and science-based lifecycle emissions data, which allows U.S. crop-based biofuels to compete fairly in clean fuel programs. The modeling change is expected to benefit soybean- and canola-derived fuels in particular.
In addition to these provisions, the legislation extends the 45Z credit through 2029 and maintains transferability. This offers the long-term certainty needed to support ongoing investments in advanced biofuels and domestic processing infrastructure.
ASA President Caleb Ragland, a farmer from Kentucky, called the updates to 45Z a critical win for soybean growers. In a joint statement with NOPA, Ragland said the improvements will bolster the biofuel industry by supporting domestic energy production and prioritizing U.S. agriculture.
He added that removing indirect land use change penalties and establishing a North American feedstock requirement ensures the credit supports American producers rather than foreign countries.
ASA and its partners thanked congressional leaders for prioritizing clean fuel policy that supports agriculture and rural economies. The association will continue working with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation of the new credit provisions.
Together, the EPA’s proposed RVO increases and Congress’s enhancements to the 45Z credit reflect growing federal recognition of the role soy-based fuels play in the future of clean energy. With commodity prices down and input costs still high, these actions offer timely support and a more stable outlook for soybean farmers.
ASA urges growers and biofuel stakeholders to participate in the public comment process and continue engaging with policymakers as these proposals move forward. The Aug. 8 deadline for submitting comments on EPA’s proposed rule is approaching, and farmer input remains critical to shaping the final outcome.
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!
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 kgoodman@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
Ronald Sutherlin
Jordan Caldwell
Mike Shuter
John Baugh
Janice Peterson
Cullen Page
Don Wyss
John Peters
Bruce Herr
Lauren Tolle
Luke Roush
James Wood
Allen Buchanan
Matt Hart
Ron Hudson
Mark Tolle
Carl Kissel
Chris Eck
James Wenning
JR Roesner
William Roesner
Sarah Delbecq
Jim Geller Jr.
C.J. Chalfant
William Gerard
Carey McKibben
Neal Smith
Matthew Chapman
Jim Flanders
Chris Cherry
Luke Mullet
Tom Murphy
J.R. Roesner, Ferdinand, Ind.
“I am a firm believer in farmers representing themselves in policy discussions that affect agriculture. We are our own best advocates. When you become a lifetime member, it means that you care about the future of our industry. We are stronger together.”
Gov. Braun, Director Lamb highlight a busy agenda for Ag Policy Summit
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will be among the featured speakers during the annual Indiana Ag Policy Summit, which will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind.
Braun will take part in a “Fireside Chat” with Courtney Kingery, CEO of the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA), the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA). The chat will begin at 11:55 a.m. Gov. Braun said he is looking forward to interacting with Hoosier farmers at the Summit.
“Agriculture is one of the biggest drivers of Indiana’s economy, and it’s something we should all be proud of,” Braun explained. “Hoosier farmers and producers are among the most productive in the world, exporting over $7.4 billion in agricultural goods and supporting more than 46,000 jobs right here at home. From soybeans and corn to pork, dairy and forest products, Indiana agriculture feeds and fuels the world while driving growth and opportunity in every corner of our state. As Governor, I’ll always stand with our friends in agriculture by prioritizing efforts that keep our farms and rural communities strong and keep Indiana at the forefront of American agriculture.”
Also speaking that day will be Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “I appreciate the ongoing leadership of Indiana Corn and Soy as they have expanded this program,” he said. “This event is incredibly valuable and has become a staple for our farm policy discussions.”
No Bull Founder and market analyst Susan Stroud will offer an update on the farm economy and how current policy changes and tariffs are affecting the markets.
Harrison Pittman of the National Agriculture Law Center will present a program titled, “The State
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will speak during the Indiana Ag Policy Summit on Wednesday, July 30 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind. Earlier this year, Braun spoke during the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Soybean Oil Masters program in Indianapolis.
and Federal Checkoff Landscape.” Following his presentation, Kingery will lead a panel on the topic.
Finally, ICGA President Chris Cherry and ISA Membership and Policy Committee Chair Brian Warpup will present the organizations’ Friend of Farmer award.
The Summit’s formal program ends at 12:30 p.m. with the remaining time allowing farmers to interact with state lawmakers or legislative staff and walk through the Technology Showcase, which features the latest in new farm tools.
The Ag Policy Summit cannot happen without its sponsors. The Gold Level sponsors include Farm Credit Mid-America, Bayer Crop Science and Corteva Agriscience. Indiana Pork is a Silver sponsor. The Bronze sponsors are FMC, Conexus Indiana, Beck’s Hybrids, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management and Fischers. The Break sponsor is FMC, and the Lunch sponsor is the United Soybean Board.
For a free registration to attend the Summit, go to bit.ly/INagpolicy25
Don Lamb
Baird: My priority in Congress is putting Rural America first
BY U.S. REP. JIM BAIR
Republican Party, Indiana District 4
Congress is overdue in prioritizing Rural America. Hoosier farmers, ranchers and growers are the backbone of American agriculture, yet they currently face outdated policies that fail to address their current economic challenges.
I am focused on working with my Congressional colleagues and the president to deliver on our promises to Hoosier farmers by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passing a full Farm Bill reauthorization, and promoting agricultural research and development, including laboratory and infrastructure enhancements at land-grant universities to ensure our farmers remain at the forefront of American innovation.
Nearly four years ago, I began hosting listening sessions with farmers in my district to discuss their needs and their concerns. Unfortunately, Congress could not pass a full Farm Bill in time last year to address these properly. This only created more uncertainty for our farmers. To rectify this critical error, I was proud to provide input and help pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which marked a generational investment in Rural America.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, production costs have increased sharply while commodity prices have fallen. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reinvests in the farm safety net and expands crop insurance to support farmers during these challenging economic times. This historic bill also enhances livestock biosecurity to protect our nation’s food supply and combat diseases, such as the avian flu, that have devastated poultry farmers.
This Big, Beautiful Bill additionally saves more than 6,800 family farms in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional
District from a Death Tax increase that creates a financial burden upon the generational transfer of the farm upon the death of the owner, making this bill a much-needed victory for Hoosier family farmers.
Not every Farm Bill program could make its way into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, so it is incumbent on Congress to pass a full Farm Bill this year. This is a priority of mine, as well as a priority for House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. I am optimistic we can get a full reauthorization done this year to deliver for our constituents and our farmers across the country. Our farmers in Indiana cannot afford another delay.
I also believe our farmers must remain at the forefront of American innovation. New technologies have revolutionized our agricultural industry. Precision agriculture has helped farmers to reduce pesticide use and waste, while GMOs can increase crop yields and nutrient density.
Now, the rise of Artificial Intelligence has created a new path forward for precision agriculture, for better predicting severe weather, and for identifying diseases early, so farmers can better safeguard their crops and livestock. There are many exciting opportunities ahead for agricultural innovation, and I remain focused on securing America’s leadership in biotechnology and agricultural innovation to help our farmers thrive.
Congress has a historic opportunity to show our gratitude to our farmers who feed and clothe our nation and finally put Rural America first. As a farmer myself, I will continue to ensure the voices of Hoosier farmers are heard at the highest levels of our federal government.
Our agricultural industry is vital to our food and national security. I will continue to advocate for our farmers’ access to cutting-edge technologies and ensure our farmers receive the economic relief they deserve.
Carson: I stand with Hoosier farmers; the heartbeat of our culture, economy
As a lifelong Hoosier, and representing Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, I know farmers are the heartbeat of our state’s culture and economy. From urban farms in my district in Indianapolis to more than 53,000 farms throughout our 92 counties, agriculture fuels our state and nation.
Unfortunately, Hoosier farmers are facing mounting fears and uncertainty from new, short-sighted policies. I’m committed to protecting and preserving corn, soybean and other agricultural production for the good of our entire state.
Farmers across the country tell me that tariff uncertainty is already producing negative results. Farmers need to know what price they are going to get for products that have already been planted. With the price of goods fluctuating and constantly changing tariff deadlines from this administration, it’s nearly impossible to plan. I’ve repeatedly called on this administration to be smart and strategic in trade and immigration policies – not crippling the agriculture workforce and products. In a business that is already unpredictable, you deserve certainty in the areas we can control.
Traveling across all corners of our state, to rural and urban areas, I know that small family farms are the backbone of Indiana. Family farmers know the land, understand the environment and what the industry needs better than anyone else. When family farms succeed, entire communities succeed.
Provisions in the “Big Beautiful Bill” also slash funding for SNAP that helps to keep Hoosiers healthy and fed. This isn’t just about ensuring everyone – especially children – goes to bed without hunger. It’s also about supporting local farmers.
We need more funds for better access to locally produced food, not less. Killing USAID contracts hurt Hoosier farmers, just like it hurt hungry people overseas relying on crops from the heartland.
Looking ahead to the coming months in Congress, I look forward to coming back to the table to finalize a new Farm Bill Reauthorization that will strengthen programs, improving farm loan access, land conservation, investments in farm communities and agriculture research.
We need to reduce uncertainty in this vital industry for farmers now, and for future farmers. Our entire society relies on a strong agriculture network to survive –everyone needs to eat. Sadly, too many are leaving the profession with so much unpredictability.
Policies should help farmers adapt to rapidly changing climate and technological developments. We must invest in more research and science to grow farm production – not steep cuts.
I voted against the Trump administration’s so called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which hurts our nations’ farmers, favoring larger producers instead of Hoosier family farms.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges Hoosier farmers face – but you should be our leading voices on the future of farming. I pledge to keep fighting for policies that empower Hoosier farmers, so it’s essential to hear from you. Let’s keep working together – in Washington and here at home – to ensure that Indiana remains a leader in corn and soybean production, now and for generations to come.
Please do not hesitate to contact my Indianapolis office at 317-283-6516 or my Washington, D.C., office at 202-225-4011. You can also send me a message at carson.house.gov and subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates.
First-generation Indiana farmer is working hard to build a future
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Tom Murphy is a farmer from Chesterton, Ind. That statement alone is an accomplishment for someone with very little farm background.
He grows commercial corn and soybeans and also amylose corn on his farm that touches both Lake and Porter counties. But his interest in agriculture has stretched beyond the daily duties around his farm. Murphy is in his second term on the Indiana Corn Growers Association Board of Directors representing District 1 in the northwest corner of the state.
Murphy often thinks about the challenges, opportunities and friends that helped him get his start.
“I didn’t grow up on a farm. I’m a first-generation farmer. When I was four or five years old, I was obsessed with farm toys and farming in general,” he said. “My grandfather had a farm about a mile south of where we are right now, and I used to just drive my mom bananas to go over there. I would ride on a tractor and help him around the farm; I couldn’t get enough.”
would more and more transition to me. He is still involved even though he originally wasn’t going to do much planning, but it’s all good because he is very good at doing the paperwork and the things that maybe I lack a little bit.”
The joint venture between Murphy and Dunlap has been featured in media reports as a different model for transitioning ownership of a farm. Dunlap encourages farmers to work with potential partners and get to know them before entering into a joint venture.
ICGA Board Director Tom Murphy, a farmer from Chesterton, Ind., represents District 1 in the northwest corner of the state. Murphy is a first-generation farmer.
When Murphy was 14, through a friend, he met Gary Dunlap, a farmer from Valparaiso, Ind. Murphy went to work driving a truck and working on Dunlap’s farm. In 2005, he moved out of driving a truck to performing more on-farm work.
“About eight years ago, I went to Gary and said, ‘You know, we need to figure something out. I’ve got kids, and I’ve got a wife. If you want to retire or something, I don’t want to start trying to find a new career at age 45 or 46,’” Murphy explained. “Gary said, ‘No, we’ll figure something out.’ So, it took probably two-and-a-half or three years to get things figured out. We hired some attorneys, and we started a joint venture. Gary still has input, and I have input. Over a certain amount of time, farm decisions
“You can’t just interview somebody and get started,” Dunlap told Indiana Prairie Farmer in an April 2023 story. “Tom worked for me for 11 years, and I knew him very well. I knew that he wasn’t somebody I’d have to push to get things done. It’s a whole lot easier to pull someone back occasionally. I’ve also heard of situations where people tried this, only to find out the new person only wanted to work 9 to 5 and be off every weekend. If they’d known each other well, first, they would have both seen it wouldn’t work.”
Murphy said they don’t agree on everything, but they know each other well enough to make decisions.
“We still bounce ideas off of each other,” he said. “Sometimes we will fight like a son and a father. There are days when I don’t want to talk to him, and he doesn’t want to talk to me. But we will just kind of do what needs to be done. Eventually, we’ll butt our heads, say our peace, and it’ll be fine.”
Preserving the land
Sometimes, those discussions have been about adopting new conservation measures for the farm. Murphy said he has a field that is surrounded on three
sides by the National Lakeshore and on the back there is a steelhead stream. He explained that the sandy soil was eroding into ditches. He decided to look into saving soil by implementing no till practices and cover crops.
Although Murphy admits to a learning curve, he said the time and effort has been worth the extra wait. “Now I can say with the utmost confidence that even though that is not our best ground, it is our highest yielding farm ground,” he said.
In addition to higher yields, Murphy said soil health improvements have led to lower input costs. “We have clay soils that used to be hard to work with in the spring,” he said. “With cover crops, the soils are more relaxed, and we’re seeing improved seed-soil contact and uniform emergence. Our microbes are up, and we don’t have to use as much fertilizer as we did before.”
Although Tom Murphy doesn’t have a lifelong farm background, he was interested in farm work since his early childhood.
Murphy advises farmers to start slow and learn from their mistakes. The first year he implemented no-till and cover crops, he said there was a “beautiful stand of corn” about two weeks after planting. When he checked again two weeks later, the corn was nearly gone. Armyworms were the culprit.
“It wasn’t one or two armyworms per plant. I mean we
Tom Murphy pays close attention to his crops and soil health. Murphy uses many conservation techniques such as no-till and cover crops.
were shaking, and there were hundreds on every plant,” Murphy said. “My agronomist said, ‘You need to spray insecticide on this yesterday’. So, I went and sprayed it, but I learned how to manage that.”
Though Murphy started with less than 100 acres of no-till and cover crops, he now uses those tools on more than 2,500 acres.
Tom Murphy began working on the farm with Gary Dunlap of Valparaiso, Ind., in 2005. That working relationship eventually became a joint partnership.
Farming in the urban and suburban areas near Chicago, he is sensitive to how the non-farm community impacts how farmers produce a crop. His second reason for adopting conservation practices is to get ahead of the curve on potential government regulations.
“I think I have to figure out different ways to do things for when the government comes in and says, ‘Hey, there’s a problem’” Murphy said. “If we’re not five steps ahead of that curve, we’re going to have to catch up after the regulations come down.”
Representing farmers
Murphy was recruited to the ICGA board by former ICGA board member Mike Beard, a farmer from Frankfort, Ind.
“Mike is just a super person. He’s genuine and he’s a good guy to know and talk to you,” he said of Beard, who termed off of the ICGA board last year. “I truly enjoyed my conversations with him, and I miss him not being on the board. I’m sure he had problems because everyone does. But nothing much seemed to bother him. He was always a happy-go-lucky guy.”
Mike McIntire, a farmer from Lowell, Ind., had represented ICGA in District 1 for nine years, and he was about to term off of the board. Murphy met Beard while preparing for the National Corn Growers Association’s annual Corn Yield Contest. Beard explained that ICGA needed someone to serve in District 1 and encouraged Murphy to apply.
“I was mailed an application; I filled it out; and it was accepted,” he said. “The next thing I know I’ve been elected. It was kind of trial by fire, but that’s how things happen.”
Murphy has discovered that representing farmers does not only mean representing them with lawmakers or on the ICGA board. Representing farmers also means
working with his non-farm neighbors and answering their concerns.
“What I have found is just reaching out to people and giving them someone to ask what seems like a stupid question,” he said. “But it’s a question they have and spending five minutes to talk to them about it now really helps. They learn and understand why we do some of the things we do.”
In addition, though, he believes that educating lawmakers is essential, too. In the past, he has hosted U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Dist. 1) on his farm and answered many of his questions.
Murphy added that key issues for him include expanding opportunities for marketing ethanol to consumers and keeping an eye on pesticide regulation efforts by the federal government.
A second generation?
Part of the motivating factor for Murphy is the idea that one of his children might want to take over the farm someday. He and his wife, Lori, have three sons, Joe, Cole and Jonathan, and a daughter, Corynne.
Lori also does not have a farm background. “My wife had no idea what she was in for by marrying a farmer,” Murphy said while laughing. “It used to be fun when we were younger. When we first started dating, Lori would come out and ride the tractor with me. Now, not so much, the shine is off.”
He said all of his children have other interests, so it is hard to say at this point if any one of them will want to work on the farm in the future.
“I’m not going to put any responsibility on them for staying on the farm,” he said. “If one of them wants to do it, I hope to help them the way I was helped. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that whoever this farm goes to next, it will be a good, healthy farm.”
This is a field of cereal rye after planting soybeans.
Tom Murphy and his wife, Lori, have four children, three sons and one daughter.
Indianapolis caterer Ritz Charles is cooking with high oleic soybean oil
BY ANITA SHARKEY
Ritz Charles has been a cornerstone of the Indianapolis catering scene since 1986, known for elevating events with impeccable service and unforgettable meals. Now, their commitment to excellence is going deeper than the plate.
Thanks to a partnership with the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and its promotion of high oleic soybean oil, Ritz Charles is bringing local flavor and functionality to the front of its business.
At the heart of this collaboration is high oleic soybean oil made from soybeans grown by Indiana farmers. Ritz Charles officials said incorporating this premium oil isn’t only to support farmers; it’s been a game-changer in the kitchen.
Scott Deck, Executive Chef at Ritz Charles, reported that the switch to high oleic has improved everything from food quality to kitchen efficiency.
“We do over 1,500 events every couple of months,” Deck shared. “With that volume of frying, everything from jalapeño poppers to chicken parmesan for 600 guests, the oil we use has to perform. Since switching to 100 percent high oleic, we’re getting 20-25 percent more life out of every batch. That’s an extra day or more per fryer, and that adds up fast.”
The partnership began at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Ritz Charles first tested the oil during major catered events. Impressed by its stability under high-volume frying and its clean, neutral flavor, the culinary team made the decision to roll it out across their entire operation.
Scott Deck, Executive Chef at Ritz Charles, served up sizzling pork patties for Indiana Soybean Alliance board members during a recent board of directors meeting.
Beyond cost savings and producing crispier, less oily results, the partnership is part of Ritz Charles’ broader mission to source and support local. “Using Indianagrown oil fits right into our company’s values,” Deck said. “We already use 100 percent local honey, maple syrup from two Indiana farms, and as much regional produce as we can. High oleic soybean oil is another way we’re keeping our food fresh, our vendors local and our standards high.”
Whether it’s appetizers for corporate happy hours or golden chicken for a wedding dinner, Ritz Charles now relies on high oleic soybean oil to ensure that every bite lives up to their decades-long reputation.
“Consistency matters,” Deck said. “When we fry something, we want it to be light, crispy and delicious, not greasy. This oil gives us the confidence that it’s going to come out right every time.”
And for Indiana soybean farmers, that’s exactly the point. The partnership showcases not only the versatility and performance of high oleic soybean oil, but also the realworld value of supporting local, farm-grown products.
Indiana soybean farmer Chris Eck said, “High oleic soybeans are a win-win for farmers and the end user. They produce a specialty oil that’s free of trans fats, low in saturated fat, and ideal for high-heat cooking. It doesn’t carry over flavors between foods, so if you fry shrimp and then fries, your fries still taste like fries. Plus, it lasts longer in the fryer. These beans don’t take market share from traditional soybeans; they open new markets and add value through premiums back to farmers. For Indiana farmers, that premium makes a real difference.”
For more details on high oleic soybeans, visit incornandsoy.org/higholeic
Gov. Braun greets Soybean Oil Masters graduates following successful program
BY DAVE BLOWER JR.
Indiana farmers and agribusinesses hosted international trade teams in late May as part of this year’s class of Soybean Oil Masters, an event designed by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the state soybean checkoff program. The Soybean Oil Masters program shows global soybean industry stakeholders why U.S.-grown soybeans should be preferred.
This program educates and fosters connections internationally within the agricultural, trade and culinary sectors. The mission is to provide global end users, crushers and influential groups in the food industry with a comprehensive understanding of U.S. soybean oil and, ultimately, to increase demand. The program covers various aspects including nutritional benefits, practical applications, production processes and the sustainability of U.S. soybean production.
crop in the ground through harvest, keeping Indiana farms healthy. It is a privilege to be here today, and I look forward to working with all of you to maintain Indiana agriculture as a national leader.”
He advised the global business leaders to constantly seek new roads within their industry.
“Be innovative, find new roads for growth and success, and look to avoid the cul-de-sac,” Gov. Braun said.
“Bringing it back to your industry, soybeans for many years were simply a livestock feed. We used to see a single purpose for soybeans. Now look at all of the different uses of soybean. That’s amazing. What we need to keep focused on is continuing that journey. We need to make sure we’re looking for what that next act is going to be.”
Scott and Terri Smith, farmers from Windfall, Ind., host a tour of soybean buyers from Asia in late May as part of the Soybean Oil Masters program.
This year’s Soybean Oil Masters class had 99 graduates from 19 countries. These graduates are buyers and end-users of U.S. soybeans. To complete their course, these industry stakeholders recently toured soybean farms and processors in Indiana.
Gov. Mike Braun addressed the Soybean Oil Masters group during a ceremony on May 23. He is proud of Indiana’s leadership role in producing soybeans and many other farm products.
“As long as I’m Governor of Indiana, we’re going to maintain that leadership role with real-world experience and an entrepreneurial spirit,” Gov. Braun said. “Having been part of the farm economy myself, I understand the challenges farmers face and what it takes to get that
Indiana is the leading producer in the world of high oleic soybeans. To showcase that product, the Soy Oil Masters program participants enjoyed food cooked in high oleic soybean oil at the Indianapolis 500 and at a lunch at Victory Field, home of Indianapolis Indians’ baseball.
Soybean Oil Masters participants
This year the Soybean Oil Masters participants came from Bangladesh, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and Tunisia.
The tours through Indiana included stops at Beck’s Hybrids, Corteva Agriscience, Pence Group, Bunge and Fischer Food Grade & Seeds; research sites at
Purdue University; and several Indiana farms.
The purpose of these tours was to highlight the care of soybean production in Indiana and to give international soybean stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions of farmers.
“They get to see firsthand how soy is grown, that technology and how it’s being incorporated, and how seeds are produced,” said Fradbelin Escarraman, USSEC market lead in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. “They get to understand a little bit better the whole value chain of soy. We differentiate U.S. soybean oil from other origins, create a preference for U.S. soy, and dealing with market access issues. But we want these companies to be more efficient, be more aware of what’s happening in the soy industry, and that will translate in buying more U.S. soy.”
Among the attendees was Degan Septoadji, a chef from Indonesia with a popular YouTube channel called Behind the Chef. Degan said making handshake-level connections with Indiana farmers and agribusinesses was valuable.
“I’ve seen pictures and video of American farms, but you can’t really understand how big it is until you come here and see it,” Degan said. “What I have learned through this experience is that there is a family feel to everything. From the farmer to the businesses that buy and ship those soybeans, there is a family passion about doing a good job.”
He added, “I’m a chef in Indonesia, and I use a lot of soybeans in my business. If it’s tempeh or tofu or soybean oil, culturally, we use a lot of soybeans in our food. It has been a great experience to meet the people who grow the soybeans and the people who send them to us.”
Hosting trade teams
The farmers who hosted these tours included Kevin Kelley, Brookston, Ind.; Adam Sheller, Noblesville, Ind.; Tyler Everett, Lebanon, Ind.; Scott Smith, Windfall, Ind.; and Chris Eck, Boggstown, Ind. “It’s all about building trust between the people who grow it, move it, buy it and use it,” said Sheller, who is also a board director for the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), the state’s corn checkoff program.
The program targets participants from across the soybean oil value chain, including importers, crushers, refiners, consumer goods companies, the hospitality and institutional sectors, cooks and nutritionists. The participants understand their part of the value chain but lack a detailed understanding for the rest of it. “Hosting trade teams helps put a face to the product,” said Kelley, an ISA board director. “When international buyers hear U.S. soybeans, I hope they remember our family farm and how we do the best job we can to produce a product that they’re going to enjoy purchasing and using in their systems.”
Eck added that there is no substitute for building relationships.
“Trade visits are valuable to the checkoff and to farmers because they bring our customers directly to the farm,” said Eck, also an ISA board director. “It’s a chance to show them the quality of our products, how they’re grown, and to build a relationship that makes them want to come
Kevin Kelley, a farmer from Brookston, Ind., answers questions from soybean buyers from Central and South America during a tour of his farm in late May.
Tyler Everett, a farmer from Lebanon, Ind., explains the different growing stages for soybean plants to soybean oil buyers from Korea during a tour on his farm.
Chris Eck, a farmer from Boggstown, Ind., talks about the different types of equipment that are used to plant, cultivate, harvest and transport a soybean crop. Eck hosted soybean oil buyers from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia during a Soybean Oil Masters tour.
back. If we can invest in bringing customers here to see how we produce our crops, they’re more likely to stay our customers for years to come.”
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Hoosier farmers planted more than 5 million acres of soybeans this year. Indiana produced more than 341 billion bushels of soybeans worth more than $4.4 billion last year. Indiana is the third-largest soybean-producing state in America.
“I think it’s important to take part in these experiences to continually teach the next age and generations of manufacturers and buyers around the world,” Everett explained. “The end user should not forget what it takes to grow these products and the difficulties and struggles
Director Janis Highley, a farmer from Warren, Ind.; ISA Board
Director Joe Stoller, a farmer from Bremen, Ind.; Derika LynamSpaetti, a farmer from Richland, Ind.; and Steve Reinhard, a farmer from Bucyrus, Ohio.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun talked to participants of the 2025 Soybean Oil Masters program, which is led by the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the state’s soybean checkoff program. Gov. Braun emphasized the value of agricultural trade to Indiana farmers.
we go through. These trade teams are important because if we can persuade the right group or company of people, then that could evolve and change the market, whether it be a large purchaser or the next new use for soybeans.”
Program history
The Indiana soybean checkoff’s mission is to increase the crop’s value by finding new customers. ISA’s strategy to accomplish this goal is comprehensive and requires partners such as USSEC.
The Indiana Soybean Oil Masters program started in Korea seven years ago. Approximately 400 soybean oil industry representatives have graduated from the program in Korea.
USSEC and ISA use the program to encourage trade, and Korea is the No. 1 importer of U.S. soybean oil. Korea is also an early adopter of high oleic soybean oil.
USSEC’s mission is to maximize the utilization, value and access to markets of U.S. Soy around the world. USSEC receives soybean farmer checkoff dollars from USB and several state soybean checkoff organizations, including ISA. USSEC tries to fulfill its mission of creating a preference for U.S. Soy by nurturing relationships, growing awareness and demonstrating value to global customers.
With offices in more than 80 countries, USSEC helps customers with diverse backgrounds and experiences to reach their full potential by using U.S. Soy products.
Visit www.ussec.org for details about U.S. Soy export efforts. Go to www.unitedsoybean.org for news about the national soybean checkoff. For more on ISA, visit www.incornandsoy.org.
During a Soybean Oil Masters ceremony in late May, a farmer panel told program participants about the value of agricultural trade and partners such as the U.S. Soybean Export Council. From left, the panel included ICMC Board
After 20 years, promoting U.S. Soy around the world is USSEC’s focus
BY JIM SUTTER, CEO, U.S. Soybean Export Council
For the past 20 years, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has worked on behalf of Indiana and all U.S. Soy farmers to increase global demand for our soybean products. We focus on differentiating the quality and value of U.S. Soy, elevating customer preference and attaining market access around the world. Investments from the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) have been integral to this work.
Though USSEC has reached its 20th anniversary, our team’s work builds upon more than a half century of U.S. Soy’s partnership and collaboration in the global marketplace. U.S. Soy leaders have long had the foresight and vision to develop these markets. USSEC stands on their shoulders and the solid foundation they built.
USSEC works in countries representing 98 percent of both the value and volume of U.S. Soy exports. Since 1962, U.S. Soy products have led U.S. agricultural exports. In the last marketing year, U.S. Soy exports — whole soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil and other soy products — totaled 60.8 million metric tons valued at $31.2 billion. That includes roughly 50 percent of Indiana’s soybean production.
up the American Soybean Association’s export strategy as the model it encouraged other commodity organizations to follow for investing government export assistance funds. At the same time, the United Soybean Board managed soy checkoff investments directly from farmers.
Creating USSEC combined the funding and expertise of both organizations. As a membership organization, USSEC also added collaboration between processors, exporters, shippers and other links in the soy supply chain.
USSEC has grown from 50 members in year one to 117 members, including exporters from the largest companies to small boutique shops. Many of our members claim USSEC is the best trade association they belong to because of the services and collaboration we provide.
U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter said investments from the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the state’s soybean checkoff program, have been integral to elevating global customer preference for U.S. Soy products.
“USSEC is the boots on the ground in countries where we sell Indiana soybeans,” said Mike Koehne, who farms near Greensburg, Ind., and serves as a director for USSEC and ISA. “USSEC has built relationships that allow us as Indiana farmers to connect with customers and get involved in growing our markets.”
Rooted in collaboration
Farmer leaders from the American Soybean Association and the United Soybean Board created USSEC to capitalize on the strengths of each group’s work on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers.
For years, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service held
Long-term investments in success
Cultivating consumer preference and growing export markets takes time. I want to share just a few examples of how Indiana farmers experience the return on more than 20 years of U.S. Soy export investments.
Forty years ago, U.S. Soy identified a need to diversify beyond larger, established markets and launched a strategic effort in China, which at the time was an exporter of soy. U.S. Soy played a pivotal role in rebuilding China’s feed, poultry and swine industries. As China’s economy expanded, so did its demand for animal protein, ultimately making it the largest market for U.S. Soy. Today, that same spirit of market diversification continues, with countries like Nigeria serving as an example of this evolving strategy.
U.S. Soy played a similar role in modernizing India’s feed and poultry industry. With improvement within India, the country shifted from exporting soybean meal to using their production domestically. In turn, without Indian exports to
For more about USSEC
depend on, countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh have established soybean crushing industries and now import U.S. Soy.
This exemplifies the ripple effects of soybean farmer investments that don’t show up in export volumes immediately, but they create new markets through time.
USSEC also has become a leading voice in the aquaculture industry, thanks to introducing in-pond raceway system technology and demonstrating the value of U.S. Soy in aquafeed. We have shown the industry that fish will thrive on soy. China alone has gone from using zero soybean meal in aquaculture diets in 1992 to more than 15 million metric tons today.
For years, Indiana has been hosting participants from USSEC’s Soybean Oil Masters program annually.
“We take them on farm and industry tours, and they learn about high oleic soybean oil from farmers and industry experts,” Koehne said. “Indiana is a leader in high oleic soybean production, so making connections and building relationships benefits Indiana farmers and customers.”
Koehne raises high oleic soybeans, and he has participated in farmer panels for Soybean Oil Masters programs in Indianapolis, Korea and Japan, in addition to hosting a farm tour for those visiting Indiana.
“At other USSEC events I’ve attended, like Soy Connext, customers who remember me from Soybean Oil Masters come talk to me,” he added. “Those relationships lead to demand for our products.”
ISA Director Chris Eck, a farmer from Boggstown, Ind., at left, points to a sign written in Korean that summarizes his Shelby County farm. Above, Eck talks to a Korean audience interested in U.S. Soy about how he grows soybeans on his farm and about the value and importance of international customers. Eck represented farmers on a USSEC trade mission in Korea in June.
Marketing Sustainable U.S. Soy
The development of the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) is one of USSEC’s most impactful efforts. The in-depth protocol verifies the sustainability of U.S. Soy, differentiating it for global markets.
We spent at least two or three years doing the necessary research to create the protocol. When it was first introduced in 2013, customers were tired of hearing our team talk about sustainability.
Today, customers ask members of the USSEC team how they can incorporate even more of our sustainability efforts into their marketing.
To support such requests, USSEC launched the Sustainable U.S. Soy and Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy labels that can be used on packaging for products that source SSAP-verified U.S. Soy. In 2025, more than 71 percent of U.S. Soy exports carry SSAP certificates, including 99 percent of European exports, 93 percent of exports to Japan and Korea, and two-thirds of exports to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
The Sustainable U.S. Soy and Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy labels appear on more than 1,120 products from 123 companies.
Navigating changing markets
As consumer preferences and global politics shift, and soybean production competition intensifies, USSEC continues to do what it has been doing: Differentiating the
high quality and reliable supply of U.S. Soy to international customers.
We’ve been gathering science that shows the value of the U.S. Soy investment. We have data to support the impact of good quality versus poor quality soy protein. Sharing this science and providing technical support adds to the differentiation of U.S. Soy.
Through the Soy Excellence Center (SEC), USSEC trains early- and mid-career professionals in key protein sectors like feed, aquaculture, poultry, swine and soy food production with practical training and industry knowledge. The SEC’s hybrid platform combines online coursework with live sessions, allowing trainees to interact directly with subject matter experts. Indiana soybean farmers have supported the SEC since its inception, helping make this global impact possible.
We feel confident that we are creating future ambassadors for U.S. Soy in key industries.
Looking ahead
I believe U.S. Soy is well positioned to take advantage of the world’s growing population and economy, creating opportunity for Indiana soybean farmers. With 20 years of experience, USSEC will continue to work on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers and members to promote U.S. Soy around the world.
ISA Director Mike Koehne, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind., has hosted USSEC-led tours of international soybean buyers on his Decatur County farm. Koehne said building relationships with customers from overseas is essential to encouraging exports.
At a time when soybean demand is projected to increase globally, U.S. Soy’s decades of work has positioned it as the world leader in soybean quality, reliability, sustainability and economic value.
Our partnership with Indiana Soybean Alliance has and will continue to play a vital role in U.S. Soy export growth for the next 20 years and beyond.
Farmer-Owned Lender
Whether it’s carrying on a legacy, pursuing your passion or helping tell the important story of agrilculture, every operation has a story and purpose. Farm Credit Mid-America is here to support it. We know farmers because we’re owned by farmers.
Convenience driving new U.S. pork snack products in Mexico
Mexico is the leading export market for U.S. pork, with purchases already topping a billion dollars this year. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) staff continue to build on that success, searching for new niches and markets within that market.
In the past year they have found success working with processors to develop convenience snacks made from U.S. pork with support from USDA and the National Pork Board. It’s all about making protein easy to consume on the go.
“I’m talking about more U.S. read meat products in convenience stores, in stadiums, in catering events, weddings, anniversaries, conferences,” explained USMEF Mexico Trade Manager Rigoberto Treviño.
The effort started in 2024 with the development of Snack-Atelas, made with dried U.S. ham. USMEF worked with one of the largest convenience store operators in the country, OXXO, to produce and promote the product in the chain’s 22,000 outlets. SnackAtelas are now available all across Mexico.
USMEF worked with processor Carnes Ramos to develop Chicha-Ramen, an instant ramen noodle soup that is made with chicharron produced from U.S. pork jowl. It is available not only at various events in Mexico and Ramos retail outlets but is also served on Viva Aerobus flights.
Next up was an easy-toprepare, easy-to-carry snack designed for soccer matches, music festivals and other outdoor events.
“We started that idea with a cone that is filled with bites of pork jowl chicharron, because if you are in a festival, in a concert, or in a soccer match or something like that, you want to eat something that is very easy to buy and to eat,” Treviño said.
The “chicharron in a cone” was introduced at the Pal Norté music festival in Monterrey and was served alongside Chicha-Ramen and other U.S. pork snack items where it was exposed to more than 80,000 fans per day over the three-day event.
The cones are also now being served at soccer matches in Mexico.
“We have some numbers that in every soccer match in Monterey, Mexico, they sell between 2,000 to 3,000 cones of chicharron,” Treviño said. “You put some salsa on it, and you can eat it on the go. It’s like $6 each cone, and it’s a great success – the vendors are selling a lot of these products.”
In Aguascalientes, a central Mexican city known for its vibrant cantina scene and casual dining culture, USMEF recently showcased a range of U.S. pork variety meats to 150 foodservice customers in three different events, positioning these items as innovative additions to local menus.
“We developed special recipes for several variety meat items and shared cost and pricing estimates for each item,” Treviño said. “We provided tasting samples and demonstrated how each product could be promoted and presented to their customers.”
The featured variety meat items included: Pork jowl, pork tongue, pork stomach, pork snout, pork brains, beef sweetbreads and beef small intestines. Expanding demand for these items in Mexico has long been a priority but has taken on heightened importance due to trade obstacles that are limiting exports to China.
Even in well-established markets like Mexico, USMEF continues to search for new areas to build demand for U.S. red meat. Developing consumer-friendly products utilizing cuts that command little attention in the domestic market is a great example.
Watch a video on these new opportunities
Rigoberto Treviño
1
When summer heat doesn’t
THAT’S THE SOY EFFECT
Soybean meal can help reduce heat-stress losses
By strategically feeding higher levels of soybean meal (SBM), you can minimize the predictable reductions in carcass weight by maintaining feed intake. Optimize performance and profitability by formulating for the full value of SBM in your swine diets.
Council delegation leads annual Grain Export Mission to Canada
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff led a delegation of U.S. producers to Canada to participate in the Council’s annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) and meet key end-users, Council partners and government representatives to learn about U.S. grain, ethanol and co-product exports to the market.
Since 1994, GEMs have made a difference for the U.S. agricultural industry by providing a first-hand look at international markets. Initially known as the Pioneer International Agricultural Fellowship, the GEM program has educated more than 200 USGC delegates about new and growing markets around the world.
For more about USGC
The team was led by USGC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch and USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson. Additional delegates included Council members Scott Miller of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Isaac Murdock of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council; Duane Epland of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council; and Matt Sullivan of the Nebraska Corn Board.
Through hosting the GEM, the Council brought members to represent U.S. grower interests abroad, serving as trade ambassadors. The GEM created connections to help shape future policies and provided the opportunity for participants to gain a better understanding of the importance of trade and how that comes into play with their individual farming operations.
“Canada is a vital trading
partner for U.S. agriculture, and ethanol exports in particular have been extremely impressive with more room still to grow,” Koch said.
“By bringing Council members to this important market through the GEM, we are connecting the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives from the start of the value chain to the end.”
The program began in Toronto with a visit to a major feed mill and the Ontario Agribusiness Association to discuss how end-users procure and receive raw materials from U.S. growers.
After traveling to Ottawa, the delegation met with Canadian regulatory departments and policymakers, including Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In June, the U.S. Grains Council led its annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) to Toronto and Ottawa, Canada to show U.S. producers the impact of the Council’s work in international markets. Pictured in front of the Canadian Parliament Building from left to right are Dan Pfeffer of PAA Advisory Conseils; Kate Mah of PAA Advisory Conseils; USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch; Scott Miller of Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Matt Sullivan of Nebraska Corn Board; Duane Epland of Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council; Isaac Murdock of Indiana Corn Marketing Council; USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson; and USGC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman.
Representatives from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service also met with the team at the U.S. embassy to cover recent market updates and future promotional plans for U.S. agricultural goods.
“We’re fortunate to have international partners that are also dedicated to agricultural trade that works for all parties, meaning we can continue working to break down trade barriers and connect buyers and sellers to expand U.S. exports in Canada and around the world,” Zimmerman said.
Educational opportunities like the GEM are just one way the Council lives its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
Member involvement is critical to form relationships between the Council and customers around the world.
The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) conducted a successful 2025 annual meeting in Montreal, Canada, the week of June 23.
This year’s event was especially noteworthy as it marked the 40th anniversary of the organization. Several former chairpersons as well as longtime USAPEEC President Jim Sumner returned to participate, making for a memorable occasion.
Approximately 300 attendees came to listen to experts from industry and government discuss pressing issues of the day including animal disease response, tariff news and export market access and prospects.
Representatives from USAPEEC’s 240 members received a detailed update on the importance and value of commodity funding to sustaining and growing U.S. poultry and egg exports. USAPEEC commodity funding, excluding dues, totaled nearly $5.6 million for programs worldwide in Fiscal Year 2025.
Markets in the approved activities include Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, SubSaharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines and other ASEAN countries, Japan and South Korea.
USAPEEC also set the path forward for its immediate future, announcing its executive committee and board of directors for 2025-2026.
Martin Piffaretti of FoodLink Group was elected Chairman of the Board. Piffaretti served as First Vice Chairman for the last year. He will head the board, which sets policy and provides direction to USAPEEC. He succeeds Thomas Isaf.
The new USAPEEC Executive Council includes (not all members pictured) Chairman Martin Piffaretti, First Vice Chairman Jianlin Si, Second Vice Chairman Oleg Kovalev, Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Downes, and members Andrew Szymanski, Haden Slain, Kenny Raney, Christine McCracken, Jerry Slocum and Thierry Murad. Thomas Isaf will remain on the committee as Immediate Past Chair.
Of the $5.5 million approved in 2025, the soybean industry funded more than $4.8 million, about 87 percent of the total. The corn industry gave nearly $583,000, or 10 percent of the total. The American Egg Board contributed $145,200, or e percent of the total. And the National Turkey Federation provided $10,000.
More than 60 percent of all U.S. soybean meal is consumed by the U.S. poultry and egg industry. In 2024, U.S. poultry and egg exports were equivalent to 127 million soybean bushels, valued at more than $5.84 billion.
Commodity contributions fund more than 100 activities in more than 35 countries.
Programs for 2025 include cooking competitions, avian influenza seminars, trade missions, reverse trade missions, menu promotions, food safety seminars, meat processing partnerships, research, trade shows, influencer marketing, digital campaigns and regional conferences.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity,” Piffaretti said. “Having served as First Vice Chairman and having been active in the organization for a couple decades now, I know full well how valuable a role USAPEEC’s mission plays in our industry’s success. I am fully committed to building upon the amazing work of my predecessors and making sure that we continue to grow U.S. poultry and egg exports globally.”
Jianlin Si of Tyson Foods was elected to serve as First Vice Chairman for the 2025-2026 term, and Oleg Kovalev of Mountaire Farms was elected Second Vice Chairman.
Also elected to the USAPEEC Executive Committee for 2025-2026 were: Ryan Downes of Farbest as SecretaryTreasurer; Andrew Szymanski of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Haden Slain of Poseidon Forwarding, and Kenny Raney of Simmons Prepared Foods as Members-at-Large; Christine McCracken of Rabobank as Associate Memberat-Large; and Jerry Slocum of the United Soybean Board as Commodity Member-at-Large. Thierry Murad of AJC International will serve as Chairman of the USAPEEC Market Advisory Panel and will have a seat on the executive committee. Isaf will have a seat on the executive committee as Immediate Past Chair.
McCormick’s farm balances soil, wildlife and crop performance
BY AMIE SIMPSON
Why wouldn’t you want to farm the land in a way that builds soil biodiversity, delivers a return on investment and restores wildlife habitat?” Ray McCormick asked, looking out over his operation.
The Vincennes, Ind., farmer has spent nearly 40 years demonstrating that no-till farming and related conservation practices can do just that. McCormick manages more than 3,000 acres that include corn, soybeans, and wheat; Simmental cattle; and a mix of woodlands and mitigated wetlands.
Every acre on his farm serves multiple purposes with farming, conservation, and wildlife habitat all working together.
McCormick doesn’t rely on just one conservation practice. Among the rolling hills and river bottoms of southern Knox County, he plants cover crops on 100 percent of his land and maintains conservation buffers along every stream.
“Cover crops help reduce nutrient loss, improve water infiltration, and boost weed control and yields,” he said. “We are also able to raise cattle because of cover crops. There is an economic and environmental benefit to integrating cattle grazing into our operation. We feed them cover crops and then return nutrients to the soil by recycling their manure.”
The conservation buffers along his streams feature native prairie grasses and pollinators. The buffers also keep nutrients out of the water and provide wildlife habitat.
drive down the road and see a hawk working the field, hear bobwhite quail calling, or watch ducks fly out of the cover. Conservation is also a wonderful tool for mental health.”
Lifelong learner, innovator
McCormick recalls getting started with notill and cover crops in 1986 with the help of a friend, Fred Klein.
“It was such a blessing that I had someone telling me exactly what to do: spread wheat as a cover crop into the newly harvested corn and then rent a no-till drill to plant soybeans in the spring,” he said. “I had a great start because I took the advice from a mentor.”
Through the years McCormick said he’s learned from mistakes and adjusted conservation methods. Today, McCormick uses a 35-food wide John Deere Draper Platform and Gandy Air Seeder to seed cover crops during harvest.
Ray McCormick is a fourth-generation farmer in Vincennes, Ind. Alongside his son Nate he manages more than 3,000 acres that include row crops; Simmental cattle; a mix of woodlands and wetlands; and a peach orchard.
McCormick uses both innovative and time-tested conservation practices.
“The reason I went with that combination is because I wanted to provide habitat for bobwhite quail and monarch butterflies and help the local bee population,” he said. “I try to incorporate conservation strategies on every acre. I flood cornfields in the winter for migratory birds. We’ve seen wading birds, shorebirds, and occasionally whooping cranes.”
“Instead of seeing a tilled field eroding away, I get to
He experiments with new practices on his farm. This year, he used rollercrimper to terminate cereal rye and plant soybeans as part of his no-till system.
“This is my first experience crimping it down in the field going into soybeans,” he said. “Also, a neighboring corn field was planted into a cover crop mix that’s about 60 percent annual ryegrass, 20 percent crimson clover, and 20 percent balansa clover.”
Return on Investment
The fourth-generation farmer believes nothing pays bigger dividends than investing in conservation. He has seen reduced input costs and increased yields from longterm conservation strategies on his farm.
“In a year with soaring fertilizer prices we’re able to drastically pull back on those costs,” McCormick said. “We’re focused on growing our yields at the best rate of return.”
“I’m not in a contest to reach 300-bushel per acre corn yield. I’m in a contest to break even, and that means I’m making my land payments. I’ve been able to acquire land and do it by getting the best return on investment to make those payments as efficiently as possible.”
His ability to balance profitability with sustainability is no accident. It’s the result of decades of learning and adapting.
Getting started
For farmers looking to begin their own conservation journey, he offers simple, field-tested advice.
“One of the best ways to start is to plant cereal rye at about 60 pounds an acre in the fall, and plant no-till soybeans into it during the spring. Cereal rye suppresses weeds and is easy to terminate,” he says. “Over time it should result in a nice stand of beans and a boost in yields. From there, gradually move into corn and add planter equipment to optimize results.”
McCormick has served as a mentor for farmers with the goal of helping them step into a lifetime of conservation.
“Not only will farmers reap the reward of putting in that work, but future generations will benefit as well,” he said.
He acknowledges that every farm is different, and there isn’t one silver bullet solution for adopting conservation practices. He encourages farmers to attend local field days, participate in the national no-till conference and find a mentor.
Indiana farmers interested in adopting conservation practices can get connected with a peer who has experience implementing similar practices. Find out more about Farm Advisors at: farmadvisors.ag/
McCormick’s farm is living proof that conservation pays in yields, resilience, and peace of mind.
“The land gives back when you take care of it,” he said.
It’s not hard to see the positive impacts of conservation practices on soil health and root development on
During a farm visit in April, Ray discussed his planter setup.
McCormick’s farm.
The choices you make today can play a role in supporting the future of your land. ForGround by Bayer offers farmers resources to adopt or expand regenerative agriculture practices and provides new opportunities for your operation.
Earn potential revenue through the Bayer Carbon Program.
and discounts on inputs and equipment.
How the Bayer Carbon Program Works
The Bayer Carbon Program is only available to ForGround members. POTENTIAL REVENUE
Farmers are paid per practice, not by per ton of carbon sequestered, making payment potential more reliable.
Per acre for no-till, strip-till, or cover crops 1
Per acre for combining no-till, strip-till or reduced-till with cover crops 1 Fields with practice change on or after August 15, 2019 may be eligible, with the potential to earn a one-time historical practices payment of up to $48 per acre (see example below).
Farmer
• Enrollment: January 2025
•Practices: Started no-till & cover crops in 2020
•Eligible Acres: 1,000
No-till: $24 per acre
$6 per acre x 4 years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Cover crops: $24 per acre
$6 per acre x 4 years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
$48 per acre x 1,000 acres = $48,000
New for 2025: Reduced-Till
For the first time, reducing passes and intensity on your cover crop acres can potentially make you eligible for the Bayer Carbon Program.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
•Accepting acres implementingbothreduced-till and cover crops
• Must transition from a multiple-pass tillage system with a primary tillage tool to a single, full-width tillage system using a secondary or “one-pass” tool.
•Secondary tillage tools must operateatadepth of no more than four inches, and at least 30% of residue must remain ahead of planting. A single pass of a subsoiler/in-line ripper is permitted every other year.
•Field must haveapractice change date on or after August 15, 2019
The 2025 Bayer Carbon Program is accepting limited acres for each practice by state. Once a state’s acre limit for a practice is reached, interested growers will be placed onawait list and notified if additional acres for a practice will be accepted.
Discounts on Equipment, Inputs,
and
Technology
20% discount on one year subscription of BAM Weather Clarity: Pro platform
Account credit up to $5,000 on a SoilWarrior strip tillage and nutrient placement system
Secondary Tillage Tools One-Pass System
Vertical Tillage Tool Field Cultivators
Soil Finishers Mulch Finishers Harrows
Primary Tillage Tools Multiple-Pass System
Heavy/Offset Disk Disk-Ripper
Moldboard Plow Chisel-Plow V-Ripper
High-Speed Disks
Nitrogen Management Program
2
The Nitrogen Management Program provides farmers an opportunity to earn $4 per acre for applying select nitrification inhibitors and achieving a 5% reduction in the application of synthetic nitrogen in corn fields. Farmers must be part of the Bayer Carbon Program to enroll in the Nitrogen Management Program. $4
3% discount on a Redekop Seed Control Unit with the purchase of a new unit
Discount code (a $249 value) to apply to a FieldView™ subscription when enrolling 250+ acres 3
1 Payments subject to: (a) verification by Bayer that the selected practices have been performed and, for historical payments, that carbon assets have been generated; and (b) all other applicable terms of the Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement and attached program terms.
2 Applicable field must also be newly enrolled in Qualifying Regenerative Agriculture Programs, offered through ForGround by Bayer, as of 2024 to participate in the Nitrogen Management Program. Must use qualifying nitrification inhibitor and realize a 5% reduction in synthetic nitrogen compared to 4-year baseline average prior to nitrification inhibitor use. Field must be planted with corn to be eligible for per acre payment. See Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement, and attached program terms, for further details.
3 ForGround by Bayer members who enroll a minimum of 250 eligible acres in a regenerative agriculture program offered through ForGround (requiring implementation of select regenerative agriculture practices) will receive a one-time, $249 discount code, to be applied to a FieldView™ subscription.
This FieldView™ subscription opportunity is subject to Bayer continuing to offer promotion. Promotion may be discontinued by Bayer at any time in Bayer’s sole discretion. Promotion participants must not be in breach of any agreements between Bayer and its affiliates, including Climate LLC, in order to qualify. FieldView™ Drive or FieldView™ Drive Starter Kits are not included in this offer. No commissions will be paid to dealers for subscribers participating in this offer. This offer may not be combined with any other offer for FieldView™ subscriptions.
Certain practices may be subject to state enrollment limits. The regenerative agriculture program described in this material is subject to the current version of the Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement and attached program terms. The information is to aid in the understanding of the program and does not change or modify the Bayer Carbon-Smart Practices Master Agreement and attached program terms in any way.
Purdue study shows short-stature corn outperforms traditional taller hybrids
Short-stature corn hybrids are gaining attention for their above-ground benefits, including reduced lodging risk, improved standability and more uniform canopies. However, what happens below-ground may be just as important. Recent research conducted by Purdue University across two contrasting Indiana soils found that short-stature hybrids outperformed traditional tall hybrids in root development.
These shorter hybrids produced 35-42 percent more total root biomass and longer root systems overall. Most of the roots were concentrated in the upper 30 cm of soil, where nutrient and water uptake are critical, but they also extended deeper into the soil profile (down to 120 cm) more effectively.
This improved rooting pattern can help crops better withstand dry spells and scavenge for nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, strong root systems not only support plant health –they can also improve long-term soil structure and increase carbon storage belowground, laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable production system.
Applying N beyond this range led to a reduction in root biomass. Soil type emerged as another key factor. In well-structured, high-organic matter soils like those at Purdue’s ACRE site (West Lafayette, Ind.), the benefits of short-stature corn were more pronounced. On the other hand, in poorly structured, lower-organic matter soils like at the Southeast Purdue Ag Center (SEPAC) site (Butlerville, Ind.), the differences between hybrid types were less significant. These findings highlight the importance of matching hybrids and nutrient inputs to your specific soil conditions for the best outcomes.
This research was led by Dr. Yichao Rui, Assistant Professor of Agroecology at Purdue University, in collaboration with Dr. Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension Corn Specialist. Their study represents one of the first efforts to investigate the below-ground performance of novel short-stature corn hybrids.
In addition to demonstrating the superior root development of these hybrids, the team found that nitrogen (N) management plays a critical role in shaping root growth. Optimal root development consistently occurred at moderate N rates — approximately 160 to 180 pounds per acre.
The research team also examined how these vigorous root systems impact biological soil health. They tracked indicators such as soil microbial biomass, labile carbon and microbial activity to assess whether short-stature hybrids could influence soil conditions within a single growing season. While immediate changes were not observed, the results revealed promising early signs of improvement.
Root length was positively correlated with soil organic matter and biologically active carbon pools, suggesting that more roots may pave the way for better soil function over time. In a parallel greenhouse experiment, moderate N levels not only supported corn root growth but also encouraged greater microbial activity — possibly due to increased carbon exudates from roots. This indicates that under slight nutrient limitation, plants may release more carbon compounds through their roots to feed soil microbes. These interactions can enhance soil carbon storage and biological function over the long term.
Continued on page 38
Dr. Yichao Rui
Averages help predict soybean stages during year of extremes
BY SHAUN N. CASTEEL
Purdue Extension Soybean Specialist
We live in a life of averages.
GasBuddy, a crowd-sourced app, reported the highest national average price of gas was $3.70 in 2024. It also reported the top 10 percent of stations averaged $4.07 while the lowest 10 percent of stations averaged $2.46 per gallon in 2024.
Find Out More
We can follow similar extremes in the highs and the lows of most anything – the cost of eggs, fertilizer prices, trucks (don’t get me started), weather and so on. Indiana has an average rainfall of 40.6 inches each year with about 37 inches in northern Indiana and 47 inches in southern Indiana. This range of averages are based on 30 years of weather data, yet they do not describe the season that we are currently experiencing.
I think the best way to use averages is as a benchmark for comparison.
For instance, southern Indiana experienced a very wet spring (Figure 1) that delayed the planting progress for weeks to more than a month depending on the area. Let alone, our friends in Kentucky who have already received a year’s worth of rainfall
(see dark blue on the map).
Even this interpolated map averages across the landscape making it seem like northcentral and east-central Indiana are right on track for normal rainfall, when we know that areas have been wet most of the spring with small windows of planting in late May to June.
The other side of this extreme (and the map) is west-central and northwest Indiana (Figure 1). Dry spring conditions allowed for advanced planting progress with the hopes of great yield potential.
If we are to look at the planting progress of soybean at the state level, Indiana appeared to be a near-normal or average pace. Clearly, we know that we have a season of extremes in weather from over 20 inches of rain since April to drought conditions in northwest Indiana (D0-D1 for 23 percent of the state, droughtmonitor.unl.edu).
The 2025 soybean crop is variable to say the least. In early July, I have walked fields that are entering R3 (first pod with 12 trifoliate nodes) to those that are V4 (4 trifoliates) to discussing with farmers when to stop trying to plant soybeans.
Table 1: This shows planting date and variety (maturity group) effect on the time to emerge (VE), bloom (R1), and to mature (R8) at West Lafayette. A heat map created within each growth stage column is based on calendar date (green equals earlier in the year, red equals later in the year). The heat map can be used as a guide to match up the planting date and varietal maturity under “normal” growing conditions (2016 trial).
Most people have the appreciation that the indeterminate soybeans we grow in the Midwest respond to photoperiod, but they also respond to heat units (thermal energy, growing degree days or GDDs, etc).
Continued on page 38
Purdue study . . .
Continued from page 38
So, what is the practical takeaway for growers? If you are experimenting with or considering short-stature corn hybrids, there is reason to be optimistic. Not only do these hybrids offer advantages in managing plant height and standability, but they may also be setting the foundation for better soil health beneath the surface. To get the most out of this technology, consider applying nitrogen at rates close to 160-180 pounds per acre — enough to support growth without tipping the balance. Be mindful of your soil type, as well-structured,
Soybean stages
. . .
Continued from page 38
The catch is that soybeans have a sliding scale of influence depending on maturity group and planting date. The vegetative growth (e.g., trifoliate nodes, branches, internodes) and reproductive development (e.g., flowers, pods, seeds) are usually less as planting is delayed and/or maturity group is shortened.
Please use Table 1 to loosely predict when your fields will reach R1 and R8 maturity based on planting date and maturity group combinations. On average (remember there is a range and the time will be
1
organic-rich soils are more likely to show noticeable benefits. And most importantly, think long-term. While you might not see big changes in one season, investing in better root systems today can lead to stronger soils and more resilient crops tomorrow.
This work, supported by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and grounded in locally conducted research, highlights a future where smart hybrid selection and thoughtful nutrient management go hand in hand — sustaining both crop yields and the health of the land that supports them.
reduced as planting is delayed and/or maturity group is shorten), the duration of reproductive stages are approximately:
• R1 (first bloom) à approximately 5 days
• R2 (full bloom) à approximately 10 days
• R3 (first pod) à approximately 10 days
• R4 (full pod) à approximately 10 days
• R5 (first seed) à approximately 15 days
• R6 (full seed) à approximately 20 days
2
1: This shows Indiana rainfall accumulated from April 1 through May 31, 2025, reported as a percent of 30-year average (1991-2020).
Figure 2: This chart shows Indiana soybean planting progress in 2025, 2024 and the five-year average. (Adapted from USDA-NASS.)
Figure
Figure
Figure
Weather, tar spot, nematodes add up to challenging planting season
BY SCOTT GABBARD, Purdue On The Farm
By the time many of you read this, some fields will already be tasseling, while others may have just received their sidedress application. It’s been quite a season, so far.
Running some ag climate numbers recently, from April 1 to July 1, 2025, the northwest counties near Lake Michigan are 4.5 inches behind the 30-year average in precipitation. Meanwhile, a cluster of 10 counties from Sullivan to Shelby are up to 12.5 inches above their typical rainfall for this period. The when and how much is a story for someone else to tell.
The data is rolling in. Pictures — both drone and ground-level — are being uploaded. Educators across the state are walking fields and working closely with farmers. At the time of writing, 34 soil test reports have been completed, with more arriving in my inbox daily.
Soybean nematode tests are also trickling in. Like every year, this one is unique. In 2024, one-third of the soybean fields analyzed showed low levels of cyst nematodes, and no region of the state was immune.
The same variability applies to crop emergence. Crop insurance claims have been more frequent than any of us would like. Still, the Indiana crop is progressing, and we’ll continue working with specialists, farm partners and others — through social media and other channels — to provide research-based information aimed at keeping corn and soybean production as profitable as possible during these challenging times.
Last year, educators across the state helped Dr. Darcy Telenko and her team confirm tar spot
in every county. Looking at the maps, we’re the only land-grant system in the Corn Belt to achieve this. Since tar spot is widespread, understanding how it “ticks” and managing it effectively is more important than ever.
This year, educators are again stepping up to assist Dr. Telenko. With support from checkoff dollars, spore traps have been placed throughout the state. Every two weeks, specimens will be collected and frozen for further analysis this winter.
As the soil sampling phase winds down, we’ll begin collecting foliar samples during the second round of field scouting. In corn, we’ll sample the ear leaves. In soybeans, we’ll test the uppermost mature trifoliate, typically the trifoliate at the third node from the top of the main stem.
This is a critical time for both corn and soybeans. While the number of rows around the cob is already set, the number of kernels to pollinate, and how well the tip fills out, is still to be determined.
Soybeans have a longer window for pod production, but as we learned last year, adequate moisture is still essential for pod fill.
As crops enter the reproductive stage, this is also a key time for disease assessment. While we’ve already received some samples related to emergence and wetness issues, foliar disease detection and timely management are crucial.
Purdue On The Farm was created to help farmers get answers to their questions. These relationships take time and communication. That said, we have planting, treatment and conservation practices in place across the state to help farmers draw their own conclusions. It’s an exciting time — stay safe out there, and happy scouting.
Raindrops glisten on young corn plants on this field in Jennings County on May 29. This field was being scouted by Extension staff.
For information about Purdue On-the-Farm
Sensors, data imagery and variable-rate tools reshaping in-season N application
BY ANA MORALES-ONA AND DANIEL QUINN
Agriculture is in an era of transition, from traditional, uniform nitrogen (N) management toward more site-specific and digitally informed strategies. Historical data (e.g., yield data) and publicly available data layers (soil maps, elevation, satellite imagery) combined with tools like sensors, imagery and variable-rate technologies are reshaping how in-season N decisions are made (Figure 1).
As with any emerging technology, adoption occurs in stages. Some farmers are already utilizing crop sensors, aerial imagery and variable-rate applicators, while others are in the early stages of exploring these tools. To better understand the potential and limitations of sensor-based decisions, a USDA-NRCS funded on-farm project was conducted across more than 600 acres in Indiana from 2021 to 2023.
The project tested a satellite-based, precision N strategy across 20 corn fields (Figure 2). Conducted in close collaboration with farmers, the study highlighted both the potential of sensor-based tools and the practical challenges of their implementation.
This report highlights key considerations when using sensors to inform sidedress N decisions. It also outlines
some common barriers to adoption that should be considered by researchers and developers working to support practical, effective N strategies.
So what are the considerations when using sensor data for sidedress N?
Understand the prescription logic
Sensor readings alone do not determine how much N to apply. Each prescription relies on a full system that includes the field strategy (e.g., reference strips, calibration ramps, etc.), the sensor that gets the data (Figure 3), and the algorithm are used to convert sensor values into an N rate.
A clear understanding of the system’s design is essential to evaluate whether it is a good fit for a specific farming operation. For example, if a grower receives a sensor-based prescription but is not aware that it was calibrated for conventionally tilled soils, the recommendation may not be appropriate for the grower´s long-term no-till field.
Reference strips and calibration ramps only work if plants take up N
Reference strips (e.g., N-rich strips) and calibration ramps are used to compare crop response to N, but they are only useful if the plants in those areas have taken up the applied N.
Dry soil conditions can limit uptake, making it hard to detect differences. For example, in rainfed fields with little rain after N is applied, an N-rich strip might not look any greener because without moisture, the plants cannot take up the N applied.
Equipment and logistics matter
Some sensor-informed strategies may require specialized machinery, such as high-clearance sprayers or variable-rate applicators. Ensuring alignment between prescription requirements and available field equipment is essential.
A mismatch may reduce both the feasibility and effectiveness of the N application strategy. For example, if a prescription recommends sidedressing at V10, but the only available applicator is a traditional bar that cannot navigate tall corn, that timing may not be practical (Figure 4).
Figure 1: Many farmers are moving from data to site-specific N management.
For more on Purdue corn research
Sensor readings don’t equal direct N status
Sensors assess greenness but not plant N status directly. Low greenness can result from other factors.
For example, yellowing on sandy areas could indicate sulfur deficiency, not N stress, so adding more N won’t fix the issue. Therefore, sensor data should be validated through field scouting and supplemented with local agronomic context.
Sensors are tools, not answers
No sensor can replace agronomic knowledge. The most successful outcomes result from combining sensor data with pre-season planning, including soil testing, awareness of crop development, and understanding of weather conditions. Sensors serve best as decision-support tools, not stand-alone solutions.
What is slowing down farmers’ adoption?
Sensor-based N management offers promise, but a few key challenges remain.
Operational efficiency
The window for sidedress application can be narrow and easily disrupted by weather. Sensor-based tools should aim to streamline and not slow down decisionmaking. Efficiency and scalability are key to making these technologies workable for real-world operations. For example, while handheld sensors (e.g., chlorophyll meters) may provide detailed, plant-level data, it can be too timeconsuming to walk a 200-acre field collecting readings during a busy sidedress window. In contrast, aerial imagery offers less spatial detail but delivers field-wide insights faster, making it a more scalable option when time is tight.
Farming equipment requirements
Some sensor-based N strategies are not feasible to implement with existing farm equipment or workflows. When developing new approaches, it is important to design strategies that align with what is already available on the farm. Requiring specialized equipment can slow adoption or prevent it entirely.
Usability and trust
Without hands-on training or calibration for local conditions, tools can seem too complicated or produce recommendations that do not feel reliable. Adoption depends on building both ease of use and farmer confidence.
For broader adoption, sensor-based tools must match real-world conditions. That means being agronomically sound, logistically feasible, and easy to interpret in the field.
What are Indiana’s next steps on N management?
Indiana farmers need to access decision tools built on real data from Indiana fields. These tools should account for regional soils, weather and actual yield response.
Efforts are underway to lay the groundwork for something big – a collaborative, statewide approach to evaluate N response in corn using modern tools, sensors, weather data, and farmer knowledge, all working together. The research by Ana Morales-Ona was supported in part by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) through the Gary Lamie Graduate Corn Research Assistantship. ICMC is the state’s corn checkoff program.
Figure 2: On-farm N trials showing areas with zero N. The rest of the field received satellite-based site-specific N rates. July 2023 in White County.
Figure 3: Sensor-data collection to assess corn plant status (left) and drone/camera set up for image collection (right) in the 2023 growing season. White County.
Gary Lamie Scholarship winners paving the way in corn research
BY LILLY PRYOR
The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) awarded two Purdue University Graduate Students with the Purdue College of Agriculture’s Graduate Student Corn Research Assistantship for 2025. This $25,000 award supports outstanding students interested in developing the field of agriculture, with a focus on corn-related research.
Eligible research areas can include anything from genetics, breeding, production technology, processing and marketing. The scholarship was created in 2014, in memory of the late Gary Lamie, a former ICMC board member and president. The scholarship is awarded to two students who exemplify dedication and a dream of innovation in the future of corn production.
Anywhere from 4-15 applications are received each year – making it a competitive award.
This year’s recipients, Ankita Poudel and Victory Somtochukwu Igwe, are exploring new areas of corn production. Poudel’s research focuses on fertilizer treatments’ effect on yield, while Igwe is investigating corn digestibility and nutrition. Both projects are focused on contributing valuable insights to the agricultural community.
Poudel explores organic fertilizer innovation
her own curiosity in sustainable crop production. She is now in her first year of her master’s program at Purdue University. Poudel’s research is aimed at evaluating the effect of micro carbon fertilizer (MCF), an organic fertilizer derived from brown coal, on crop productivity. She is comparing her results to the effects of inorganic NPK fertilizer. She spends much of her time in the lab evaluating plant tissues, soil and seed samples to assess their mineral content.
Her study involves six different treatment combinations of NPK and MCF. Unlike similar research conducted in 2023, her current trials have shown significant differences in the crop yield. She was excited that her findings provided a promising outlook on the use of organic fertilizers.
Through her research, Poudel hopes to support sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and farmer profitability.
“My aim of this research is to guide the farmers with a new recommendation for those of the organic fertilizer, so that they can find an effective alternative that is both economically friendly, as well as environmentally and ecofriendly as well,” Poudel said.
For Ankita Poudel, agronomy isn’t just a field of study. It’s a passion rooted in years of research and discovery. Originally from Nepal, Poudel earned her bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Nepal’s Purbanchal University. While at Purbanchal University, she published five research papers.
Her interest in agronomy grew under guidance of her undergraduate advisor, whose work on fertilizers sparked
Looking into the future, she would like to pursue her Ph.D. and find a way to connect fertilizers with molecular aspects of the crops. “This scholarship is more than financial support,” she said. “It motivates me to make meaningful contributions for both the environment and for farmers.”
Corn fiber for public health
Victory Somtochuku Igwe, is a third-year Ph.D. student in Purdue’s Food Science Department with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science from Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Ankita Poudel is a first-year Masters student at Purdue University studying agronomy.
Victory Somtochuku Igwe is a third-year graduate student studying food science.
In the past he has worked with corn and cereal crops. He is currently working in Purdue’s Propel Lab (Processing and Product Engineering Lab). His research is focused on enhancing the gut fermentability of dietary corn fiber from corn bran. Bran is the outside of the corn kernel and is typically an underutilized by-product. Through his research, Igwe is looking to see how the combination of radio frequency technology and enzymatic hydrolysis can break down the dense and insoluble fibers in corn bran. The main fibers he is looking into are hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin.
These treatments increase porosity and hydration properties that allow beneficial gut microbes to ferment the fiber and increase the production of short chain fatty acids. He emphasized that this combination was ecofriendly, cost efficient and decreased chemical use.
“More than 95 percent of the U.S. population does not get their recommended daily fiber intake,” Igwe explained. “If we can use these modified fibers in snack bars, baked goods and cereals, we can close that fiber gap and improve public health.”
His fascination for the food industry started many years ago. “I’ve always been drawn to how food moves from farm to table,” Igwe said. “Back home, I’d watch my grandparents process foods in traditional ways, and I became curious about what happens between harvest and the food we eat.”
That curiosity quickly turned into a passion to make food more functional and beneficial for the body.
Igwe hopes that this project will not only benefit consumers, but also the corn industry. This research will bring new value to a material often seen as agricultural waste.
Igwe hopes to continue cultivating the future of science and food innovation. He is committed to using food science to make diets healthier and nutrition more accessible.
Cultivating future corn innovators
This scholarship is used to inspire graduate students to think critically about how they can make a difference in the corn industry. More than a monetary award, this scholarship provides students with opportunities to expand their research, travel to conferences to present their findings, and build a strong foundation of what their future could look like in agriculture.
Many recipients are selected for other leadership awards that further their ability to complete research. Past recipients have gone on to further their education, become professors at agricultural universities, or contribute to leading research companies while continuing to pave the path forward in corn innovation.
“The funding comes from checkoff dollars, and that investment helps students not only advance their research but grow professionally,” said Dr. Linda Lee, Assistant Dean for Graduate Education, Research, and Faculty Development. “It strengthens the long-term relationship between ICMC and Purdue and allows our students to stay connected to the agricultural industry.”
The Gary Lamie Scholarship plays a vital role in the innovations of modern agriculture and corn research. Ankita and Victory are breaking down barriers of agricultural science to make meaningful contributions in the industry. As they continue their research, Ankita and Victory are eager to share their findings for the benefit of the corn industry. Through ICMC support and a passion for agriculture advancement, they are working to create opportunities for Indiana farmers.
Many of Ankita Poudel’s research projects are in a greenhouse.
Victory Somtochuku Igwe studies dietary fiber research in a Purdue lab.
Future ag leaders learn finer points about global markets
BY LILLY PRYOR
Did you know that 40 percent of the soybeans produced in Indiana are used domestically, the remaining 60 percent of the soybeans produced in the US are exported through Atlantic and Gulf ports?
This makes success in the global market essential for Indiana soybean farmers. In June, I had the opportunity, along with fellow intern Kyra Meister, to attend the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Intern Retreat. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how international markets influence our work in Indiana.
Our first stop in St. Louis was the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, where I learned about the 43 locks and dams that run from Lake Ithaca all the way down to Louisiana. These structures are the only reason we can move grain down the river. It amazed me to learn that it can take more than seven days to move grain from St. Louis to Louisiana depending on the load.
Standing atop the lock, I watched a barge work through the system. Seeing the infrastructure in action gave me valuable perspective on how essential river transportation is to agriculture.
During our time in St. Louis, we had the chance to visit the USSEC headquarters. There, we met USSEC CEO Jim Sutter and United Soybean Board CEO Lucas Lentsch. Hearing about the journeys they took to get where they are today and the passion exuding from them about agriculture was inspiring.
During this meeting time they shared insights into global trends and how international demand for U.S. soybeans is rising. The demand for soy protein is driving growth in ways I hadn’t understood before these conversations.
The next day, we visited ADM, where I was able to see how they receive grain via trains and trucks that are then transported onto barges. The facility had 900 million bushels of storage available at the facility. Since they sit on the river in a competitive market, they consistently purchase grain “over basis” to ensure that the pile keeps moving. I found this interesting as many markets in Indiana do not reflect the same trend.
That afternoon, I toured the Bayer Research Center in Chesterfield, Mo. I learned about the history and future of plant breeding, as well as how they chip seeds for genetic testing. The tour allowed me to see the innovation constantly taking place in the greenhouses and the machine shop.
The highlight for me was the growth chambers. Walking through the facility, I was surrounded by hundreds of growth chambers, each simulating a different environment to test crop performance. It truly felt like a glimpse into the future of agriculture.
To wrap up the trip, I enjoyed getting to participate in the mustsee St. Louis experiences. We visited the Gateway Arch and a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. It was the perfect way to take in the significance of the river system I had just learned about.
This retreat allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how and why international markets matter to Indiana farmers. This trip showed me many of the reasons why the Indiana soybean checkoff continues to invest in promoting U.S. soybeans abroad, to return the investment to Indiana farmers. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and excited to carry what I learned into my future in agriculture.
Lilly Pryor, left, and Kyra Meister, right, stand in a growth chamber at the Bayer Research Center in Chesterfield, Mo.
Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Program is coming to a county near you in August
BY KYRA MEISTER
The Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Program is back this August. It provides a unique opportunity for anyone from farmers to schools to golf courses and all those in between for disposal of suspended, banned, unusable, opened, unopened or simply unwanted pesticides – including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc.
The program will not accept empty containers, fertilizers, adjuvants, seed oils, etc. – pesticides only. On six days, in different locations across the state, Clean Sweep provides the chance to safely, legally and efficiently dispose of these pesticides at little or no cost.
Pesticide Disposal Information
The collection sites will be in LaPorte, Vigo, Decatur, Clark, Whitley, and Hendricks Counties throughout the middle of August. Each site will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., local time. Collection dates and locations are:
• Aug. 12 – Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 11402 S. County Line Rd., Wanatah, Ind.
• Aug. 13 – Keystone Cooperative, 2500 S. 13th St., Terre Haute, Ind.
• Aug. 14 – Kova Fertilizer, 1300 N. Anderson St., Greensburg, Ind.
• Aug. 19 – Clark County Solid Waste District, 112 Industrial Way, Charlestown, Ind.
• Aug. 20 – Ag Plus, 5501 S. S.R. 9, Columbia City, Ind.
• Aug. 21 – Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville, Ind.
Disposal is free up to 250 pounds per participant. There will be a $3 charge for every pound more than the 250-pound limit. For any amount more than 250 pounds, participants may take the pesticides back and dispose of them next year or pay the extra charge that will be billed at a later date.
To participate in this event, simply complete and return the participant form available at www.bcswmd.com/pdf/2025_clean_ sweep_form.pdf. Submitting this form allows contractors to be prepared for the amount of product intended for collection.
In 2024, the program collected more than 79,000 pounds of product from 236 participants. For years, this program has proved to be worthwhile as there are not many pesticide disposal resources available for large-scale waste. According to Mitch Trimble, a Pesticide Investigator at the Office of Indiana State Chemist and Program Coordinator of Clean Sweep, older pesticides are especially concerning.
“Pesticides from today are very different from the past,” Trimble explained. “They are designed to be much safer to use and have less impact on the environment when used correctly. Older pesticides were not designed to break down, were much more toxic to humans, and were packaged in susceptible containers, such as glass bottles, wax-coated paper bags and metal cans.”
Although the setup of each location will vary, navigating to the address listed and following the “Clean Sweep” signs around the facility, will get you to coordinators who will wave you in the right direction.
Each year, Clean Sweep safely disposes of highly hazardous and often banned chemicals including 2,4,5-T, Chlordane, DTT, Dinoseb and others. Although these are the extreme and only account for a small amount, it’s always great to see Clean Sweep dispose of them properly.
OISC is happy to provide this safe and affordable service to the businesses and residents of Indiana, and hope that Hoosiers will consider participating, Trimble said.
Questions can be directed to Trimble at cleansweep@groups. purdue.edu or call 765-494-7142.
Glass Barn tells consumers the story about versatile, valuable Indiana soy
BY ANITA SHARKEY
Agriculture touches every part of daily life from the food on the table to the fuel in the tank. The Glass Barn at the Indiana State Fair helps to bring that story to life for fairgoers.
The Glass Barn, created by the soybean checkoff, has welcomed thousands of visitors at the Indiana State Fair since 2013. This interactive building gives fairgoers an inside look at Indiana’s agriculture industry through engaging displays, games and programs.
The Glass Barn is open daily during the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Aug. 1-17, and offers the opportunity for consumers to get a taste of real agriculture and to learn about soybeans.
This year’s Glass Barn schedule includes the following programs and exhibits:
• Virtual farmer chats – Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., Hoosier farmers share what life on the farm looks like. Milkshake and grocery gift cards given away at each chat. Daily Featured Farmers chats are presented by Corteva Agriscience will start at 2:30 p.m. each day.
• Full-size combine simulator – Climb into the simulator and virtually harvest soybeans.
• Play BeanGo – Play bingo with an ag twist. Learn farm facts, have fun and win the new Glass Barn hat.
• Photo booths – New photo backgrounds in the photo booths are available this year.
• Free Dairy Bar milkshakes for farmers – Visit incornandsoy.org/glass-barn to fill out a form to receive a free milkshake coupon at the Glass Barn. Farmers can also fill out a form at the Glass Barn to receive their coupon.
Glass Barn volunteers needed
Farmers, agribusiness professionals and supporters are invited to volunteer at the Glass Barn during the 2025 Indiana State Fair. Volunteers receive: Free State Fair admission, a meal coupon to the Dairy Bar, Beef Tent or Pork Tent, a Bean Team t-shirt and a parking pass.
It’s a meaningful way to connect with the public, share farm knowledge, and help shift perspectives about modern agriculture. Visit incornandsoy.org/glass-barn to sign up.
Ag education beyond the Fair
The Glass Barn isn’t just a State Fair attraction; it’s also a year-round educational resource. Students, teachers and community groups have access to:
• In-person Field Trips at the Glass Barn
• Free virtual classroom field trips
• Downloadable lesson plans and activity sheets at glassbarn.org
From local elementary schools to nearby FFA chapters, these programs help the next generation understand what it really means to grow food, fuel, and fiber.
More information on the field trips can be found at www.indianastatefairgrounds.com/p/education
Glass Barn visitors can harvest a virtual field of soybeans in the combine simulator.
Volunteers at the Glass Barn hand out BeanGo cards during last year’s State Fair. BeanGo players can win an iconic Glass Barn hat if they successfully fill out the card.
Kids explore the market area of the Glass Barn during last year’s State Fair and discover how soy is used in different foods.
The Glass Barn will welcome visitors of the Indiana State Fair August 1 - August 17, 2025
YOUR CHECKOFF DOLLARS MAKE THE GLASS BARN POSSIBLE.
Now, it’s more important than ever to showcase the hard work you do every day to provide safe food, fuel and fiber to a growing world. That’s why we will continue using the Glass Barn as an outlet to telling your story. Thank you for your contributions to the soybean checkoff and for supporting the Glass Barn. We truly believe it’s making a difference. For more information about the Glass Barn, visit glassbarn.org.
Here’s your opportunity to tell your farm story.
• 4-hour shift
• Ticket into the fair
• Meal from a commodity tent
• Free parking pass
• Air conditioning
• Bean Team t-shirt
• Make a difference!
Interested? Scan the QR code below for more information. G et your Bean Team T-shirt
Scan the QR code to fill out a form and receive a redemption ticket for your free milkshake from the Glass Barn. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
You can volunteer for one or multiple days at the Glass Barn. You just need to be enthusiastic, friendly and love farming.
One of the most popular parts of the Glass Barn is the photo slideshow of Hoosier farm families!
Scan the QR code below and be one of our featured families. Send your family photo (on the farm if possible) along with your your name and hometown.
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.
