Indiana Farm Bureau hosts new event to discuss emerging issues in ag

Indiana Farm Bureau brought together around 250 Indiana farmers and agriculture industry partners today for the organization’s first Critical Issues Summit. Focused on advancing agriculture in a changing world, the event was held at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville, Indiana.

“The Critical Issues Summit was full of meaningful discussion around the future of farming and the challenges facing agriculture today,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Farmers are resilient. We adapt, we innovate, we figure things out, and we know we accomplish more when we work together. That’s why it was so important for us to provide this new program so our members could have a seat at the table in these ever-evolving discussions that impact their livelihood.”

Attendees heard about the future of farming, technology and geopolitical relationships from keynote speaker, Brett Sciotto, founder and CEO of Idealyst Innovation and the afternoon portion of the event concluded with expert panels on trade, taxes and new visions for local government.

“There is no shortage of challenges for our farmers and rural communities,” said Kron. “But the optimism our members heard from national trade experts, state legislators and local officials today about the opportunities we have for growth really left us feeling positive about some really tough conversations.”

Special appearances and comments were also made by Secretary Lisa Hershman from the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

“The event we had today really just scratched the surface on the issues our members are concerned about,” Kron added. “We just hope the conversations we had will continue outside these walls and help ultimately advance our work to protect and enhance the future of agriculture in Indiana and beyond.”